My Book Reviews

Category: Crime Fiction

  • Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Point Blank

    Point Blank by Logan Ryles

    Release:  4th September 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Inkubator Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    His name is Mason Sharpe. Victims take heart—bad guys take cover.

    Army veteran Mason Sharpe’s world is turned upside down when his beloved fiancée is killed in a random shooting. Struggling to cope with his grief, Sharpe instinctively heads for the North Carolina town where he and his bride had planned to honeymoon.

    Alone on a beach, contemplating a future which now seems bleak and empty, he stares into the abyss. But then…

    A body washes ashore. An investigation begins and the police quickly pronounce an accidental death. But Mason isn’t buying it. He believes the man was murdered and someone is trying to cover it up.

    As Mason presses the point, it soon becomes clear that the locals want him gone – and they’re ready to use force to run him off.

    But Mason isn’t the kind of man to be pushed around. He’ll deal with this problem the only way he knows: Point Blank.

    About the Author:

    Logan Ryles was born in small town USA and knew from an early age he wanted to be a writer. After working as a pizza delivery driver, sawmill operator, and banker, he finally embraced the dream and has been writing ever since. With a passion for action-packed and mystery-laced stories, Logan’s work has ranged from global-scale political thrillers to small town vigilante hero fiction.

    Beyond writing, Logan enjoys saltwater fishing, road trips, sports, and fast cars. He lives with his wife and three fun-loving dogs in Alabama.

    Point Blank is his first action thriller with Inkubator Books.

    Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Point Blank Review:

    I always enjoy reading the beginning of a new crime thriller, and “Point Blank” does not disappoint.

    Firstly, I enjoyed Mason in the lead. He is mourning the loss of Mia, and it was interesting to see how he connected with others in the story who has also faced similar loss like him. Moreover, Mason goes through a LOT in the story. Something new happens in each chapter that keeps you glued to the tale. Mason encounters shady locals, finds a mystery person searching his room, and has goons chasing him, to name a few.
    Moreover, the author adds many memorable characters to the tale. I adored his scenes with Trudy, Sherman, Marley, and Cassandra. Some of the scenes are heartwarming that make you want to hug them.

    At the same time, the author adds a lot of action and adventure to the story, making it so exciting to read. For me, some standout moments were when Mason and Sherman searched for the missing boat or the goons came after Mason to teach him a lesson. What’s nice is how the author balances the emotional connections that Mason builds with the townspeople with the chilling adventures he encounters along the way. The reveal of what was happening is also something different that I have not read in the genre.

    Perhaps my only suggestion is that I hope we get to see more of Jacquie in the following story, as I would like to read more about Mason and Jacquie’s dynamic. Overall, “Point Blank” is an excellent start to the “Mason Sharpe” series, and I cannot wait to revisit the lead for more adventures.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Point Blank

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Point Blank by Logan Ryles Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    The Mensch

    The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski

    Release: 12th August 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Sobriety Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon

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    How can a crooked man ever go straight?

    Jewish gangster Alex Cohen settles in Florida surrounded by his wife and family. But his past life in the criminal underworld stalks his every move. And when a bullet whizzes past his ear, he must decide whether to run or fight.

    In his desire to go straight, Alex inserts himself in the East Coast porn film industry. But he finds that the tentacles of the mob are clasped tight around his life.  The Feds start using new laws to hunt down mob bosses. And rats in his organization are too ready to testify against him. Now Alex must clean the house before the authorities throw him in jail or the mob kills him to stop him from ratting them out.

    The seventh book in the Alex Cohen series is a historical thriller novel that reveals the dying embers of Jewish organized crime in America. Leopold Borstinski’s crime fiction shines a light on the death of the old-style mob in an explosive finale.

    About the Author:

    Leopold Borstinski is an independent author whose past careers have included financial journalism, business management of financial software companies, consulting and product sales and marketing, and teaching.

    There is nothing he likes better, so he does as much nothing as he possibly can. He has traveled extensively in Europe and the US and has visited Asia on several occasions. Leopold holds a Philosophy degree and tries not to drop it too often. He lives near London and is married to one wife, one child, and no pets.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Mensch Review:

    “The Mensch” is one of those books I wish I had read right from the beginning instead of picking up the 7th book to read first. Even though I have not read most of the previous books, I immediately liked Alex as the lead. He is by no means perfect, but it was interesting to see how he tries to become a better man and do things legitimately, only to backfire on him. I enjoyed his scenes with Sarah and their relationship, even when others like Liddy come into the picture. Moreover, it was interesting to see how Alex balances the business between Ezra and Massimo versus David and Moishe. The author wrote the family dynamics nicely, and I wondered how long Ezra and Massimo would be patient with Alex until they snapped.

    Moreover, I enjoyed some sub-plots, particularly the new business Alex finds himself in with Mort and when Richard comes into the picture. The author has a friendly style of writing the character’s conversations. We also get some action-packed moments where Alex fears for his life, and we wonder what will happen to him. There was not a dull moment in the story.

    However, the only concern I had with the story is how it somewhat changed gears now and then. For instance, in the beginning, the plot focuses on Alex and Mort, [then switches gears to Meyer and Israel, and then takes another tangent on Richard. It would have been nice if these plots somehow connected to a bigger picture.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading “The Mensch,” and I hope the author writes more books with Alex Cohen.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Mensch

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Mensch by Leopold Borstinski Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • First Bite by Avery Daniels

    First Bite by Avery Daniels

    First Bite

    First Bite by Avery Daniels

    Release: May 1, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Blazing Sword Publishing, Ltd
    Source: Bewitching Book Tours
    Find it at Goodreads, Amazon

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    In 24 hours, Misty Summers had the worst date of her life, was bit by a vampire, and her PI boss may close his business as he goes through a divorce. Looking on the sunny side, she decides to use her new vampire assets and become the investigator to keep her job and income. She doesn’t know what her future holds, but it can’t be any worse! When she starts following up on a missing woman’s case, she finds herself in the middle of a murder. Even with her positive thinking and affirmations, she is finding her new reality daunting. But she vows to take a bite out of crime in her small lake resort town.

    If you like Duffy Brown, Nancy Warren, Nova Nelson, Dionne Lister, Trixie Silverdale, and Leighann Dobbs, then you’ll love this series with a quirky intelligent sleuth, small-town lake setting, and tantalizing mysteries. Misty Indigo Summers is a positive thinking kind of gal and a most unlikely vampire and PI.

    About the Author:

    Avery Daniels was born and raised in Colorado, graduated from college with a degree in business administration, and has worked in fortune 500 companies and the Department of Defense her entire life. Her most eventful job was apartment management for 352 units.

    Avery Daniels still resides in Colorado with two brother black cats as her spirited companions. She volunteers for a cat shelter and enjoys scrapbooking and card making, photography, and painting in watercolor and acrylic. She inherited a love for reading from her mother and grandmother and grew up talking about books at the dinner table.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Bookbub | Goodreads

    First Bite Review:

    “First Bite” is an entertaining cozy-mystery crime fiction novel that never had a dull moment, and I enjoyed reading it.

    The first aspect I loved about the story is how the author manages to cover so many things. It is part of crime fiction where we see Misty covering various cases. Then, it is also part of paranormal romance where Misty adapts to being a vampire and falls in love with a witch. I also enjoyed her scenes with Rowan and thought the author wrote their chemistry nicely.

    Misty is terrific as the main character. I loved her scenes with Winston and thought their conversations were adorable. She also shares a great friendship with Courtney, and it was interesting to see how their company would continue. Moreover, the author also gets creative with the world-building, and I enjoyed learning more about the Meta-Mundane council. I also adored the scenes where Concetta explains the rules to Misty.

    Perhaps the only minor downside to the tale is how there were some of the initial crime tales felt were just page fillers, like when Misty follows Emily or Dillon. I wished the author had focused on prominent cases from the beginning, like Charity and Layla. I enjoyed reading Layla and Charity’s storyline and would have loved more twists and turns in their storyline.

    The author also ends the story in a suspenseful manner where you eagerly wait for the next book to find out what Misty does next. Overall, “First Bite ” is a beautiful start to the series, and I hope the author continues to write many more with Misty.

    Tour Giveaway:

    3 ebook copies of First Bite

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    First Bite

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the First Bite by Avery Daniels Blog Tour hosted by Bewitching Book Tours.

     

  • A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange

    A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange

    A Discerning Eye

    A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange

    Release: October 13th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Cavan Bridge Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    Art dealer Portia Malatesta is devastated when she learns that thirteen works of art were robbed from Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. To help uncover the whereabouts of the artwork, she sets out to construct a psychological profile of the thief. By analyzing the common theme linking the stolen pieces, she suspects the mastermind behind the heist is obsessed with the interplay of dark and light – not only in art, but also in life.

    The FBI enlists Portia’s help in a high-stakes sting operation to recover the stolen works of art – a dangerous proposition that will take her to Colombia, where she’ll have to earn the trust of a notorious drug lord’s married daughter. Risking everything, Portia must navigate the underworld of Medellin – a complicated web of politics, pride and ugly crimes – where a single misstep could have deadly consequences.

    Inspired by history’s largest art heist, A DISCERNING EYE is a fast-paced, skillfully plotted journey in which the fate of some of the world’s most prized masterpieces depends on one woman’s perceptive cunning.

    About the Author:

    Carol Orange has worked in the art world for more than twenty years. She began as a research editor on art books in London and later became an art dealer in Boston. She has an MBA from Simmons University and worked as a marketing manager at the Polaroid Corporation. Along with concert pianist Virginia Eskin, who played Chopin’s music, she read excerpts from George Sand’s novels in three salons at the French Library in Boston. Her short story “Delicious Dates” was included in Warren Adler’s 2010 short story anthology. Another story, “Close Call,” appeared in the Atherton Review volume 102. A recent article, “7 Great Heist Novels recommended by an Art Dealer” was published in Crime Reads. A Discerning Eye won the Global Book Award for mystery/suspense.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    A Discerning Eye Review:

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    “A Discerning Eye” is an exquisite debut mystery novel that felt like fine wine.

    Firstly, I applaud the author for bringing the art dealer’s life to life. The way she describes the details of the paintings and appreciates their beauty was the standout of the novel. Even though I am not an art connoisseur, I felt like going to an Art Gallery after reading this book and appreciating the variety.

    Secondly, I liked how the author included the mystery element. Portia grieves over Antonio’s death, and I love how she builds a psychological profile of the culprit just from the paintings they stole. The title is apt where Portia has a discerning eye for details and how it drives into a bigger picture.

    Thirdly, I loved Carlos. He is such a complex character because of the various layers the author adds to him. While you disagree with his work, a part of him felt sorry for him and even rooted for him. Similarly, I enjoyed Portia’s relationship with Maria, Colombine, Julien, and Sean she gets entangled with the case.

    Perhaps the only downside to the story was the pacing. The story is a bit slow in the beginning to take off, and I felt it got exciting only once Portia reached Medellin. Moreover, after reading the story, there were characters like Paul, who I felt had potential but did not add much value. It would be interesting to see if the author turns this into a series, as I would love to revisit some of these characters.

    Overall, “A Discerning Eye” is an impressive debut, and if you are a lover of art, you will adore this novel.

     

    A Discerning Eye

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Discerning Eye by Carol Orange Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule

  • Free From Sin by Karen Ann Hopkins

    Free From Sin by Karen Ann Hopkins

    Free From Sin

    Free From Sin by Karen Ann Hopkins

    Release: February 22, 2022
    Format: Paperback, audiobook, eBook
    Publisher: Karen Ann Hopkins
    Source: Rockstar Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    FREE FROM SIN is a gripping psychological crime thriller/mystery story about the intertwining lives of three unlikely women in the hills of Kentucky, and the explosive results when a troubled teenager has her day of reckoning.

    Sheriff Sadie Mills navigates the challenges of single motherhood while solving crimes in the rural community of Possum Gap, Kentucky. The recent trailer shootings in her jurisdiction have her on edge, and the new coroner, a Yankee transplant from the east coast, is still adjusting to life in the wilderness when all hell breaks loose. Cases stemming from an out-of-control hillbilly clan, sex trafficking, and a murder in the nearby Amish community collide, and Sheriff Mills finds herself in a race to stop a serial killer before they strike again.

    Lucinda Coblentz is a devoted wife, mother, and member of a strict religious order. Her kind and generous ways make her the perfect target of a master manipulator and has put her beloved family in grave danger. Can she make matters right before it’s too late?

    About the Author:

    Karen Ann Hopkins resides in northern Kentucky with her family on a farm that boasts a menagerie of horses, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats. Karen’s main job is home schooling the kids, but she finds time to give riding lessons, coach a youth equestrian drill team, and of course, write. She was inspired to create her first book, Temptation, by the Amish community she lived in. The experiential knowledge she gained through her interactions with her neighbors drove her to create the story of the star-crossed lovers, Rose and Noah.

    Karen grew up about a mile from Lake Ontario in Upstate New York. She was bitten by the horse bug at the age of five, and after diligently taking riding lessons for several years, was rewarded with her first horse at the age of eleven. The feisty horse’s name was Lady, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross, who became Karen’s steadfast companion. Through the years, the constant force in her life was horses. Eventually, she found her place as a riding instructor herself. Before accepting her fate in the barnyard, she worked a short stint as a paralegal, traveled abroad, and guided tourists on horseback riding tours in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.

    Karen is currently working on her Amish mystery series, Serenity’s Plain Secrets, along with the YA paranormal/fantasy series, The Wings of War and the YA contemporary Temptation series. Karen is also excited to announce the Temptation series has been optioned for TV by Pilgrim Studios and is available on Audible.

    Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Amazon  | Goodreads | BookBub

    Free From Sin Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Free From Sin” is a gripping mystery novel that stood out for me because of how emotionally invested I got in the characters.

    The first thing that struck me was how the author wrote the characters. We get the story from three perspectives, Charlie, Lucinda, and Sadie. Each of them brought something fresh to the plot, and my heart went out to Lucinda. I loved how protective she gets over Charlie, despite how James cautions her. Also, I initially loved Lucinda and Charlie’s bond and wondered how things would progress with Charlie blending in the Amish community while admiring the bishop’s son, Marvin. Even characters like Dillon gave me the creeps. The first half of the story shined because of Lucinda and Charlie.

    However, the book’s second half surprised me because it took it in another direction. The story turns darker, and I find myself rooted more in Sadie’s storyline as she investigates the murders with Russo. The author speeds the pace towards the end, and I had moments where I couldn’t believe what some of the characters did. While it is not a direction I would have hoped for, I admire the author for executing the story this way. Some of the highlights of the tale are when Charlie makes a run or her scenes with Vivian. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author balanced the story’s tone with each character’s perspective. We have the gritty crime fiction scenes with Sadie, Lucinda’s peaceful and tranquil Amish life, and the exciting suspense with Charlie.

    Perhaps the only minor criticism was unnecessary characters in the canvas like Darcy, Martha, and Geraldine. Overall, “Free From Sin” is a gripping thriller, and I look forward to revisiting Sadie on her next case!

    Giveaway details:

    1 winner will win a $50 Amazon GC, International.

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Free From Sin

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Free From Sin by Karen Ann Hopkins Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Week One:
    Jazzy Book Reviews-Excerpt-2-21-2022
    BookHounds-Excerpt-2-22-2022
    Lady Hawkeye-Excerpt/IG Post-2-23-2022
    boozybook blog-Review/IG Post-2-24-2022
    #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt-2-25-2022

    Week Two:
    @reading.late.into.the.night-Review-2-28-2022
    Take A Look At My Bookshelf-Review-3-1-2022
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review/IG Post-3-2-2022
    @curlygrannylovestoread -Review-3-3-2022
    @coffeesipsandreads-Review-3-4-2022

  • Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert

    Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert

    Dead Wind

    Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert

    Release: April 5, 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Severn House
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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    The body is discovered on Wolfe Island, under the shadow of an enormous wind turbine. Senior Investigator Shana Merchant, arriving on the scene with fellow investigator Tim Wellington, can’t shake the feeling that she knows the victim – and the subsequent identification sends shockwaves through their community in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York.

    Politics, power, passion . . . there are dark undercurrents in Shana’s new home, and finding the killer means dredging up her new friends and neighbors’ old grudges and long-kept secrets. 

    That is, if the killer is from the community at all. For Shana’s keeping a terrible secret of her own: eighteen months ago she escaped from serial killer Blake Bram’s clutches. But has he followed her . . . to kill again?

    About the Author:

    Tessa Wegert is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Adweek, and The Economist. She grew up in Quebec near the border of Vermont and now lives with her family in Connecticut.

    Tessa writes mysteries set in Upstate New York while studying martial arts and dance. 

     

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Dead Wind Review:

    The Shana Merchant series gets better, and I was excited to pick up the last book in the series to find out what happens.

    The highlight of the story is Shana’s character. I enjoyed reading the character right from the first book, and I must say she has matured a lot in the story. It was interesting to see how Shana balanced the mystery of Hope’s case at Wolfe Island while also fighting her battles with Bram. The way the author writes Shana’s emotions and the complex reaction and paranoia relating to Bram got me hooked to the series. Shana shines in the lead, and I enjoyed her chemistry with Tim. Moreover, the author also adds characters like Abe and Carson, who change Shana’s perspective.

    Moreover, the author paces the story well, and I enjoyed how
    The plot leads to a thrilling, satisfying, yet surprising climax that makes you feel like the author did justice with all the buildup. Some notable moments of the story are when Shana interviews Giovanni, Kyla, and Stanton-Smith.

    Perhaps the only downside to the tale is the story feels a bit repetitious when Shana keeps thinking about Bram. While I enjoyed how the author narrated Shana’s feelings, at times, it felt as though stagged from Hope’s case. Moreover, some moments made me unintentionally chuckle, like when Shana sees a swill roll and thinks Bram planted it there.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading “The Shana Merchant” series and thought the author executed each book wonderfully. Overall, “Dead Wind” is an exciting and satisfying conclusion to the series, and I will miss Shana, Tim, Matt, and even Bram.

    Dead Wind

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dead Wind by Tessa Wegert Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

    Book Tour Schedule

  • The Family Business by Alex Kane

    The Family Business by Alex Kane

    The Family Business

    The Family Business by Alex Kane

    Release: 24th February 2022 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Hera Books
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US,  

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    Blood’s thicker than water… and they’re not afraid to spill it

    Donnie Black. Charming, successful… and utterly terrifying, he rules the Glasgow underworld with an iron fist. Nothing – or no one – will stop him and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty to grow his fortune.

    Layla Black. She’s been married to Donnie for twenty years, enjoying the lavish world he has worked hard to create. But behind the perfect image Layla is crumbling, numbing her pain with alcohol. But Layla doesn’t know the secrets Donnie keeps – and the truth will send her spiralling.

    Louise Bellshaw. She’s young, beautiful and innocent. She’s charmed by Donnie’s sweet words, and believes she’s found true love. But Louise doesn’t know her dream man has plans that will turn her life into a nightmare.

    As the three collide, no one can predict how family ties will turn to bloodshed. Because you’ll do anything for the ones you love, won’t you?

    A dark, twisty and totally gripping thriller set in the heart of Glasgow gangland – fans of Mandasue Heller and Kimberley Chambers won’t be able to put this down

    About the Author:

    Alex Kane is a psychological thriller writer who lives in Glasgow. Besides, she is a huge fan of the genre, with her favourite authors in the genre being Lisa Hall, BA Paris and Sarah Stovell.

    If she is not writing, she can be found playing with her cat, reading, or drinking tea and/or gin (sometimes all of the above).

     

     Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Family Business Review:

    The first thing that I loved about the tale is how intense the author writes the characters’ relationships. I was drawn to the entire Black family, whether it be Donnie, Steff, Mel, Cammy, Layla, Louise, to name a few. As you can probably guess, the story contains a large cast of characters, and I wondered if I would be able to keep track of them all. Conversely, you have Donnie and the challenges he faces taking over his father’s business and his plans with Steff and Goran.

    Then you have Mel and Cammy, who wonder how messy their lives would get involved with Donnie. Then, throw in more characters like Tam and Louise, who also find themselves intertwined with the lives of the Black family. The author made this story fast-paced because of all the complex feelings each character has for the other. That was my favorite aspect of reading this book.

    The story takes a full swing as the focus shifts to finding Demi Simpson. The author adds exciting twists and turns, and you wonder what will happen to the characters. There are also shocking moments that you don’t anticipate. My favorite parts were when Tam realizes how his life will change with his actions to make better lives for him and Louise. I also loved Layla’s storyline.

    Perhaps the only downside to the story is that we don’t get much around Demi’s arc, as the report focuses primarily on Donnie. I still loved how everyone sets targets against Donnie like the Barrhoue Firm that leads to an exciting climax. The twists, in the end, made my jaw drop!

    Overall, “The Family Business” is an exciting addition to the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Family Business

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Family Business by Alex Kane Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • From a Position of Strength by Sean Heary

    From a Position of Strength by Sean Heary

    From a Position of Strength

    From a Position of Strength by Sean Heary

    Release: September 28th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Matador
    Source: LoveBook Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N , Amazon UK

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    Lying by the pool , Lorenzo Rossi, the former head of the Vatican police, receives a surprise visit from his ex-fiancée, CIA Agent Cathy Doherty . Cathy is concerned about Rossi’s safety. 

    Three nights ago, a Russian GRU intelligence officer Elena Trusova was critically injured. It was in a vehicle rollover on a remote road leading to Rossi’s olive farm in Siena, Italy.

    Rossi ensures Cathy the proximity of the accident is pure coincidence. But  he agrees to investigate after Cathy reveals the Russian was a double agent. He was  working for the CIA and probability on her way to see him.

    Together they uncover a heinous right-wing plot that, if successful, would lead to nuclear Armageddon.

    Can Rossi and Cathy stop a president gone mad or is this the end of the world as we know it?

    About the Author:

    Sean travelled the world for thirty years as a mining company executive, living for many years close to Kremlin. No wonder he likes to write political thrillers. He also worked for several years in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. There he picked up a taste for Central Asian cuisine and met his wife.  Australian by birth, Sean now makes Germany his home.

    Sean’s action packed,  debut novel, The Concordat, was published in July 2018.

    The sequel, The Circle-A Killings, is a timely novel that comments on a world in political crisis using the framework of a noir spy thrillers in a fresh and unique way. 

    Website | Twitter | Goodreads

    From a Position of Strength Review:

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    I have not read any of the previous books in the “Lorenzo Rossi” series, but it was not hard to follow. Yes, reading the last two books would have helped me understand Rossi and Cathy’s history, but the book was entertaining even as a standalone.

    The author has a stylish way of writing crime thrillers, and I enjoyed that the story is fast and exciting. Right from the beginning, as we find out what happens to Elena Trusova, the story has action, adventure, suspense, conspiracies, and high-speed chases, making it very entertaining. Each chapter has something new to offer, and some of the notable moments for me were when Rossi investigates Trusova’s apartment or the incident at the Waterloo Bridge. Moreover, I also enjoyed the mystery of the case and how the duo investigated the crimes to build evidence, like finding Francesca’s tormentor. Even the supporting characters like Lucy and Pirlo added well.

    Cathy and Rossi are fun in the lead, and I enjoyed how the author portrayed them. The author adds humor and romance to the story and blends it well with the thrills. Moreover, I liked how the author detailed the surroundings, whether the scene is in London or Rome. The way we get descriptions of the foods like panna cotta, ala fregola, and guazzetto made my mouth water, and I felt I was alongside the team in their adventure. At the same time, I thought the scenes were too over-descriptive, and it would not have made a difference if the author omitted a few details.

    Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading “From a Position of Strength” and am curious to pick up the first book and see how it started.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    From a Position of Strength

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the From a Position of Strength by Sean Heary Blog Tour hosted by LoveBook Tours.

     

     

  • The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert

    The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert

    The Dead Season

    The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert

    Release: December 8th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Berkley Books
    Source: Suzyapproved Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    Senior Investigator Shana Merchant has spent years running from her past. But she never imagined a murder case would drive her to the most dangerous place of all–home.

    After leaving the NYPD following her abduction by serial killer Blake Bram, Shana Merchant hoped for a fresh start in the Thousand Islands of Upstate New York. Her former tormentor has other plans. Shana and Bram share more than just a hometown, and he won’t let her forget it. When the decades-old skeleton of Shana’s estranged uncle is uncovered, Bram issues a challenge: Return home to Vermont and solve the cold case, or the blood he spills next will be on her hands.

    As Shana interviews members of her family and the community, mining for secrets that could help her solve her uncle’s murder, she begins to realize how little she remembers of her childhood. And when Bram grows impatient and kidnaps again, leaving a trail of clues Shana alone can understand, she knows his new victim will only survive if she wins the psychopath’s twisted game. In order to solve one mystery, Shana must wade into her murky past to unravel another.

    About the Author:

    Tessa Wegert is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, Adweek, and The Economist. She grew up in Quebec near the border of Vermont and now lives with her family in Connecticut. Tessa writes mysteries set in Upstate New York while studying martial arts and dance.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Dead Season Review:

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    I enjoyed reading “The Dead Season” because of how intense the story was for a crime thriller and kept me glued.

    Let me start by saying that I have not read the previous book in the Shana Merchant series, but I enjoyed Shana in the lead character. The author portrayed her wonderfully, especially in how she handles the character’s emotions. Shana doubts her actions over the story because of Bram’s impact, and I thought the author wrote her realistically. Moreover, I liked Shana’s working relationship with Tim and how she has a no-nonsense attitude when investigating the case. Shana is probably one of the unique characters I have read in this genre because of her traumatic past and how you root for her, even though she doesn’t make the best choices at times. I also liked the backstory of Shana’s relationship with Carson and how it affects her thought process.

    Moreover, the author builds the suspense nicely from the get-go, when we see what the characters find in the woods. I found some scenes atmospheric and chilling, especially when they go to Tern Island to investigate Jasper. Speaking of Jasper, the supporting characters also add so well to the plot. The author introduces the Sinclair family, and we have a lot of suspects. Some memorable moments in the tale were when Shana interviews Flynn Sinclair or the scenes with Jade and Bebe. Frankly, Bebe was one of my favorite characters because of her unpredictable and volatile moods.

    As the story progresses, the author amps the suspense and reveals shocking moments, particularly in the second half. The culprit, in the end, is also someone I did not expect, which made the story exciting.

    Overall, “The Dead Season” is a compelling standalone that made me pick up the first book.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Dead Season

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Dead Season by Tessa Wegert Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. 

    Bookoholic Cafe-Dec. 15th
    Belle Of TheBooks-Dec. 15th
    Shooks Books-Dec. 16th
    She Just Loves Books-Dec. 17th
    The Bookish World of  YRRALH-Dec. 20th
    Allys Book Corner-Dec. 27th
    The Page Ladies-Dec. 29th
    Subakka Bookstuff-Dec. 30th
    ML Book Love-Jan. 5th
    Its All About The Thrill-Jan. 8th
    Rajivs Reviews-Jan. 9th
    Well Read Traveler-Jan. 10th
    Carol Doscher-Jan. 11th
    David L Morgan-Jan. 12th
    CMT Loves Wine and Books-Jan. 19th
    Laura’s Next Chapter-Jan. 28th
    Rozier Reads and Wine-Jan. 29th
    Erika Lacey Reads-Feb. 1st
    American Lit Teacher-Feb. 3rd
    Robyn Reads1-Feb.13th
    Books and Coffee MX-Feb. 15th

  • The Evening’s Amethyst by M.K Graff

    The Evening’s Amethyst by M.K Graff

    Amethyst

    The Evening’s Amethyst by M.K Graff

    Release: 21st September 2021 
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Bridle Path Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    Who is Verity?

    That becomes a central question for American Nora Tierney, who has moved to her new Oxford home with her fiancé, DI Declan Barnes, and her young son.

    Declan’s new case at Exeter College coincides with a frantic call from Nora’s stepsister, Claire Scott: a fellow graduate student has died in a fall, and Claire begs Nora to help her prove her friend didn’t commit suicide.

    The sisters conduct their own snooping, while Declan and his team juggle this death with a cold case that proves to be more surprising than Declan could ever imagine.

    About the Author:

    Marni Graff is the award-winning author of The Nora Tierney English Mysteries and The Trudy Genova Manhattan Mysteries. The Evening’s Amethyst is the fifth in the Nora Tierney series.

    Her short story “Quiche Alain” is in the Agatha-winning Malice Domestic Anthology, Murder Most Edible.

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    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    The Evening’s Amethyst Review:

    To begin with, I enjoyed the author’s writing style for the way she developed the mystery. Even though I have not read the earlier books, I liked Nora right from the get-go. Initially, the story had a cozy mystery feel, as Claire pleads with Nora to help solve Bea’s suicide case. However, as the tale progresses, the story gets darker and unpredictable. What starts as a simple mystery turns layered, leading to a bigger picture. I was glued to the tale halfway into the account, especially when Claire remembers Bea and Verity and the autopsy reports.

    Secondly, I loved the bond between Nora and Declan. It was fun to see the contrast between Declan’s formal course of investigation versus Nora’s sleuths methods. Some scenes that stood out for me were when Nora noticed Bea’s removal from social media or when Declan met with Denys and Nora’s scenes at Montague House. Similarly, I adored the sisterly bond between Nora and Claire and how protective Nora is towards her.

    Also, quite a few suspects like Nicola Martin keep you guessing what happened with Bea. Moreover, side plots added complexity to the book, like Declan and Denys’s conversation many years ago about the child kidnapping case. On a side note, I also enjoyed the English setting in the backdrop, as it gave the story a majestic feel. The author paces the story nicely, building the pace towards a thrilling climax.

    While I enjoyed everything about this book, the only minor criticism I had was that, at times, there were a lot of characters with little value on canvas, like Douglas McAfee. Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “The Evening’s Amethyst” because of Nora and Declan and would love to read the series from the beginning.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Evening's Amethyst

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Evening’s Amethyst by M.K Graff Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.