My Book Reviews

Category: Crime Fiction

  • A Time For Monsters by Gareth Worthington

    A Time For Monsters by Gareth Worthington

    A Time For Monsters

    A Time For Monsters by Gareth Worthington

    Release: September 28, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: ‎ Vesuvian Books 
    Source: JeanbooknerdTours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, Book Depository, 

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    A Nordic thriller in the vein of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets Death Wish, in which a female serial killer, who only feels emotion when listening to music, is hell-bent on revenge and must outwit a disgraced detective determined to redeem himself if she is to complete her carefully orchestrated plan and cover up the ultimate secret.

    ONLY A MONSTER CAN DO THE WRONG THINGS FOR THE RIGHT REASONSDo you remember the first tape or CD you ever bought? Perhaps you waited for the local station to play the top forty songs on a Sunday so you could record your favorite band. Maybe you downloaded a certain track that reminded you of your wedding day or a graduation.

    Reyna Blackburn remembers.

    Every single song for every horrific event in her life. She remembers what song was playing on the radio the first time he hurt her. And she remembers what was playing through her headphones the first time she killed.

    About the Author:

    Gareth Worthington holds a degree in marine biology, a PhD in Endocrinology, an executive MBA, is Board Certified in Medical Affairs, and currently works for the Pharmaceutical industry.

    Gareth is an authority in ancient history, has hand-tagged sharks in California, and trained in various martial arts, including Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai at the EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and 2FIGHT in Switzerland. His work has won multiple awards, including Dragon Award Finalist and an IPPY award for Science Fiction.

    He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the British Science Fiction Association.

    Born in England, Gareth has lived around the world from Asia, to Europe to the USA. Wherever he goes, he endeavors to continue his philanthropic work with various charities.

    Gareth is represented by Gandolfo Helin Fountain Literary Agency, NYC, USA..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    A Time For Monsters Review:

    “A Time For Monsters” is a dark, twisted noir thriller that will slowly creep on and shock you.

    The highlight of the tale for me was Rey. What’s interesting about the book, in general, is that you really cannot root for the characters because of their actions. Yet, I gravitated to Rey because the author toggled between her past and present. You get to see how she became who she is in the present day. From her childhood of witnessing the side-effects of chemo to her marriage with Michael, I thought the author portrayed Rey compellingly. Similarly, Arne is also gripping, and I wondered how the paths would cross for these two.

    The author also does a beautiful job of setting the dark landscape of this Nordic thriller. The pacing is a bit of a slow burn, but I did not mind it because I thought it fit well with the theme. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author incorporated CSI elements into the investigation. It gave it a different touch—some shocking moments had me at the edge of my seat, like when Arne faces a threat in front of him or tries to find the King Kubb Killer. The author gradually ups the pace leading to a gripping climax. I was impressed at how he executed the story overall.

    However, I must admit the book was too ‘raw’ for me at times. Although this added to the tale’s authenticity, some scenes are pretty detailed and graphic for my taste and made these gritty scenes difficult.

    Nevertheless, overall, “A Time For Monsters” was disturbing, twisted, and intriguing. The book is perfect for reading if you are a fan of the Millennium series.

    Giveaway:
    –Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
     

    – 1 Winner will receive a Copy of A TIME FOR MONSTERS by Gareth Worthington.
    1 Winner will receive a 25 Amazon Gift Card.

    ENDS: DECEMBER 6, 2021

    a Rafflecopter giveaway

    A Time For Monsters

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the A Time For Monsters by Gareth Worthington Blog Tour hosted by JeanbooknerdTours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

    Book Tour Schedule

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  • Down a Dark River by Karen Odden

    Down a Dark River by Karen Odden

    Down a Dark River

    Down a Dark River by Karen Odden

    Release: November 9th 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
    Source: HFVirtual Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, BAM, Indiebound

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    London, 1878. One April morning, a small boat bearing a young woman’s corpse floats down the murky waters of the Thames. Identification of the victim shows as  Rose Albert, daughter of a prominent judge. The Scotland Yard director gives the case to Michael Corravan, one of the only Senior Inspectors remaining after a corruption scandal the previous autumn left the division in ruins. Reluctantly, Corravan abandons his ongoing case, a search for the missing wife of a shipping magnate, handing it over to his young colleague, Mr. Stiles.

    An Irish former bare-knuckles boxer and dockworker from London’s seedy East End, Corravan has good street sense and an inspector’s knack for digging up clues. But he’s confounded when, a week later, a second woman is found dead in a rowboat, and then a third. The dead women seem to have no connection whatsoever. Meanwhile, Mr. Stiles makes an alarming discovery: the shipping magnate’s missing wife, Mrs. Beckford, may not have fled her house because she was insane, as her husband claims, and Mr. Beckford may not be the successful man of business that he appears to be.

    Slowly, it becomes clear that the river murders and the case of Mrs. Beckford may be linked through some terrible act of injustice in the past—for which someone has vowed a brutal vengeance. Now, with the newspapers once again trumpeting the Yard’s failures, Corravan must dredge up the truth—before London devolves into a state of panic and before the killer claims another innocent victim. 

    About the Author:

    Karen Odden earned her Ph.D. in English from New York University and subsequently taught literature at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She has contributed essays to numerous books and journals, written introductions for Victorian novels in the Barnes & Noble classics series, and edited for the journal Victorian Literature and Culture (Cambridge UP). Her previous novels, also set in 1870s London, have won awards for historical fiction and mystery. Also, a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime and the recipient of a grant from the Arizona Commission on the Arts, Karen lives in Arizona with her family and her rescue beagle Rosy..

    WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

    Down a Dark River Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Down a Dark River” is an intriguing historical mystery crime fiction that draws you into the world of London in 1878, and I enjoyed it!

    Firstly, I enjoyed the author’s writing style because it made me feel like watching a classic B&W noir film or reading a Sherlock Holmes novel. Inspector Corravan is a compelling lead who tries to do good even if people like Vincent undermine him at times. It was interesting to see how he managed the investigations as the death counts increased. I also enjoyed his camaraderie with Inspector Stiles and thought they made a good pair. Moreover, the author beautifully adds a touch of romance with Corravan’s solid feelings for Belinda. Even the supporting characters like Philip Durrell (and his expertise in the jewelry) and Mr. Dorstone were memorable.

    Secondly, the author also wrote the mystery well. While the book starts slow, I enjoyed it once we learn about Rose’s death. The author adds many suspects and motives like the Thierry Necklace and case involving the judge, where you don’t know how the story would turn out. I also felt the addition of Harry was brilliant and added to the complexity of the plot. Moreover, as the story progresses, there are more murders, and you have no idea how the story will proceed. Some memorable moments in the tale were when COrravan interviews Isabella or meets with Mr. Dorstone.

    However, my only criticism of the tale is that the author added too many details. At times, the author also details the background characters, and I felt too much happening in the canvas.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed reading “Down a Dark River” and thought it was a lovely start to the “Inspector Corravan” series.

    Giveaway:

    Enter to win a copy of Down a Dark River by Karen Odden!

    The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 1st. You must be 18 or older to enter.

    Down a Dark River

    Book Tour Schedule

    Down a Dark River

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Down a Dark River by Karen Odden Blog Tour hosted by HFVirtual Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

     

     

  • Three Little Girls by Jane Badrock

    Three Little Girls by Jane Badrock

    Three Little Girls

    Three Little Girls by Jane Badrock

    Release: November 23, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher:  Independently published
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Amazon UK 

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    THREE COLD CASES ONE DETERMINED COP

    Someone’s playing tricks on Karen at home and at work. When two cold case files about missing girls turn up on her desk, she’s fuming. When a third file arrives… she blows a fuse.
    Her boss demands she takes holiday leave just as Karen discovers her late father was involved in one of the cases. Now she’s compelled to investigate them.

    Karen’s accompanied by sometime boyfriend John- but can she trust him or his friend and mapkeeper Mr Binks?

    She has formidable detective skills but will they work in places where old-world magic is still powerful?

    Karen’s life is in serious danger… but from whom…. or what?

    About the Author:

    Jane writes novels, short stories and poems, usually with a good dose of humour in them. She’s probably owes it all to her late grandmother who, she’s just found out, also wrote short stories and poems.

    She tends to get an idea and then run with it whether it be a 100 word short story or an 80 thousand word novel. It all depends on the voices in her head at the time…

     Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Three Little Girls Review:

    “Three Little Girls” is a slow burn mystery that slowly grabs on to you and keeps you glued, and I enjoyed reading it!

    The central aspect which I appreciated about the book is its riveting characters. Although the book is a mystery thriller that deals with the investigation of missing girls, the story felt fresh and unique. However, more than the plot, I liked how the author portrayed Karen. Karen is an unusual character who immediately caught my attention because of her nightmares and her situations. Someone emails her cold cases about missing girls, and you wonder if someone is playing tricks on her.

    Moreover, I enjoyed the relationship she has with John. The two of them face challenging moments where they need to work on trusting their relationship. I liked how the author portrayed John’s insecurities about Davie and how Karen deals with her grief on what happened to her father. As the story progresses, you wonder how they will work on their problems, and I liked how the author embedded this aspect into the mystery.

    However, my favorite character was Mr. Binks. I loved how the author incorporated this energetic character into the plot. Some of the memorable moments are when Davie exposes the bag, and Mr. Binks argues as he thinks it’s a bad idea, or when Karen finds herself tied up.

    Similarly, I also liked the way the team handled Katherine Engles and Caitlin McFee’s case. There are quite a few twists and turns and thrilling moments where Karen finds herself in danger.

    Overall, “Three Little Girls” is a gripping crime fiction mystery-thriller worth checking out with memorable characters. I hope the author continues to write more books with this cast.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Three Little Girls

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Three Little Girls by Jane Badrock Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

     

  • Blaze In, Blaze Out by Joseph Lewis

    Blaze In, Blaze Out by Joseph Lewis

    Blaze In, Blaze Out

    Blaze In, Blaze Out by Joseph Lewis

    Release: January 6th 2022
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Black Rose Writing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    Working with a joint multi-law enforcement task force, Detective Pat O’Connor infiltrated a Ukrainian crime family. Headed by Dmitry Andruko. O’Connor and his control, Detective Paul Eiselmann were the lynchpins in the guilty verdict

    The two detectives thought it was over.

    Eiselmann planned for a quiet weekend with his family at home. O’Connor planned on attending a high school soccer game and then head to Northern Wisconsin for a fishing trip with another cop, Detective Jamie Graff and four teenage, adopted brothers: George Tokay, Brian Evans, Brett McGovern, and Michael Two Feathers.

    But Andruko is ruthless and vindictive. From his prison cell, he hires two contract killers to kill both O’Connor and Eiselmann and anyone else in the way. The killers can be anyone. The killers could be anywhere, and the killers could strike at any time.

    The quiet weekend and the short vacation turn into a deadly nightmare as O’Connor’s and Eiselmann’s lives and the lives of the four boys are in peril.

    About the Author:

    After having been in education for forty-five years as a teacher, coach, counselor and administrator, Joseph Lewis has semi-retired and now works part-time as an online learning facilitator. He uses his psychology and counseling background in crafting psychological thriller/mysteries. He has taken creative writing and screen writing courses at UCLA and USC. 

    Lewis has published seven books, all available on Amazon and each to excellent reviews: Taking Lives (August 2014; May 2021) the prequel to the Lives Trilogy; Stolen Lives (November 2014; May 2021) Book One of the Lives Trilogy; Shattered Lives (March 2015; May 2021) Book Two of the Trilogy; and Splintered Lives (November 2015; May 2021) Book Three of the Trilogy each from True Visions Publications, and then re-issued by Black Rose Writing; Caught in a Web (April 2018) from Black Rose Writing, which was a PenCraft Literary Award Winner for Crime Fiction and named “One of the Best Crime Fiction Thrillers of 2018!” by Best Thrillers; Spiral Into Darkness (January 2019) from Black Rose Writing, which was named a Recommended Read by Author’s Favorites

    . His newest, Betrayed November 2020 is a Maxy Award Runner-Up for Mystery-Suspense, a Literary Titan Silver Book Award Winner, and a Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Rating Winner. Blaze In, Blaze Out is currently available for preorder and will be released January 6, 2022. Lewis is currently working on another thriller-crime-mystery.

    Born and raised in Wisconsin, Lewis has been happily married to his wife, Kim. Together they have three wonderful children: Wil (deceased July 2014), Hannah, and Emily. He and his wife now reside in Virginia.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook |Goodreads

    Blaze In, Blaze Out Review:

    “Blaze In, Blaze Out” turned out to be so much better than what I expected. Initially, when I read the blurb, I expected it to be a mafia revenge story. But there is much more to the tale than that! The plot is pretty unique, considering that I have never read anything like it.

    The author made me guess quite a few characters, and I wondered what would happen next. Moreover, the people he hires for the job are in disguise and dressed for the part, so you don’t know who is good and who isn’t. I also liked how the author toggles the chapter even from the assassin’s perspective, where we get a hint of their identity. The author adds a few twists and turns, along with action and romance, leading to a thrilling climax as the story progresses.

    The main characters, Detective Pat O’Connor and Detective Paul Eiselmann, also shine in the lead. The characters are all dynamic, and I personally loved Andruko as the villain. He is so devious and calculating that you don’t know what he has in store for our detectives. I also liked the side characters like Brian and added interesting backstories for them through the author.

    The only criticism I have of the tale is that it took time for me to adjust to the characters. The author introduces many characters to the canvas, and it takes time to comprehend who they are. But once I got the hang of the plot, I enjoyed reading it a lot!

    Overall, “Blaze In, Blaze Out” is a thrilling, action crime fiction novel that will keep you guessing.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Blaze In, Blaze Out

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Blaze In, Blaze Out by Joseph Lewis Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours

     

  • The Kidnapper’s Word by E.J. WOOD

    The Kidnapper’s Word by E.J. WOOD

    The Kidnapper's Word

    The Kidnapper’s Word by E.J. WOOD

    Release: November 10, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Question Mark Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    AN ABDUCTED CHILD. AN INNOCENT DINNER PARTY.

    When nine year old Emily disappears, Detective Chief Inspector Clarence Landon knows time isn’t on his side.

    It’s the 1960s. Child abductions are rare.

    Her mother, Ava blames herself. What mother would leave their child alone?

    Behind twitching curtains, an unsettling truth of what happened is revealed. A story of family secrets and a chilling tale of deception is unravelled.

    What would you be capable of when pushed to your limits?

    About the Author:

    She’s just a storyteller!

    E.J. Wood is a historical crime writer best known for her true fiction novels that take place between the 1940s and 1980s.

    Although British born, she now resides in Spain, speaks English, and Spanish, and is currently learning German.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Kidnapper’s Word Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “The Kidnapper’s Word” turned out to be so much better and twisted than what I had expected.

    This book is the first one I read of the author and hopefully would not be the last. The author has a sneaky way of throwing red herrings and keeping you guessing what is happening. In this story, a small girl named Emily goes missing, and it is up to Clarence and DI Burke to investigate the case. Surprisingly, there are VERY few suspects, in this case, probably only two or three. Yet, the author still threw me off and shocked me about who was good and not. I think mystery authors who can accomplish shocking the readers with such a short cast of characters are very talented.

    The main characters are also dynamic. I loved Clarence in the lead, only because he has a personal stake in this case because of his involvement with Ava. Ava is a complex character who unnerved me because of her drug addiction and depression. The author also brings up the mystery of Emily’s father and what happened to him. There are also little moments where I found the story fascinating, like how the media changes what happened to Emily.
    Moreover, I liked how the author brought the 1960s to life and included quotations at the start of each chapter. Landon and Burke make a good team as they navigate through the case and interview the suspects. The book is psychologically disturbing and will creep you out for sure.

    Overall, “The Kidnapper’s Word” was a gripping mystery thriller, and I can’t wait to read more of the author’s books.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Kidnapper's Word

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Kidnapper’s Word by E.J. WOOD Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.

     

  • Blood Ties by Heather Atkinson

    Blood Ties by Heather Atkinson

    Blood Ties

    Blood Ties by Heather Atkinson

    Release: December 1, 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Boldwood Books
    Source: Amazon
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, Kobo, 

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    The Queen of Glasgow, Toni McVay, is no ordinary crime boss.

    For one thing, she likes to discipline disappointing employees by scooping out their eyeballs and keeping them as souvenirs. Jamie Gray and his gang the Blood Brothers are happy to do her dirty work in return for lessons in the ways of the local underworld. But are in no doubt that they need to keep Toni sweet to keep themselves safe. Rival families

    The Gordons and The Thompsons are ready for a turf war, keen to take over the lucrative Gallowburn estate, and weaken Toni’s grip on the city. But can the old enemies really trust each other enough to join forces? And will their assumption that the Blood Brothers are the weak link in the McVay empire, prove to be their greatest mistake? Meanwhile Jamie’s past refuses to stay hidden. And as his biggest secret looks set for revelation with explosive consequences, Jamie faces the battle of his life. To keep his family safe, to keep his friends safe, to keep himself safe, and to keep the woman he loves alive.

    If you love Martina Cole, Kimberley Chambers, and Jessie Keane, you’ll love Heather Atkinson. Discover the bestselling gangland author Heather Atkinson and you’ll never look back… 

    About the Author:

    Heather lives on the gorgeous west coast of Scotland with her twin girls and husband Paul, although she is originally from Lancashire in the north of England. Before she started to write, she worked as a medical secretary for a few years, both in the medical and surgical departments.

    With over fifty books now available on Amazon Kindle, Heather is fortunate enough to write full-time. Writing is her passion and never feels like work.

    She recently signed a contract with Boldwood Books for a four-part gangland series set on the fictional Gallowburn housing scheme in Glasgow. The first book in the series, Blood Brothers, will be released on 8th December 2020.

    Both books in the Raven series, as well as the first three books in the Dividing Line series are now available to download in audiobook form through Amazon, Audible and from WF Howes.

    She regularly publishes new books. You can follow Heather on various internet platforms:

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Blood Ties Review:

    I have not read the previous books in the “GALLOWBURN SERIES,” but I feel like I must after reading this book. Blood Ties is high adrenaline, an action-based drama that’s so entertaining.

    The author fills the story with action and drama. I was hooked between the rivalry of the Gordons and the Thompsons to take control. What’s nice is how easily I could relate to the characters and the plots, even though I didn’t read the previous books. The author did a grand job of setting up the relations to know how they are connected. The Blood Brothers are unique, where each one of them brings something new to the table. Some of my favorite moments in the story are when they realize they are followed or the action scenes at the warehouse. Jaime was my favorite character, and I loved the scenes with him and Allegra.

    Moreover, the author also adds family drama to the story. I enjoyed the dynamics between Mullen and Jackie and how it would impact Jaime. Jackie is probably one of the best mother figures I have read in such a genre, and I loved her caring towards her family. It’s a contrast change to Cameron, who is bent on revenge for his daughter, Allegra. The author paces the story nicely, where we see what happened to Allegra. Similarly, even Natalie, Craig, and Sasha gave me the creeps. The author ends the story in a shocking cliffhanger that makes you look forward to the next book.

    If you love moves like Fast and the Furious, you will enjoy this book and the series. I picked up the first book to see how it all started!

  • Premonition by Wendy Whitman

    Premonition by Wendy Whitman

    Premonition

    Premonition by Wendy Whitman

    Release: July 13, 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Post Hill Press
    Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, TBD

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    If you’re not paranoid, you’re not paying attention…

    Cary Mackin is a TV journalist who has covered crime for nearly twenty years. After losing her job she moves to a small town in Connecticut—only to get caught up in the web of a deranged serial killer.

    Cary has a dark secret that drives everything she does: a deep-seated, lifelong fear that one day she will be murdered. As the madman Cary stumbled upon continues to terrorize the beautiful countryside where she now resides, will her premonition come true?

    About the Author:

    Wendy Whitman has a unique background through her decades-long work as an executive and producer for Court TV and HLN, covering almost every major high-profile murder case in America. Through her knowledge of the most detailed aspects of the crimes, Ms. Whitman has become an expert on the subject of murder in America. Before attending Boston University School of Law, Whitman worked for comedians Lily Tomlin and George Carlin. After graduating from law school, the author embarked on what turned out to be a twenty-year career in television covering crime. She spent fifteen years at Court TV and another several at HLN for the Nancy Grace show, where she appeared on air as a producer/reporter covering high-profile cases. Whitman received three Telly Awards and a GLAAD nomination during her tenure at Court TV.

     Twitter | Instagram | Amazon

    Premonition Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Premonition” is a mesmerizing crime fiction novel about a woman who tracks a serial killer, and I enjoyed it because of the main character.

    I liked the concept of the story. For me, the book stood out because of the way the author portrayed Cary. Cary is a fascinating character, and the author added many layers to her. It was interesting to see how she dealt with the phobia while balancing her romantic feelings and having an inferiority complex around her family and friends. You can see how she tries to balance her emotions when she goes to meet Kim with Anna. Moreover, I enjoyed her scenes with Vito as well. The author also adds supporting characters like Anna, Vito, and Hank well to the tale.

    The author also sets the mystery nicely where you see the culprit shadowing Cary and noting down her move. While it took time for me to adjust to the story’s slow-burn, I eventually enjoyed the pacing. There are some shocking moments towards the end as the level reaches its climax. Moreover, the ending completely threw me off, and it is not one that I expected.

    However, my only criticism of the story was the unnecessary details. The author tends to add too many details about Cary at times that stray away from the plot. For instance, I did not need to know how she got her Jeep or the history with Romy. The book would have been excellent if the author added more twists and turns instead of focusing on Cary’s background.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed reading this book. Overall, “Premonition” is a suspenseful thriller that I felt stands out because of Cary and the tale’s climax.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Premonition

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Premonition by Wendy Whitman Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

    She Just Loves Books-Aug. 25th
    Books Love And Understanding-Aug. 28th
    Carrie Reads Them All-Aug. 30th
    The Mary Reader-Aug. 30th
    Subakka Bookstuff-Sept. 1st
    Books and Biceps. 915-Sept. 1st
    Rozier Reads and Wine-Sept. 4th
    Britt Reads A Latte Books-Sept. 7th
    Bookish Heidi-Sept. 10th
    Love My Books 2020-Sept. 17th
    Geaux Get Lit-Sept. 17th
    Book Low Down-Sept. 23d
    Lexi Java-Sept. 25th
    Carol Doscher-Sept. 28th
    Sho Biz Reads-Oct. 1st
    David L Morgan-Oct. 23rd
    Green Eyed Girl 0704-Oct. 25th
    Rajivs Reviews-Oct. 27th

  • A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello

    A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello

    A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello

    Release:December 8th 2020 
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: Magnusmade
    Source: Pumpup your Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Kobo

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    An incompetent thief, a hopeless bartender, a dead stranger, and a lonely tourist.

    A neo-noir caper set in modern day Milan.

    An incompetent thief makes another attempt at burglary. A hopeless bartender struggles to manage her last patron. The pair reluctantly work together to figure out why a man they presumed dead may have returned, while a lonely tourist inadvertently gets in the way.

    About the Author:

    Lorenzo Petruzziello is the author of A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE – a noir-inspired caper set in Milan, Italy. His first novel THE LOVE FOOL is a non-romantic romantic comedy set in Rome. Both books are available worldwide through your favorite booksellers.

    Lorenzo holds a Global MBA in International Marketing from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts. He is bilingual, raised speaking both English and Italian. Lorenzo was born and raised in U.S.A. and spent his summers in Italy.

    He lives in Massachusetts working on his writing as a side gig to his corporate day job. He has contributed to publications on food, travel, and cocktails, including Intermezzo and  SIPthemagazine..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    A Mistake Incomplete Review:

    “A Mistake Incomplete” is a story of mystery, murder, and mayhem as a death job goes wrong.

    Firstly, I enjoyed how the author told the story. I felt as though I was watching an old black and white film noir as I read it. The author gives a classic touch to the story and adds various turns to keep you guessing till the end.

    Secondly, I found the two main characters intriguing. What’s interesting about them is how I was not too fond of Stef and Beatrice as individuals, but I did enjoy the drama when they were together. Stef is a creep for the way he gets Beatrice into his trouble, especially in the scenes where he needs her help with the body. At the same time, Beatrice was also weak for always falling for Stef’s charms and regretting them later.

    Thirdly, I enjoyed the plot. Initially, it took a few chapters to immerse me in the tale because I could not connect the events. But as soon as Beatrice sees Stef, the story hooked me. The story gets exciting midway once Kevin enters the picture. Some of the memorable moments in the tale were when Stef and Beatrice notice someone following them or when someone grabs Beatrice’s arm. I also liked how Elena and Flavio made the story more complex in the latter half.

    On a side note, I adored how the author brought Italy to life as Steph and Beatrice spent time there. From the Piazza Cordusio to Castello Sforzesco, the author takes us around Milan, beautifully describing the places and the food, and made me want to travel there.

    Overall, I found “A Mistake Incomplete” to be an exciting thriller and hope the author continues to write such noir stories.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello Blog Tour hosted by Pumpup your Book Tours. 

    Monday, October 11 -⭐PUYB Virtual Book Club⭐: ⭐Pump Up Your Book Virtual Book Tour Kick Off⭐A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello ⭐ 
    Tuesday, October 12 – Petruzziello Lorenzo – A Mistake Incomplete – B for Bookreview
    Monday, October 18 – 📚 A Bookish Chat with ‘A Mistake Incomplete’ Author Lorenzo Petruzziello  – The Writer’s Life eMagazine
    Tuesday, October 19 – As the Page Turns…: 📙 A Bookish Word or Two: Lorenzo Petruzziello, Author of A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE
    Wednesday, October 20 – My Bookish Pleasures: 🎈Authors To Watch🎈Lorenzo Petruzziello Author of A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE 
    Monday, October 25 – The Literary Nook: Character Q&A: Stefano “Stef” Orso of Lorenzo Petruzziello’s A MISTAKE INCOMPLETE
    Monday, October 25 – A Mistake Incomplete by Lorenzo Petruzziello – Book Tour – Jazzy Book Reviews
    Tuesday, October 26 – Interview at Jemima Pett’s Blog
    Tuesday, October 26 – Book Review at Rajiv’s Reviews
    Friday, October 29 – Book Review at Booking with Janelle
    Monday, November 1 – Guest Blogging at Blogging Authors
    Tuesday, November 2 – Guest Blogging at The Story Behind the Book
    Friday, November 5 – Book Feature Highlight at The Faerie Review
    Friday, November 5 – Book Feature Highlight at CBY Book Club

  • Migration Event by K.C. Gillis

    Migration Event by K.C. Gillis

    Migration Event

    Migration Event (Jordan Reed #3) by K.C. Gillis

    Release: 27th October 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Chesterfield Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    Environmental destruction. Tax evasion. When reporter Jordan Reed uncovers a link, will she meet a fatal deadline?

    Jordan Reed lives to expose criminals who believe they’ll never get caught. So after receiving a tip about a high-profile company dodging tariffs, the relentless journalist digs into the case. But though her lead turns out to be a red herring, a possible connection to the mysterious death of long-distance migratory birds pulls her into a byzantine maze of corruption and pollution.

    Joining forces with a rogue conservationist, Jordan infiltrates the inner circle of one of Boston’s top corporate citizens. But when she and her new teammate find themselves surrounded by high-powered enemies, her hunt for the truth could force the coverup of their own murders.

    Will the tenacious reporter live long enough to write the ultimate exposé?

    Migration Event is the third book in the thrilling Jordan Reed mystery series. If you like powerful female protagonists, threats around every corner, and unexpected twists, then you’ll love K.C. Gillis’s edge-of-your-seat tale.

    Buy Migration Event to flock towards a sinister conspiracy today! 

    About the Author:

    K.C. (Kevin) Gillis is the author of the Jordan Reed mystery series. Despite being a lifelong lover of stories and books, writing took a distant back seat as his professional career travelled through the Canadian Air Force, a decade as a chemist, followed by a long and continuing run in corporate America. With writing no longer in the back seat (but not quite yet in the front seat), Kevin now has the Jordan Reed series well underway. His personal interests focus on endurance and water sports. Having grown up in the Canadian Maritimes, he now lives in the US northeast.

    Kevin can be found online at www.kcgillis.com. You can connect with Kevin on Twitter at @kcgilliswriter, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcgilliswriter, and you can email him directly at kevin@kcgillis.com..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Migration Event Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    I have loved reading the Jordan Reed mystery novels and was eagerly awaiting to read her latest adventure in “Migration Event.” Secrets, manipulations, and illegal dealings made Migration Event a compelling addition to the series, and I could not put it down.

    In her latest adventure, Jordan finds herself amidst a new mystery (Frankie as her source) and investigating Arthur Driscoll and Solarion. In the true fashion of these books, Jordan explores the characters and finds herself in danger in the second half. I loved this book because we got a new addition, Maggie, a marine biologist, with Jordan. I loved Maggie and was impressed with her investigation skills. Frankly, I feel she should have her spinoff series.

    The villains were also dynamic and complex, giving Jordan and Maggie a run for their money. Personally, Sonya was my favorite. While Ryan fumbles and doesn’t cover his tracks well, Sonya calculated and thoroughly did her homework. One of my favorite moments was when Jordan meets Arthur, and Arthur later finds out what Jordan did to GenPhage. Jordan is charismatic as always, and I also enjoyed the camaraderie she shared with Tom. Some memorable moments are when Jordan goes to Solarion or takes a trip with Maggie to Nelson Island.

    Moreover, I loved the details and the research the author put into the story. I was intrigued reading about the effects of Cadmium and the natural trivia the author includes about the dowitchers. The only downside to the book is that I missed some of the characters from the earlier books, like Travis.

    Overall, I love the Jordan Reed series and hope the author writes many more of this figure.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Migration Event

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Migration Event (Jordan Reed #3) by K.C. Gillis Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     
     

     

  • Lake Effect by K.C. Gillis

    Lake Effect by K.C. Gillis

    Lake Effect

    Lake Effect by K.C. Gillis

    Release: May 26th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Chesterfield Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US , Audible

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    Mysterious marina accidents. Destroyed evidence. Can a tenacious reporter decipher the twisted clues at a small-town lake?

    Jordan Reed is burned out from all the attention on her previous high-profile story. But when a new lead lands in her lap, she reluctantly postpones her vacation to investigate a classic New England marina. With hundreds of dead fish washing up on Copper Lake’s otherwise pristine shores, Jordan suspects a sinister cover-up.

    But by the time she arrives on the scene, she’s surprised to discover the police chief eliminated every last carcass and seems hellbent on blocking her inquiries. And her search for the culprit takes a perilous turn when gambling kingpins descend on the city and a string of unexplained calamities plague the docks.

    Can Jordan expose the corruption, or will she be the next to go belly-up?

    Lake Effect is the second book in the fast-paced Jordan Reed mystery series. If you like steely female sleuths, gripping action, and clever twists that’ll keep you guessing, then you’ll love K.C. Gillis’s page-turning mystery.

    About the Author:

    K.C. (Kevin) Gillis is the author of the Jordan Reed mystery series. Despite being a lifelong lover of stories and books, writing took a distant back seat as his professional career travelled through the Canadian Air Force, a decade as a chemist, followed by a long and continuing run in corporate America. With writing no longer in the back seat (but not quite yet in the front seat), Kevin now has the Jordan Reed series well underway. His personal interests focus on endurance and water sports. Having grown up in the Canadian Maritimes, he now lives in the US northeast.

    Kevin can be found online at www.kcgillis.com. You can connect with Kevin on Twitter at @kcgilliswriter, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcgilliswriter, and you can email him directly at kevin@kcgillis.com..

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

     Lake Effect Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “Lake Effect” is an action-packed crime fiction mystery that turned out to be very entertaining.

    I loved reading “Toxic Deception” and was excited to read the second book in the series. This one was very engaging as well. The story takes off when Jordan enters Copper Lake to find herself wrapped in a mystery. With numerous dead fish, mystery boats with missing letters, and strange accidents taking place one after the other, Jordan soon finds that there is a bigger picture of all this.

    I liked Jordan in the lead and the way she handled the situation.
    Moreover, I enjoyed her working camaraderie with Derek. Derek also added nicely to the plot with his investigations. Similarly, even Rachel and Kasey were charming as they help Jordan with the analysis. As the author introduces us to new characters like Robbie, Alice, Nicky, and Malone, we see how intricate the story is with various subplots. I enjoyed the large cast of characters and wondered how it all fit together.

    Some scenes that stood out for me were when Brian follows Jordan, Jordan sees someone monitoring her at the bar, and when she sees the dead deer. I also admired how tech-savvy the author made the story, like using the drone as part of the investigation. Moreover, the subplot between Alice and Chris was intriguing, and I wondered what was happening there.

    Moreover, this is also the first mystery I read with the backdrop of the marina, lakes, and boats, and it gave the story a nice touch. Adding a casino family to the mix made it that much more gripping to read. The author paces the story nicely that leads to a thrilling climax.

    Overall, “Lake Effect” was a fun book, and I hope the author continues to write more.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    Migration Event

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Migration Event (Jordan Reed #3) by K.C. Gillis Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours.