My Book Reviews

Category: Crime Fiction

  • Toxic Deception by K.C. Gillis

    Toxic Deception by K.C. Gillis

    Toxic Deception

    Toxic Deception: A Jordan Reed Mystery by K.C. Gillis

    Release: February 6th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Chesterfield Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    Strange symptoms. Bloody secrets. Can one reporter solve a medical mystery before she ends up in a body bag?

    Jordan Reed put her world on hold to hunt down corruption. So when the gutsy journalist gets tipped off about blood money changing hands at a pharmaceutical factory, she dives into the story. With an otherwise healthy worker dropping dead of multiple organ failure, Jordan suspects something far more sinister than a simple accident…

    Daring to go up against big pharma, she gains an ally on the inside and recruits two friends to join the investigation. But after a string of false leads and tight-lipped witnesses, she ties her case to disturbingly similar evidence in a medical trial on the other side of the globe. And if she doesn’t expose the lethal conspiracy soon, Jordan is terrified she and her team could be the next victims of the lethal cover-up.

    Can Jordan take down a greedy corporation before they sacrifice more lives in the drive for profit?

    Toxic Deception is the first book in the gripping Jordan Reed thriller series. If you like tenacious heroines, underdog stories, and edge-of-your-seat action, then you’ll love K.C. Gillis’s page-turning tale.

    Buy Toxic Deception to unravel a contagious mystery 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

    Toxic Deception Review:

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    “Toxic Deception” is an excellent start to the Jordan Reed Mystery series, and it did not disappoint.

    I adored Jordan and felt the author wrote her well. What I liked about Jordan’s character is how down to Earth she comes across. She is not a superhero or someone who has a special gift or ability to solve crimes. She is inquisitive, tries her best, and makes mistakes along the process. For instance, I liked how she realizes when she goofed up on Neil finding out but tries to backtrack and see where she went wrong. Moreover, I enjoyed how the author balanced the mystery with Jordan’s personal life. Jordan has a history with both Charlie and Travis, and it was entertaining to see the scenes where they fight for her.

    Moreover, I also liked the thrilling plot around GenPhage. The author starts off the mystery as a simple story on what happened to Eric Smith. But as Jordan starts investigating, you see how big the scheme encompasses. It was exciting to see how Jordan and Neil face off each other. Interestingly, Neil uses Carter and his money to plan on Jordan, but Jordan uses her regular resources to up his game. I was also surprised to see how Jordan and Neil connected in other ways.

    However, I wish the ending had been grand. For all the buildup the author does, I felt like the climax resolved pretty quickly. It would have been nice if the author had added more exciting moments towards the end.

    Apart from that, I enjoyed the story and thought it was a great start to the Jordan Reed Mystery series. I would love to read the future installments of the series because of Jordan Reed..

    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. 

     
     

     

  • Blood Trail by Tony Park

    Blood Trail by Tony Park

    Blood Trail

    Blood Trail by Tony Park

    Release:1st July 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Ingwe Publishing
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon US, Amazon UK

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    Evil is at play in a South African game reserve.

    A poacher vanishes into thin air, defying logic, and baffling ace tracker Mia Greenaway.

    Meanwhile Captain Sannie van Rensburg, still reeling from a personal tragedy, is investigating the disappearance and possible abduction of two young girls for use in sinister traditional medicine practices.

    But poachers are also employing witchcraft, paying healers for potions they believe will make them invisible and bulletproof.

    When a tourist goes missing, Mia and Sannie must work together to confront their own demons which challenges everything they believe in . All these while following a bloody trail that seems to vanish at every turn.

    About the Author:

    Tony Park is the author of 19 bestselling thriller novels set in Africa and six non fiction biographies.

    He had worked as a reporter, a press secretary, a PR consultant and a freelance writer. He also served 34  years in the Australian Army Reserve, including six months in Afghanistan in 2002.  

    Tony and his wife, Nicola, divide their time between Sydney and southern Africa.  They own a home on the border of the Kruger National Park. Tony’s 18th novel, Last Survivor went to number one in adult fiction in South Africa.

     

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    Blood Trail Review:

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    Be prepared to dive into a world of nature, poachers, magic, and wildlife when you read “Blood Trail.”

    Firstly, I applaud the author for making the story feel current by including the effects of the pandemic into the storyline. The author realistically portrays how the pandemic and full lockdown impacted such businesses in South African reserves.

    Both Captain Sannie and Mia (and Bongani) stood out in the tale. I liked how contrasting the author made the storylines between the two characters. I enjoyed Sannie’s storyline as she interviews people to find the missing girl logically. At the same time, Mia’s storyline with Bongani was action-packed with thrilling moments. However, my heart went out to Sannie because of her backstory and hardships with her family. The author also adds a level of mystery as to how the mystery man suddenly vanished. I was intrigued by the unknown, and some scenes shocked me, like finding the skull or exploding the schoolhouse. Even the supporting cast like Jeff, Graham, Foster, and Oscar added well.

    Moreover, the author also paced the story nicely, and I never found a dull moment. The author immediately spices the plot right at the beginning when we hear the gunshot and a girl, Lilly, goes missing. Memorable scenes when Sannie interviews Nomvula and Sonto about Lilly’s whereabouts. There are also some exciting moments, like when Mia tries to escape the man with the gun,

    Another reason why I enjoyed the tale is that how intricate the plot felt. Once you realize what is happening, you admire the complexity of how the events took place. There are also some shocking deaths that I did not anticipate that lead to a gripping climax.

    Overall, if you are looking for an exotic crime mystery set in South Africa, read “Blood Trail”!

    Book Tour Schedule

    Blood Trail

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Blood Trail by Tony Park Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

     

  • Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi

    Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi

    Shadow Shinjuku

    Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi

    Release: July 23rd 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Purple Crow Press
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon US, Kindle, Amazon UK __

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    The streets of Tokyo are different at night. There is darkness behind the glitter and the neon lights, and people who prefer to stay in the shadows, to dwell in the underworld – whores, gangsters, the homeless, the lost. People like Sato. He’s part of this world, he always has been, but a feeling of change is lingering in the heavy air of the bustling city. A feeling brought to life by fateful encounters of solitary souls.

    Shadow Shinjuku is a dark, yet magical journey into the depths of Tokyo’s nightlife and the depths of the human soul. Ryu Takeshi’s first novel is both a noir crime thriller and urban fantasy. It’s a unique and mesmerizing blend of the imagery of Japanese animation and film, the colors and details of street photography, and the mystical lyricism of soulful music. But above everything, it is a gripping story that doesn’t let go. 

    About the Author:

    Ryu loves to write. It’s a way for him to find and explore new worlds, both inner ones and those way outside. And this process is spontaneous and instinctive, his stories born out of a single image, following a path Ryu himself never fully understands – not its origin, nor its end -, immersed in the magic of the moment, and the magic of everything that surrounds us, the visible and the invisible.

    Ryu is a daydreamer, a believer in the magic of humanity, a friend to all the mystical creatures of the night, and a sucker for the visual beauty of anime. But above all else, Ryu is just a human being, like yourself.

    Ryu was born in 1983, has a beautiful wife, a funny little dog, and a lovely daughter. He adores sumo, practices traditional kenjutsu, sometimes plays basketball (Go Denver Nuggets!), relaxes playing video games, watching anime and reading books. Oh, and he loves to eat! But who doesn’t…

    Website | Twitter | Facebook| Instagram | Goodreads

    Shadow Shinjuku Review:

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    Secret scrolls, duels, and a mystical world make “Shadow Shinjuku” a memorable read!

    Let me preface by saying that I didn’t even know what Shinjuku was until I read the book. Moreover, the first thing that impressed me about the book was the Tokyo setting. I don’t get to read many books set in the city, and I enjoyed how the author brought the story and the characters to life. The author introduced terms like tatami and places like Roppongi and Azabu, making the story feel authentic. The story gets fascinating as Sato meets the strange man and experiences something unlike anything before. The author has a beautiful writing style where introduces magical and fantasy elements into the storyline.

    The author also adds some side stories like Miyako-san, which Kobayashi-san tells Sato that entertained me. Some of the memorable moments of the story involved the duel with Ryuji or when he has a conversation with Ren where they talk about being responsible for their actions. What’s nice is how the author connects you to the character’s emotions, even though the story has fantasy elements.

    The supporting characters are also dynamic. Kobayashi-san made me uncomfortable with how powerful he was. Similarly, Kei was hilarious and one of my favorite supporting characters. Similarly, even Ren was dynamic, and I loved the moments where they spent near the pond. There were also thrilling moments like when he learns about the hostage situation, when he hears Kiki scream, or when they visit Captain Jack.

    Furthermore, the author also ends the story with an action-packed climax and a surprising end. Overall, “Shadow Shinjuku” is a highly addictive novel to read, and you wouldn’t be able to put it down once you start! Now I feel like spending time watching the movie Gallipoli.

     

    Book Tour Schedule

    Shadow Shinjuku

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Shadow Shinjuku by Ryu Takeshi Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

     

  • As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

    As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

    As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

    Release: September 28th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Delacorte Press
    Source: TBR and BeyondTours
    Find it at: Goodreads , Amazon , Barnes & Noble , Book Depository , IndieBound , Indigo

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    The highly anticipated, edge-of-your-seat conclusion to the addictive A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series that reads like your favorite true crime podcast or show. By the end, you’ll never think the same of good girls again.

    Pip’s good girl days are long behind her. After solving two murder cases and garnering internet fame from her crime podcast, she’s seen a lot.

    But she’s still blindsided when it starts to feel like someone is watching her. It’s small things at first. A USB stick with footage recording her and the same anonymous source always asking her: who will look for you when you’re the one who disappears? It could be a harmless fan, but her gut is telling her danger is lurking.

    When Pip starts to find connections between her possible stalker and a local serial killer, Pip knows that there is only one choice: find the person threatening her town including herself–or be as good as dead. Because maybe someone has been watching her all along…

    About the Author:

    Lorem IpsuHolly Jackson started writing stories at a young age, completing her first (poor) attempt at a novel when she was fifteen. She graduated from the University of Nottingham, where she studied literary linguistics and creative writing, with a master’s degree in English. Jackson enjoys playing video games and watching true-crime documentaries so she can pretend to be a detective. She lives in London. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is her debut novel.

    Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    As Good As Dead Review:

    I have not read the previous two books, but I want to see how it started after reading “As Good as Dead.”

    This book was so atmospheric and creepy. Right from the getgo, you get a feeling of foreboding as Pip starts to get the messages about disappearing. The author paces the story wonderfully as it progresses, especially when you cannot put it down in the second half. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering what Pip would do. Considering that she is fascinated with true crime, it was a delight to see how intricate she sets her plans. The story becomes a cat and mouse game where you wonder if Pip has committed the perfect crime or not and will get away with it. Some scenes are intense, like the scenes between Pip and Jason and when she sees Max coming to the door. Even small moments like when Pip sees the pigeon with no head disturbed me.

    Moreover, I loved the main leads. Pip is dynamic as she tries to cover up for what she did. The author describes her feelings wonderfully as she wonders how her actions will impact her friends and family. Moreover, I loved the bond that she shared with Ravi. Ravi is pretty much the perfect boyfriend, and I loved how he stood by Pip no matter what she did. I also enjoyed Detective Hawkins and thought he spice the story.

    I wish I had read this series in order because I felt like I would have enjoyed the book even more. Overall, “As Good As Dead” is a thrilling conclusion to the series. I already bought the previous books and am excited to see all the events before this one.

    Book Tour Schedule

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson Blog Tour hosted by TBR and BeyondTours. 

    Kait Plus Books-Journal Spread
    Devouring Books-Promo Post
    I’m All Booked Up-Review & Top 5 Reasons to Read As Good As Dead
    lousbookstuff-Review & Favourite Quotes

    September 28th
    Confessions of a YA Reader-Review
    Books of Amber-Review & Playlist
    Books of Magic and Mystery-15 Reactions While Reading As Good As Dead & Mood Board

    September 29th
    HerBookishObsession-Review
    TeaTimeLit-Review
    The Blind Scribe-Book Look & Top 5 Reasons to Read As Good As Dead
    Reading With Teresa-Review

    September 30th
    Nine Bookish Lives-Promo Post
    Books and Strokes-Review, Favourite Quotes & Mood Board
    SubtleBookish-Review & Journal Spread
    Books Are Magic Too-Review

    October 1st
    Jen Jen Reviews-Review
    Abby’s Blog-Review & Favourite Quotes
    Rajiv’s Reviews-Review
    Bookz Forever-Review & Top 5 Reasons to Read As Good As Dead

    October 2nd
    dinipandareads-Review & Journal Spread
    The BookDutchesses -Review & TikTok
    The Broke Book Blog-Top 5 Reasons to Read As Good As Dead

    October 3rd
    Stuck in Fiction-Promo Post
    The Portuguese Bibliophile -Review & Mood Board
    The Reading Raccoon-Review
    Page by Paige Books-Review & Mood Board

  • Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase

    Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase

    Pretty Broken Dolls

    Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase

    Release: August 5th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Bookouture
    Source: Pumpupyour Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible __

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    In the thin light of the moon, the woman’s limp body hangs from the iron fence amongst the redwoods. Looped over the railings is the little gold locket her mother gave her when she turned sixteen. The picture of the girl inside smiles out at a future she’ll never see…

    As day breaks over the fairground, Detective Katie Scott forces herself to take in another disturbing scene in front of her. A woman, the same age as her, found slumped in the carriage of the Ferris wheel, red lipstick dragged across her lips, her throat cut.

    Katie doesn’t want to believe that the serial killer picking off women across the state has found their way to the small town of Pine Valley, California, but when her team finds a gold engagement ring hanging nearby, it’s a terrifying, but undeniable fact.

    With a twisted killer on her doorstep, Katie knows if she doesn’t act fast, she’ll find more women left out in the cold like broken dolls. Her team hit dead end after dead end, but only she can see the vital link between the victims: a connection with Katie herself.

    Katie has spent years pushing traumatic memories of her years in the military far out of reach, but she must confront them now or more innocent women will die. But as the killer circles closer and closer to Katie, what if the only answer is to give him what he wants? There must be another way… 

    About the Author:

    Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today BestSelling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. Besides, Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree in police forensics and a master’s degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.  She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. 

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

    Pretty Broken Dolls Review:

    If I see a Ferris Wheel over the next few days, I will surely remember the gripping crime fiction novel “Pretty Broken Dolls.”

    I didn’t know this book was the sixth one in the series. Even though I have not read the previous five books, I had no trouble reading this as a standalone. Katie is good in the lead as she and her partner McGaven try to find a possible serial killer whose victims appear like broken dolls. The author writes crime fiction nicely, and it was interesting to see how Katie started to connect the clues. The author adds potential suspects and suspicious people like Agent Campbell, who just gave me the creeps.

    Moreover, I enjoyed how Katie analyses the situation and studies all areas before making her next move. I also liked how the author merged Katie’s background in the military and how it could connect her to the murderer. Some scenes shocked me, like when Katie sees the Bamboo or the message about her friend Lizzie. The climax to the end was exciting, and I could not put it down. The author also gives good background towards K9 training, which I found fascinating. On a side note, I also adored Cisco.

    However, there were some scenes that I felt the author could have trimmed. Even though I liked the author’s moments to Katie, like how she misses Chad, few parts felt redundant. Frankly, I would have wanted to see her spend more time with her adorable Uncle.

    Overall, “Pretty Broken Dolls” is a thrilling crime fiction novel. Even if you have not read the previous books, you will still enjoy it if you enjoy reading the genre.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Pretty Broken Dolls

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase Blog Tour hosted by Pumpupyour Book Tours. 

    September 2021

    Friday, September 10 – Don’t Judge, Read: Tour Stop: Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase – Excerpt – Review! 
    Monday, September 13 – Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase – B for Bookreview
    Wednesday, September 15 – Book Tour Featuring *Pretty Broken Dolls* by Jennifer Chase – I’m All About Books 
    Thursday, September 16 – All the Ups and Downs: Guest Post: Virtual Book Tour: Pretty Broken Dolls (Detective Katie Scott #6) by Jennifer Chase 
    Monday, September 20 – Book Excerpt: Pretty Broken Dolls by Jennifer Chase | The Dark Phantom Review 
    Wednesday, September 22 – Hooked From Page One: ✍The First Page: PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS by Jennifer Chase
    Friday, September 24 – PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS: DETECTIVE KATIE SCOTT SERIES #6 – Review – Sefina Hawke’s Books 
    Monday, September 27 – 🔥 Hot New Crime Thriller! PRETTY BROKEN DOLLS by Jennifer Chase – The Writer’s Life eMagazine
    Tuesday, September 28 – Book Review at Rajiv’s Reviews
    Wednesday, September 29 – Book Review & Guest Blogging at Totally Addicted to Reading
    Book Feature at A Hippie’s Bookshelf
    Book Review at Books for Books
    Thursday, September 30 – Character Interview at The Literary Nook

    October 2021

    Monday, October 4 – Book Review at amandainpa
    Tuesday, October 5 – Book Feature Highlight at The Book Rack
    Wednesday, October 6 – Interview at As the Page Turns
    Thursday, October 7 – Guest Blogging at Jazzy Book Reviews
    Monday, October 11 – Guest Blogging at Blogging Authors
    Tuesday, October 12 – Book Feature at I’m All About Books
    Wednesday, October 13 – Book Review at Booking with Janelle
    Thursday, October 14 – Book Feature Highlight at Books + Coffee = Happiness
    Monday, October 18 – Book Trailer Feature Highlight at Book Bloggin’ Princess
    Tuesday, October 19 – Book Review at The Faerie Review
    Wednesday, October 20 – Book Feature Highlight at Nuttin’ But Books
    Thursday, October 21 – Book Review at I’m Just Another Reader
    Monday, October 25 – Book Teaser Highlight at PUYB Book Teasers
    Tuesday, October 26 – Book Feature Highlight at StoreyBook Reviews
    Wednesday, October 27 – Guest Blogging at Straight From the Author’s Mouth
    Friday, October 29 – Virtual Book Tour Wrap-Up at PUYB Virtual Book Club

  • Instincts by Catherine Haworth

    Instincts by Catherine Haworth

    Instincts

    Instincts by Catherine Haworth

    Release: September 17th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Crime Publishing Network
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Crime Publishing Network

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    They say the devil’s in the details… And I say, I most certainly am. 

    After a near miss with a serial killer on a night out with her best friend Holly, Fae Wright found herself with a starring role in Holly’s subsequent bestselling memoir.

    Now the Metropolitan Police has  unexpectedly hired Fae  to help solve the unsolvable. A string of murders across England are linked but what is the common thread?

    With bodies piling up and constantly more questions than answers, Fae strives to connect the dots. Holly wrote all about Fae’s psychic instincts, so maybe she really does have the best chance of catching the killer. 

    But someone is watching Fae very closely, and there may be more to this than Fae could ever have imagined…

    About the Author:

    Catherine Haworth is a qualified solicitor but has always dreamed of being an author.

    After completing her Law courses in Manchester, Catherine studied English Literature before then going on to qualify as a solicitor. Although she specialises in Intellectual Property Law, she has always maintained an interest in the criminal which has seeped into her fiction writing. She has lived in multiple places around England but has settled in Derbyshire where she lives with her husband.

    You can connect with her on Twitter and Instagram

    Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

    Instincts Review:

    “Instincts” is a well-written crime fiction novel with an interesting main character, and I enjoyed reading this one.

    The author wrote most of the characters realistically. I enjoyed the dynamics between Fae, Holly, and Ymogen. Moreover, this is one of the rare books where I liked the supporting characters like Ymogen and Marsden more than the main character. I loved Marsden’s personality and how he focuses on finding the killer and doesn’t let his personal feelings get in the way. Fae also has nuances that I felt the author portrayed nicely, especially when Fae wonders if she can live up to people’s expectations to solve the murder after reading Holly’s books. I was curious to see how she would be able to profile the killer from scratch.

    Moreover, I enjoyed how the author switched perspectives and also gave the killer their dialogues. I loved the paragraphs where we see what the killer is thinking and plan their next move. The author also connects creatively with the killer when someone from Fae’s past gets on the killer’s target list.

    However, while I enjoyed the story, I wondered if this book is part of a series that I might have been catching up on? I often felt a previous book to Holly and Fae’s storyline and few references that I could not comprehend. Also, there were moments where I disagreed with Fae’s thought process. In one scene, she seems glad that there are more murders because that would help her catch the killer faster. Such parts made me hard to like her.

    Overall, “Instincts ” is an intriguing crime fiction novel because of the characters and worth checking out.

    Book Tour Schedule

    Instincts

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Instincts by Catherine Haworth  Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

     

  • The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCreary

    The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCreary

    The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon

    The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCreary

    Release: September 7th 2021
    Format: Paperback
    Publisher: CamCat Books
    Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N

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    In a family like that, you won’t need enemies.

    In the waning days of the Catskills hotel era, Stanley and Rachel Roth, the owners of The Cuttman Hotel, were practically dynasty—third generation proprietors of a sprawling resort with a grand reputation. The glamorous and gregarious matriarch, Rachel. The cunning and successful businessman, Stan. Four beautiful children. A perfect family deserving of respect and loyalty. Or so it seemed.

    Fast forward forty years. The Roths have lost their clout. When skeletal remains are found on the side of the road, the disappearance of Trudy Solomon, a coffee shop waitress at the Cuttman in 1978, is reopened. Each member of the Roth family holds a clue to the case, but getting them to admit what they know will force Detective Susan Ford to face a family she’d hoped never to see again. 

    About the Author:

    After graduating from George Washington University with a B.A. in American Literature and Political Science, Marcy pursued a career in the marketing field, holding executive positions in marketing communications and sales at various magazine publishing companies and content marketing agencies.

    She is blessed with two daughters and two stepdaughters living in four different cities — Los Angeles, Nashville, Madison, Seattle — which means she doesn’t see them as often as she would like (thank goodness for FaceTime and Zoom). The ocean is her happy place, so she lives at the seaside in Hull, MA and Nantucket, MA with her husband, Lew, and her black lab, Chloe.

    Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

    The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon Review:

    Click to view on Instagram

    “The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon” is a gripping mystery thriller with an exciting concept, and I was engrossed in it.

    Firstly, I love the father-daughter duo angle of the tale. Susan and her father shine in the story as they investigate Trudy’s case. They share an incredible bond, and it was nice to see how they worked together in their investigations. Moreover, the author adds elements of a classic crime fiction novel, and I liked the team with Eldridge, Ray, and Marty and how they assisted in the case. On a side note, I also liked how the author mentioned terms like palmar hyperhidrosis (sweaty hands). Speaking of Ray, I liked Susan’s chemistry with Ray and thought they made a good duo.

    Secondly, I enjoyed the direction with which the author took the tale. What starts as a simple case soon becomes a bigger picture of murders, baby abductions, and extortions. I never knew what to expect, as the author pleasantly surprises the reader with unexpected twists. I enjoyed reading the side storylines of Renee Carter and never found a dull moment. The story leads to a thrilling climax that makes it satisfying to read.

    Thirdly, I also liked how the author wrote the story and how we get snippets of Trudy’s perspective. Considering that Trudy has dementia, it was interesting to see if whatever we read accurately accounts for the events. I enjoyed the scenes that she shared with Dr. Meadows and found her snippets one of the story’s highlights.

    Overall, “The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon” is an entertaining crime fiction novel, and I hope we get to revisit the characters soon in a sequel.

    Book Tour Schedule

    The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon by Marcy McCreary Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours. 

    More Books Please Blog-Sept. 20th
    Cassie’s Book Reviews-Sept. 20th
    We Break For Books-Sept. 21st
    Rajivs Reviews-Sept. 21st
    She Just Loves Books-Sept. 21st
    ML Book Love-Sept. 24th
    My Book And Plants-Oct. 1st
    JP Broker Reads-Oct. 1st
    Jayme Reads-Oct. 1st
    Nurse Bookie-Oct. 4th
    Books Love And Understanding-Oct. 11th
    Subakka Bookstuff-Oct.13th
    Bookworm Struggles -Oct. 15th
    Cover 2 Cover Cafe-Oct. 15th
    Rozier Reads and Wine-Oct 17th
    The Mary Reader-Oct. 18th
    David L Morgan-Oct. 20th
    Geaux Get Lit-Oct. 27th

  • A Lifetime Ago by Jim Ody

    A Lifetime Ago by Jim Ody

    A Lifetime Ago (Hudson Bell Book 1) by Jim Ody

    Release: March 13th 2020
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Question Mark Press
    Source: Zooloo Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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    This is a tale about how the events of one day have such catastrophic consequences on the future.

    Hudson Bell is a consultant for the police. A former DI, he spends his days helping to find missing children.

    May and her son go on a road trip to celebrate his birthday; Robert and Nadia buy their dream house by the sea.

    But as each look to enjoy a new life, none of them can shake off what happened on that fateful day. One of them blames the others and will stop at nothing to seek revenge.

    One accident and five lives changed forever.

    About the Author:

    Jim writes dark psychological/thrillers, Horror and YA books that have endings you won’t see coming, and favours stories packed with wit.  Also, he has written over a dozen novels and many more short-stories spanning many genres.

    Besides, Jim has a very strange sense of humour and is often considered a little odd. When not writing he loves playing the drums, watching football and eating chocolate. He lives with his long-suffering wife, three beautiful children and two indignant cats in Swindon, Wiltshire UK.

    You can connect with him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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    A Lifetime Ago Review:

    “A Lifetime Ago ” is an exciting crime fiction novel surrounding the disappearance of a child and was an entertaining read.

    The highlight of the story was the two main characters, Hudson and May. I was rooting for Hudson as he tried his best to save some of the children. The author nicely added different layers to him where he looks after others but also needs self-help. The author also adds details like Sophie’s son Darren, and I was interested in seeing how Hudson would handle the case. I also adored Jez as Hudson’s friend, who also adds humor to the story.

    However, more than Hudson, May intrigued me, and I found her to be mysterious. I was hooked on the scenes when she goes with her son Luke and meets Grey. You don’t know what she is planning, which adds a sense of suspense to the storyline.

    The author tells the story in a dynamic manner where he toggles the perspective between Hudson and May. I liked this storytelling style because you got to see the events of the crime from different perspectives. The author then adds complexity by telling us the story with Robert’s side with Nadia and Jacob. I was wondering how everything would connect in the end.

    However, the only minor issue I had with the story was the lack of action from Hudson’s storyline. I would have liked it if more action and chases revolved around him to make the story thrilling. There were some exciting moments, like when he faints in front of Laura or conducts his investigation with interviews. But I would have liked it if there was more.

    Apart from that, I found “A Lifetime Ago ” to be a suspenseful slow-burn psychological crime fiction thriller.

     

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    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on  A Lifetime Ago (Hudson Bell Book 1) by Jim Ody Blog Tour hosted by Zooloo Book Tours. 

     

     

  • Dirty Little Secret by Jonathan Peace

    Dirty Little Secret by Jonathan Peace

    Dirty Little Secret

    Dirty Little Secret by Jonathan Peace

    Release: September 10th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Crime Publishing Network
    Source: Zooloos Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon UK, Amazon US

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    Ossett, West Yorkshire. March, 1987.

    A town of flower shows, Maypole parades and Sunday football games. But behind all the closed doors and drawn curtains are hidden truths and shameful lies.

    Discovering the body of a young girl dumped into a phone box at a local beauty spot, WDC Louise Miller’s first case as detective in her hometown is made harder by the sexism and misogyny of small-town policing. But her four years on the force in Manchester have prepared her for this and along with ally WPC Elizabeth Hines, the pair work the case together.

    As their inquiries uncover the town’s hidden secrets, psychologist Karla Hayes offers insights into the troubled psychological problems of the victim, revealing dark truths that could lead to the identity of the killer.

    But when a second girl goes missing, Louise realises that some secrets should stay hidden.

    Including hers.

    About the Author:

    Jonathan Peace is a husband, cat-dad and author of the WDC Louise Miller novels.​

    A Yorkshire lad at heart, Jonathan sets his novels in a fictionalised version of his hometown of Ossett during the late ’80s and ’90s. His first crime novel, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET, book one of the WDC Louise Miller series, landed him the Peter James Bursary from the Crime Writers’ Association, resulting in full membership to the CWA.

    He is currently writing the second in the series.

    DIRTY LITTLE SECRET will be published by Crime Publishing Network in September 2021 and is available now to pre-order.​

    He now lives and works out of his home in Derbyshire, where he shares his writing office with his author wife, Lucy, and their three cats.

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    Dirty Little Secret Review:

    “Dirty Little Secret” is a gripping crime fiction novel that slowly grabs on to you.

    The author takes some time to get into the mystery, but I did not mind. I enjoyed reading about Louise and the various reactions she had to deal with regarding her co-workers and being stereotyped. Louise is a charismatic character and stands out because of her self-confidence. It was interesting to see how Louise dealt with the investigation and handled working with her team.

    The mystery is also exciting and slowly grabs you. Louise and her team initially don’t know much except for the dead girl they find with her eyes sewn shut. I particularly liked Manby. He is harsh around the edges, and initially, he has trouble working with Louise. But you can see how he grows to respect her as the story progresses. I also liked the level of detail the author added to the plot. Some scenes unnerved me, especially in the beginning when Joanna sees the shadow man or when we see Alan and the gruesome image of the cat. Even characters like Craig Johnson were mysterious and creepy.

    I also liked how the author portrayed the 80s timeline, where Louise listens to cassettes in her walkman. The author paces the story wonderfully in the second half whee which leads to a gripping climax. I particularly like the storyline arc between Lindsey and Terry.

    However, I felt the author could have avoided a few details. For instance, the scene where the drunk man accuses the shopkeeper did not add much to the storyline.

    Apart from that, “Dirty Little Secret” is an entertaining crime fiction novel that I enjoyed reading.

     

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    Dirty Little Secret

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dirty Little Secret by Jonathan Peace Blog Tour hosted by Zooloos Book Tours. 

     

  • Ceremony by Paul Austin Ardoin

    Ceremony by Paul Austin Ardoin

    Ceremony

    Ceremony by Paul Austin Ardoin

    Release: August 17th 2021
    Format: Ebook
    Publisher: Pax Ardsen
    Source: RABT Book Tours
    Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

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    Dr. Kep Woodhead is a brilliant, irascible forensic toxicologist with a dark past. Bernadette Becker is a disgraced federal investigator with one last chance. They’re both assigned to a strange poisoning case: a graduate student has been found dead in a 15th-century chapel, a needle filled with a controversial hallucinogen sticking out of his arm. The priest, the professor, the piscary president, the protestor, the protégé—they all emerge as suspects to stop the victim’s research project, and soon Becker’s life is in danger. Do Becker and Woodhead have a prayer of discovering the truth before more people are killed?

    About the Author:

    Paul Austin Ardoin is the Amazon bestselling author of The Fenway Stevenson Mysteries. Book 1, THE RELUCTANT CORONER, is his debut novel. He has published short fiction and humorous essays in the anthologies Bottomfish and Sweet Fancy Moses, and non-fiction works about computer security in California Computer News and European Communications.

    Paul is a California native who put his creative writing degree to use by authoring marketing materials for computer security companies for the better part of two decades. When he’s not writing novels or trying to save the world through better computer security, Paul plays keyboards in a dance rock band. He lives in the Sacramento area with his wife, two teenagers, and a menagerie of animals.

    Join Paul’s mailing list at paulaustinardoin.com for news about new books.

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    Ceremony Review:

    “Ceremony” is an intriguing crime fiction novel with mysterious murders, injected hallucinogens set in a religious backdrop, and I liked it!

    This book was so unique for a crime fiction novel. It is not every day when you read a crime in a chapel when the Reverend is one of the suspects. I liked how the author spun the tale using his creativity, like the background of the Agios Delphi. Not only that, but the author also adds many details, like how they brief about TFM and ibogaine (which I had never heard about until I read this book).

    Bernadette shines in the lead as she works with Dr. Woohead to solve the case. While the two don’t start the best way, I liked how they eventually worked together on the investigation. I also enjoyed how the author balanced her moments as she follows up on Sophie’s life and tries to be a good mother for her.

    Moreover, I loved how many suspects there are that keep you guessing. From Cecilia Carter to Reverend Roundhouse, you have a priest, a protestor, and a professor who are all potential suspects. The author also adds some exciting moments, like Eddie’s and Curtis’s shocking scene, or the one around the missing footage, which I did not see coming. As the story progresses, the author throws in more red herrings to keep you guessing what is happening. The climax is also one that I did not see coming, which made this story even more entertaining.

    Overall, “Ceremony” is an exciting start to the “Murders of Substance” series, and I look forward to revisiting Kep and Bernadette on future cases.

     

    Ceremony

    I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Ceremony by Paul Austin Ardoin Blog Tour hosted by RABT Book Tours. 

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