“They’re Creepy and They’re
Kooky!”
“Mysterious and Spooky”
Hello My Precious! Trick or Treat!
“They’re All Together Ooky!“
I’ll give you something good to
read!
JENA’S REVIEW
Blood Alley by K.D. McNiven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Starting a new series by Author K.D. McNiven!
Brock Scanlin is back!
Good news readers. New Orleans Police Detective Brock Scanlin made a memorable appearance in Bermuda Conspiracy by Author McNiven. Brock caught my imagination as the older cop, somewhat jaded and cynical, trying to hide his heart. He was so popular he is now the lead character in this new series, set in New Orleans. (And he looks great on the cover!)
New Orleans oozes its own secret vibe and Det. Scanlin knows his city all too well. As part of the NOPD, he needs lots of coffee to function, and although he tries to hide it, he needs someone to care about, too. The crime, the murders, the victims- each one has added to the callus on his soul. In Blood Alley, he is confronted by evil so revolting and unfathomable that it almost breaks him.
The crimes and their solutions make for an exciting and “must keep reading” book. Murder, poisoning and a terrible crime are all well presented. I don’t want to reveal any of the specifics- I want you to savor them. Instead, as this is a character-driven book filled with fascinating characters, let’s look at them.
Detective Scanlin is more of an old school cop. Yes, he knows about DNA evidence, but he’s the guy who interviews all the witness and follows up on all the details. He’s brave and caring, but he also has weaknesses and darkness within him. He loves his adult daughter Kari, and her daughter, Nikki. Kari is the kind of daughter who invites him over to family meals, so she can get some “greens” into him. Turns out, she has a big surprise for him.
We meet some of the police force. Det. Brodsky is Brock’s partner- a bit more modern, but just as dedicated as Brock. Special FBI Agent and profiler Alex Foret is another surprise in the book, and a pleasant one for Det. Brodsky. And will we be seeing more of police administrator Wanda ‘Bright Spot’ Garber? Det. Scanlin like his beignets but I suspect he likes Wanda, too.
This crime thriller features exciting police work, excellent characters, and wonderful writing. You will see, hear and feel “The Big Easy.” I highlighted so many descriptions. Here is one, “Branches draped over the homes like arms of the past wrapped around them.”
Blood Alley is a well-paced and well-written book and an enticing introduction to what I hope will be a long series. Yes, it’s called Blood Alley and horrible crimes are committed but the descriptions are not gory. Thanks to the author for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Hearth Fires by Bibiana Krall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Are you ready to encounter the supernatural, the mystical and magical? Do you sense the moody and evocative cover of Hearth Fires beckoning you? Well-known and talented authors Bibiana Krall and Veronica Cline Barton have placed their hands on the planchette of their Ouija Board and have asked the Spirits to speak to us through this collection.
I suggest you read these six original stories as if you are part of one of my favorite scenes in the book- two friends, sipping Scotch, (perhaps not absinthe) sharing tales by the warm fire that occasionally sputters and spurts. Watch out!
The Ouija or “spirit board” is the theme that ties each story together and the Ouija Board appears in different and clever ways in each story. It is intriguing and fun to see how it shows up and what its effects are.
“The board is not a game. The board is for those who need to listen. It whispers to those who are troubled and carries away the pain.”
Each story takes place in a different locale and the mood, culture and ambiance of each story come alive. Are you brave enough to travel to the Deep South and then to Savannah, places known for their pain and ghostly shadows? How about Salem, Massachusetts where the aura of witches abounds or the shadowy Northwest? Have you always wanted to travel to Scotland or Paris- be careful!
Each story is just the right length. Gentle humor and wit are paired with troubling events and then the tension mounts. Each character is memorable and shows the accent, culture and attitude of the place. What happens when their vivid personalities and dreams of success and relationships face peril and betrayal?
“Old age is the ravage of time, the l’oiseau that one days simply stops singing its song.”
Did I have a favorite story- hard to choose! But I do know that this is just the book you need when the wind and rustling leaves beckon you to meet the shadows as the nights grow longer and colder. Hearth Fires is subtitled The Haunted Book 1, so I hope Book 2 will be coming soon!
Thanks to the authors for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review.
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If a friend ever asks you, “Why do you read Cozy Mysteries?”- hand them this book! They will love this read and be hooked! HAUNTING ME (Haunting Me Series Book 1) features two enchanting and likeable characters. Phoebe, her Mom calls her Jitterbug, is smart, perky, cute and is a friendly and loyal gal.
When the story begins, Phoebe is pursuing her dream attorney job, and dream boyfriend, although both her goals are derailed by a runaway hot dog cart. As a result of her accident with the cart, Phoebe meets Edie, the second wonderful character in this book. Edie is an older society lady, but plenty of mystery surrounds her- mainly because Edie is a ghost, and a ghost with legal issues. You will bond with these two characters and root for them as they do their best to solve Edie’s problems. You will want to be best friends with Phoebe and Edie.
There are many twists and turns- a wedding, and an estate sale were among the many well-written and hilarious scenes. Add in the cast of Phoebe’s friends and relatives, their well-styled clothes and delectable food, plus a secret staircase, and you will not be able to put this fast paced story down. This is a fresh and contemporary mystery that will leave you feeling entertained.
You will be happy that the ending turns out as it does. Some of the solution was predictable, but in a good way- you will be rooting for the characters and want things to turn out as they did. But don’t worry- there are some twists and turns in the plot. And the best part of the ending- the phrase, “To be continued.”
Ghouls’ Night Out by Amy M. Reade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ghouls’ Night Out, Book 4 in the Juniper Junction Holiday Mystery series, is a yummy treat by USA Today bestselling author Amy M. Reade. I’m sorry I missed the first 3 books in the series, all of which have clever titles, too. However, I bonded with main character Lilly and her friends and family just fine- I even went to a neighborhood Hallowe’en block party with them!
What makes a good cozy mystery? The main character! Lilly owns a jewelry story. Lilly is also a delightful amateur sleuth. She solves crimes just by being a good and loving friend. Her pleasant and competent nature work to her advantage in this story- one of the “bad guys” even confesses to her!
Lily has many problems, and walks with her doggie Barney help her to sort things out. Her mother’s dementia is progressing, her brother and his girlfriend are rubbing each other the wrong way, her daughter is not acclimating to college and her boyfriend Hassan has problems with his next door neighbor Michelle. When Michelle becomes body #1, Hassan is the prime suspect. Is a hate crime part of the equation that Lilly must solve?
What else does a cozy mystery need? Well, a charming small town, of course. And Juniper Junction, Colorado, is about as cozy and picturesque as they come. Hobbies are another part of cozy mysteries and good cooking is a special part of this book. Be sure to look for the tasty recipes at the end of the book.
Finally, we all love an intriguing mystery and Author Reade is an engaging storyteller. She writes with a clear voice that moves the mystery at a “I must keep reading” pace. Happy Halloween and have spooky fun with this book.
Wheels Up—A Novel of Drugs, Cartels and Survival by Jeanine Kitchel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, those Sinaloa cartels! So terrible, yet so tantalizing. The United States Intelligence Community considers the Sinaloa Cartel “the most powerful drug trafficking organization in the world”. Wheels Up introduces the newest cartel head, Layla Navarro, heroine and star of this fast-paced crime thriller.
She’s a beautiful woman. It may be tough to be a woman in Mexico, but Layla is here and ready to take over the cartel after her uncle is imprisoned. From cartel accountant to mariachi singer to assassin- she’s all in and holding her own. Until everything goes sideways.
“Wheels Up” refers to the time or point when a plan or operation is executed. And Layal is ready to do what needs to be done to rectify a terrible wrong. Layal has taken a personal oath, “The woman is coming.” This guides her through terrifying ordeals in Mexico, Guatemala, and ultimately Cancun.
The author takes her personal knowledge of the Yucatan Peninsula to bring this story of drugs, human trafficking and adventure to life. The food, culture, and scenery are all as lively as the characters.
From the gorgeous cover to the exciting ending, this is a good read! Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for a review copy. This is my honest review.
Volga Black by Bibiana Krall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Author Bibiana Krall describes her latest book, or novelette, as “unique, edgy and sometimes bizarre.” I would categorize this book as “speculative fiction”, which encompasses genres with certain elements that do not exist in the real world, such as supernatural, or other imaginative themes. I applaud Author Krall for letting loose her tremendous writing skill as she explores dark and mystical themes. She opens her readers up to thoughts and worlds that they may not have been brave enough to imagine on their own.
Volga Black blends history, folklore and the occult in this story of Tania, a young American woman trying to explore and live in Warsaw, Poland. She is sensitive to the history of Poland- the trauma of World War II and other wars and atrocities. She’s been wild as she explores the party scene in the Paradise Beach area, but there is a part of her that is searching for much more. One night, a black Volga car emerges from the depths near the beach where she is dancing, and the supernatural power that it brings begins to haunt Tania. She is drawn to the cathedral of St. Florian, which is well described.
What is this dark entity? Do we all have a dark entity? Do we see our world as a dark entity? That is the power of this book and its unusual themes- it gives the readers quite a thrilling ride and it also provokes some deep feelings. Are you brave enough to read it? Enjoy!
Secrets of a Serial Killer by Rosie Walker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I commenced reading this crime thriller on an early evening in June. I relaxed on my deck with my ereader, enjoying the fading sun and calls of birds as the day ended with a glowing sunset. I began this crime thriller with interest and anticipation, even though I am a big scaredy-cat, The story is shared by many characters, and I enjoyed getting to know Zoe, a teenage girl, who is sometimes delightful, and sometimes impatient, especially with her parents. Helen is Zoe’s mom, a busy, weary divorcee. A sweet young boy named Thomas who is almost finished with his early years of trust and innocence and his slightly more worldly cousin, Maggie, rounded out my favorite characters.
And then there is Him. By the time I met Him, the light outside had faded to deep shadows and the wind had picked up as it escorted dark clouds. Time to go inside. The book had begun to unnerve me and a bolt of lighting startled me. I rushed in, and settled in my “reading chair” and continued with the story, which was revealing some eerie knowledge about the almost 100 year of lineage of serial killers in the Lancaster area. As the storm grew more fierce, I “entered” the world of the dilapidated and abandon Lunatic Asylum.
And then the lights went out and I was alone in the creepy basement where psychopaths shuffled through the shadows. Is the serial killer(s) responsible for the deaths of so many young teenage girls? The book terrified me, and the real life storm was savage. I stumbled in the dark to my bed, but I couldn’t stop reading. Please don’t let them die!
Yes, perhaps not the book for me to read on a stormy night- or maybe it was! I finished it that night, hidden under the covers. The author’s marvelous details and descriptions and her care in creating relatable characters made for the best stormy-night read. I highly recommend this book.
Thanks to Net Galley and HarperCollins UK One More Chapter for an advance digital review copy. This is my honest review
Whacked by Witches: Witch Itch Cozy Mystery – Book 3 by CeCe Osgood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Is magick real? It must be because Author CeCe Osgood certainly has the potion for creating potent spells, I mean books! I was bewitched by the delightful heroine Abby Little in the first book of the series, Doomed by Desserts. I eagerly followed her adventures in the second book, and now we have the fun of the third book in the series.
Abby learned she was a witch, or specifically a beginner Enchanter in the first book. She, and her teenage daughter Jill, left their small bakery and moved to Moon Water, Oregon in the second book. Moon Water is not the typical mountain town because some of the friendly town folk are also Enchanters.
What’s it like being a novice Enchanter? Well, Abby has her own familiar, Busby. He first revealed himself to Abby as a book, but now he appears as a cat. He can talk, he has a pushy personality and he tries to help Abby learn the ropes so she can advance through the Enchanter levels. Abby also is learning to drive her own broomstick, and she enjoys zooming through the night sky under the stars.
Then one day, out for an early morning bird walk, Abby and her neighbor find a body. Abby meets with the handsome sheriff and decides the death was accidental. But was it? Abby learns that several people in town could be suspects. Then things get even worse when the magickal world gets involved. Is Dim Fever spreading through Moon Water? Who are the Dark Flyers? Will Abby find the right hex, potion, or solution?
The cozy mystery will be resolved to our satisfaction, but the best part of the book is reading about Abby and her attempts to deal with the world of magick. There’s another best part to the book, too- when we learn about the sheriff’s surprise. (and there’s a cute bird, too!)
I know you will enjoy this entertaining mystery with its fun characters, charming bits of magick and Author Osgood’s humor.
Thanks to the author for a review copy. This is my honest review.
The Body in Belair Park by Alice Castle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had the best time reading Book #6 (!) in The London Murder Mysteries Book series. This book, like the preceding five has an alliterative title. This time it’s “The Body in Belair Park”. I saw that a reviewer described the series as “Hygge-style”. Hygge-style means cozy, charming or special. Yes, this series is billed as a cozy mystery series, but there’s much more going on with that…which I will reveal later, as this review has turned in to my own personal cozy mystery (within a review for a cozy mystery).
Book 6 begins with intrepid heroine Beth Haldane, “SE21’s answer to Miss Marple”, shopping for school shoes for her beloved son Ben, in a crowded department store. Ben will be starting at the prestigious Wyatt’s school the next day. Further headlines in Beth’s life: She has a rescue dog, cat, a friend, a frenemy, an appealing Metropolitan police officer boyfriend, an interesting job as an archivist, plus varied insecurities and worries. We tag along with Beth as she mopes through her days. Until one morning when Beth’s phone rings with “Bridge Over Trouble Water”- the ringtone for her mother…and a new mystery must be solved, involving a death at a duplicate bridge game.
For me, the mystery part of the book was merely one card in a hand filled with so much sparkling and creative writing. The metaphors, similes, puns are so droll and witty. Favorite examples:
“Between them, more weeds burst out exuberantly, like mischievous tufts evading a swimsuit.”
An actor had been the star of last year’s massive Netflix hit, “Blame the Drones…”
“…she drawled in an accent so American that Beth could almost taste the milkshake and fries.”
What kind of marvelous treasure is this book, and series? I asked myself. It’s not really a cozy mystery is it?
I did a bit of sleuthing and learned that on Amazon, Author Castle’s books are classified as “Literary Satire Fiction”! Aha! That explains the wondrous quirkiness of the book. I was a bit disappointed to find out that “Dulwich” really is a town in South London. I had hope that this was another clever creation by the author. FYI- “The name Dulwich is derived from “marshy meadow where dill grows”, and in 1333 had a population of 100 people.” And there really is a Belair House. For more info: http://belairhouse.co.uk
https://www.southwark.gov.uk/parks-an…
The motto of Ben’s school is “For God’s Sake” (which was my first clue that this was a special story.) And yes, For God’s Sake start reading this series. Many thanks to at Rachel’s Random Resources and the publisher for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Death in Paris: A Death in Paris Mystery by Emilia Bernhard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First in a new series…and please keep them coming! Death in Paris has been described as a cozy mystery and as a traditional mystery. But, at the start of the book, you’ll be wondering if there even is a mystery! Let me explain.
“Edgar Bowen died in his soup,” Rachel said to Magda as they sat in Rachel’s kitchen. Magda started to laugh at her friend’s news, until she realized that Rachel was shaken about the details of her former lover’s demise. Monsieur Bowen was a rich, cultured gentleman. Although no one in Paris suspected murder at all, Rachel did.
The two friends team up to solve the death, although the only thing they know about sleuthing has been gleaned from TV detective and police procedural shows. But, they are caring and perceptive, and soon they have plenty to solve.
Rachel and Magda are more sophisticated and refined than the usual cozy heroines, and they are long-time American expats living in a beautiful city, not a small village. Their world is one of charming cafes, elegant shops and department stores, and grand apartments. Yes, all marvelous to read about and I grew fond of the ladies and their friends.
The author writes in a calm and composed way, with plenty of wry and dry humor. Usually, I rush through a mystery because I am so eager to solve it, but the superbly crafted conversations and observations were a pleasure to savor and made for a satisfying read. French words and phrase are naturally placed in the conversations and lend charm to the story. There are quite a few lengthy conversations in the book, but this is a small price to pay for such a fresh and appealing story.
Readers you will smile at the ending when you find out “who did it.” Quite a nice touch.
The first book in the series takes place in the1st Arrondissement of Paris, where you will find the Louvre and Palais Royale. The plan seems to be that Rachel and Magda will visit each arrondissement in subsequent books. I’m glad there are twenty in Paris- many more good stories await! And there is one last question that Rachel didn’t answer at the end of the book- and I want to know more! Highly recommend.
Thanks to NetGalley and Thistle Publishing for an ARC.
Forms of Things Unknown by Elizabeth Ireland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I had the best time with this book, a historical fiction/fantasy book that made the history of the times so fresh and real; readers, you are there with our heroine, actress Lillian Nolan. We learn about two intense weeks in Lillian’s life as told by the 96-year-old Lillian, who is writing her memoirs. From a vantage point of about 70 years, Lillian writes with a confident, clear, factual style.
What was going on in the summer of 1876, besides the harrowing events that Lillian relates? The country was celebrating the nation’s Centennial. Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for his telephone. (Lillian’s family was split on whether this was a crazy or interesting invention.) Mark Twain and his “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” was popular, as was the new sport of baseball- already America’s favorite pastime. Chicago, where the story takes place has rebuilt after the Great Fire. Custer made his last stand at Little Big Horn and Lillian almost made her last stand as her memoirs clinically detail.
Once again, Lillian is called on to solve a mysterious death. This time, it involves a popular actress. Did the actress commit suicide or accidentally fall from her hotel window in downtown Chicago? When danger comes to Lillian, thankfully she has friends to help her, plus a guide from the spirit world, a 16th century gentleman.
The author has populated this book, the third in the series, with plenty of interesting characters and fascinating scenes of the theater and life in Chicago. Each chapter stars with a quote by Shakespeare, which adds to the mystery clues. This book was readable and entertaining as a stand-alone. Enjoy Lillian’s world!
Thanks to the author and Rachel’s Random Resources for a digital review copy. This is my honest review.
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