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Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

Key West DeadKey West Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Key West Dead is book six in the Jake Wolfe Thriller series and can be read as a standalone. This one is probably my least favorite of the series so far, and feels rushed and not executed as well as the previous books were. It could be that I am used to Jake and Cody now, and predicting what is to come, so it could be a biased focal point for me. This time around, the duo are on a boat in the Keys with long-time girlfriend Sarah when someone decides they want to take out all the military in attendance. Cody is an ex-war dog that can do it all, and this time is no exception, and goes right to work helping Jake discover who is involved and taking down the bad guys. While we still have all of the action, danger, and over the top scenarios, the last two books have also had quite a bit of romance in it as well. This is still a good book to read, just not as interesting to me as the previous ones have been, but hopefully the next one will step back up to the plate. Anyone that is new to the Jake Wolfe Series may love this, as there is a lot to unpack in it, just like the others.

reviewed by @zoltrixes

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DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

Deadly Weapon (Jake Wolfe, #5)Deadly Weapon by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deadly Weapon is the fifth book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller series and can be read as a stand alone. Reading the previous books does help with the character development but is not necessary for the story and plot line. Action, danger, and trouble seems to follow Jake and his ex-war dog, Cody and this time is no different. Deadly Weapon focuses on something we have all recently dealt with…a global pandemic of a deadly virus. Now Jake and his beloved sidekick/dog must get to the bottom of who/what has caused the spread, and ultimately get it stopped before things get worse. I did like this one more than the previous ones as it was somewhat relatable and had a lot of issues we face going on in it. That being said, what can Jake NOT do? He has done so much in just five books, and keeps changing careers and gets his hands dirty in everything he does. I like the action and danger, but it becomes unbelievable and makes me lose the immersion that I love in a book. Still a great read and plenty of people will love this series for the fast paced craziness that always happens. I still adore Cody most of all, he is such a loyal and clever companion and always knows just what to do! I will continue the series to see what other trouble these two can get into next.

reviewed by @zoltrixes

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San Diego Dead: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 4) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

San Diego Dead (Jake Wolfe #4)San Diego Dead by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

San Diego Dead is book four in the Jake Wolfe Thriller series. As with the previous books in the series, San Diego Dead is full of action, drama, danger, and violence. Jake and Cody have returned again, and as we know, trouble is always present with these two. This time around, a dangerous cartel boss has set his sights on Jake and his loved ones and doesnt seem to be backing down any time soon. These stories are told in multiple POV, including Cody (the ex-war dog), so you get into the heads of good guys and bad guys alike. Even though I have read through this series, I do think this could be a standalone and easily followed without the previous books. Reading the entire series does give background and insight into Jake and Cody, but the excursions and things that happens becomes a bit much and unbelievable at some point. Everything that can happen, does. I do like the action and the fast paced read of this series, but wish it was more believable overall. I still say Cody is my favorite character, and is such a clever dog. I will continue to read the series to see where else Mr.Nolan can take us with these characters and how much more trouble they can find. Not a bad read at all for those that love the action and on-going troubles that follow.
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Killer Lawyer: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 3) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

Killer Lawyer (Jake Wolfe, #3)Killer Lawyer by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Killer Lawyer is book three in the Jake Wolfe Thriller series. Jake and Cody have returned for more adventures and danger, reminiscent of the previous books. This time around, Jake is a lawyer who also works in a secret agency, trying to find a killer who murders at random. The story is more complex than the previous two books, but still plenty of action and danger. As Jake gets more involved, the killer turns his sites on the main character, and his loved ones. This book is told in multiple POV so you get insight into the antics of different characters, including Cody the dog. I think my favorite part of this series is the dynamic relationship Jake and Cody have, and how they work so well together.
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Vigilante Assassin: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 2) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

Vigilante Assassin (Jake Wolfe, #2)Vigilante Assassin by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vigilante Assassin is the second book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller series. Book two returns with Jake Wolfe and his very clever dog, Cody (who may be my favorite character). Cody is extremely smart and an amazing service dog that gets in the middle of the action and wins you over quickly. Jake, an ex Marine with has seen his share of action, continues to bring more to the plate. The book starts out fast and never slows down. There is A LOT of action and scenarios that happen in this one and is more fast paced than book one, which I did enjoy. My only complaint are the scenarios are very far fetched and unbelievable. For instance, Cody alerting Jake about a man approaching with a grenade launcher…who has a grenade launcher!? I do love reading multiple POV books and seeing things from different angles and there is plenty of that to be had with this series. You even get inside the head of Cody (the dog) as well and I found that to be unique. Overall, it is a nice read if you love action and military cat and mouse style books, and would give it a try for sure.

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Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan – Review by Amanda Swindle

Dead Lawyers Don't Lie (Jake Wolfe, #1)Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Dead Lawyers Don’t Die is the first book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller set, and also the first book I have read from this author. Former marine and current photo journalist, Jake Wolfe, accidentally comes across “The Artist”, a local murderer. Now that is is involved, the inevitable and predictable game of cat and mouse begins. The story was entertaining and kept me turning the pages, but was not my favorite, as I found some instances unbelievable and pulled me from the immersion. Some things seemed a little TOO conveniently set out for the elusive murder and while his games were fun to follow, they were also a bit cliché at some points. That being said, I enjoyed the characters and their many very different personalities, and that they were well written. I especially loved Cody, a very clever dog, and you get to see some things from his perspective as well! Some dialogue was left hanging, but let’s be real, conversations can sometimes be hard to write. I did, overall, enjoy this book, and will give his other books in the series a try and see if the story continues to develop and grow on me.
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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 (Logan McKenna Series)Lost and Found: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lost and Found is the ninth book in the Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller series and can be read as a standalone, although I do recommend reading the previous books just for character development. From birds of prey in the last book, to the crabbing industry in this one, Logan gets her hands in all sorts of things. If you think life has become normal for this strong headed woman, think again….murder seems to follow Logan and this time is no exception. When the suspect turns out to be a friend, she knows she has to help prove their innocence. But, are they innocent?? Who can shee trust? If you have read any of the previous books, you know that Logan McKenna will get the answers and she will not back down until the right person is caught. But can she do that before the killer stops her? I found alot of enjoyment reading this nine book series so far, and I do hope the Logan McKenna series continues.
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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Logan McKenna is back again in book eight of the series. All of the series can be read as stand alone books, but it does help with background character building to read them all in order. The story itself is not affected by reading the books solo. In Plain Sight brings us back into Logan McKenna’s ever busy life and things seem to be going well for her. She decides to volunteer at a wildlife rescue center, helping wild birds of prey. Her life can not get any better…until a coworker is found murdered. This one is a little different. There is no evidence, or even a sign that a murder took place other than the body. Law enforcement are stumped so Logan, ofcourse, gets involved. This one may be my favorite in the series so far, I cant wait to read the next one in the Logan McKenna series.

reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Whisper Creek: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7 by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Whisper Creek (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 7)Whisper Creek by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whisper Creek is the 7th installment in the Logan McKenna series and she’s found trouble….and murder…once again. Logan has gone viral with her voilin compositions, her confidence is booming, and her long time boyfriend has finally proposed. Life is perfect. That is, until a woman no one likes turns up dead. The local law enforcement have it all figured out, except Logan is sure they have it all wrong. As always with Logan McKenna, she has to get involved and help solve the murder, and take the suspicion off of her friend. This woman is a magnet for trouble but she knows how to get out of it too. I like that we are in book seven and the story is still fresh but it IS becoming a bit predictable with her always being involved or getting a friend off. Overall, I still love the series so far.

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Lies That Bind (Logan McKenna Series Book 6) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Lies That Bind (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 6)Lies That Bind by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lies That Bind is book six in the Logan McKenna storyline. Valerie Davisson brings in different sensitive topics into her writings, and this time is no different. Trauma is sometimes passed from generation to generation, causing a multi-generational curse that is hard to break. Once again, Logan McKenna has found herself in the middle of a murder, and ofcourse she can’t keep her hands clean enough to stay out of it all. While in the middle of buying a new home, meeting her half sister, and now a murder, she really has her hands full this time. This was a great addition to the series and the characters continue to evolve and develop. Even after six books in, I am still intrigued with how Logan keeps finding trouble. Let’s see what new problems she encounters in the next one…..

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Safe Harbor: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 5 AUDIO BOOK by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5(The Logan McKenna Series)SAFE HARBOR: Logan Book 5 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Safe Harbor is book five in the Logan McKenna series and very well written crime story with a strong female lead. As always, you can read this as a standalone, but it does follow characters from previous books so extra character development and details carry over. This time around, Logan McKenna is in Oregon and if we have learned anything at all, she has a knack for finding problems. When a murder is reported, Logan finds herself being a suspect and she must prove her innocents. The author has an ability to suck us in to her characters, plots, and settings in a believable way, making this an easy read. I wonder where the next one will take us with Logan and her crew!

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VANISHING DAY (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 (Logan McKenna Series)Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Vanishing Day is book four in the Logan McKenna series and once again touches on sensitive topics. While this is a continuation in the series I do think it could be read as a standalone as well. In Vanishing Day, a Lori is trying to keep herself and her small child safe from an abusive husband. When the husband comes to try to make a bad situation worse, Logan steps in to try to help her new friend. Now, with too much information and getting involved in Lori’s dilemma, Logan is also in danger. I really liked the way this author can take a serious topic and twist it into an engaging story, bringing awareness to situations but not lecturing on them. Well done and well written.
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DEVIL’S CLAW (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Devil's Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 (Logan McKenna Series)Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devil’s Claw is the third book in the Logan McKenna series, and so far my favorite of the first three books. I am coming to find out each book focuses on a different social issue and is well presented in how it is handled. I never feel lectured or forced to see things from the author’s POV, but rather shown that the issue exists, and how to navigate through that. Devil’s claw taught me a bit about sea otters and rescue as a side educational portion to the actual storyline. The author paints vivid pictures describing her scenes and characters and the character development is believable and easy to follow. When a new sea otter rescue is presented with legal battles over who the real owner of the property is, greed and complications come out in full swing. Many people come forward as the owners, and the hostility amps up quickly. Inevitably, someone turns up murdered. With so many people involved…some with everything to lose, and everything to gain…who is the culprit? Very fast paced and edge of your seat writing style, and I liked this one the best so far. Can’t wait to check out book 4!
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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series)Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forest Park is book two in the Logan McKenna Mystery series. Logan McKenna is back and this time we see things from different perspectives and thoughts of different characters. there was not much transition from one character’s thoughts to another, but I was able to easily follow who it is we are are meant to be in the head of. I enjoyed that sensitive topics were handled well and not shoved into the reader’s faces, and was not presented in a way to come across as lecturing. While this is a continuation from book one (about 6 months after the last book), I think this could easily be read as a standalone. Their are two stories happening in Forest Park. One is dealing with a Vietnamese food truck that was bombed and the other is a homeless veteran with PTSD and it somehow works that both storylines come together smoothly. I wouldnt really say this was much of a mystery, and more of a thriller, but I still enjoyed the story and the way it was presented and I do think the writing, overall, is well done.

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Shattered: Logan Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series)Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shattered is book one in the Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller series and my first read from this author. Logan’s life is falling apart around her. She has lost her husband to a car accident and sold her business to become a school teacher. Other teachers began accusing her of helping her students cheat, so now she might lose that as well. To try to escape from everything and get her head back in the game, she goes to South Cali for the summer. The fresh air and familiar faces will do her well….until a body shows up at the art festival she is working at. Now Logan McKenna has to help solve the murder to save her and her friend from false accusations. I love the strong female lead character quite a bit, and the story progressed well without too many slow spots or unbelievable moments. I still have 8 more books in the series to read so I am curious where it goes next.

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Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles Book 3) by Pamela Gibson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Sweet Vengeance (Mission Belles #3)Sweet Vengeance by Pamela Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sweet Vengeance is the third book in the Mission Belles Series, and is a historical romance. I usually do not read historical novels OR romance but this one had a twist of mystery and adventure that appealed to me so decided to give it a try. I was unaware this was a series, and this is the third book but fortunately it can be read as a standalone and was easy to follow. I’m sure if you read the others, it wouldn’t be a bad idea if the plot continues from the previous reads, but it is not needed.
In this story, Elena is on a mission to carry out her mother’s dying wish and to find the man that ruined her family. Sean is a man that doesn’t trust easily, but maybe that will change when paths and plots become crossed. Will Elena have the heart to carry out her mother’s revenge, or will love win instead??

I did like that the story remains historically accurate for the time period (as far as I can tell, I am no history buff) and nothing seems out of the ordinary for San Francisco Gold Rush days. I also liked the revenge plot, and all of the fluctuations of emotions throughout the book. Nothing felt unrealistic and characters were angry when they should be, and tensions were high at accurate moments. Overall I was pleasantly surprised with how much I liked this one, and may go back and read the others in the set before this to see if it makes the story even better! Give genres a try that you usually wouldnt touch, you might like it!

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Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series Book 4) by Winter Austin – Review by Amanda Swindle

Liar, Liar (The McIntire County Series: #4)Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liar, Liar is book four in the McIntire County series and is a standalone story that is easy to follow without reading the previous three. I DO still recommend reading them in order if you can, for some back story and character development that (for me) makes the story so much better. This time around, we are focusing on Sheriff Shane Hamilton. After quite the year, he just wants some down time and quiet time to himself to reflect on all that has come to pass. That wish comes to an abrupt halt when his phone starts ringing nonstop and a body is found. FBI Liza Bartholomew gets word of the murder and is pulled back to Eider, Iowa…a place she thought she would never have to return to. Now the suspect she is chasing may know she is on the trail and her entire cover could be blown. It doesnt take long for the two to realize their cases are connected, and are forced to work together to find the killer before anyone else is found dead. A reluctant partnership becomes a bit more friendly, and a romance starts to bud. Liar Liar is a great addition to an already amazing storyline, and the plots keep thickening and twisting with each book. These are books you will want to read in one sitting, but be aware that not all the answers are always given! The not-so-clean endings can be frustrating but keeps you coming back for the next one.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Amanda Swindle

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Killer Smile is book two in the series (the first book is Killer Blonde). Detective Cade Dawkins is back and this time things are a bit more complicated. Instead of chasing down a single serial killer, now Detective Dawkins is part of a new sort of “game”. A page has been posted for serial killers to post challenges to each other and now the detective is the target. Now, with multiple serial killers in the area, all targeting him, the Detective is growing paranoid and terrified of what is to come. His loved ones are in danger and he has no idea when or where the next attempt will come from. I really enjoyed this one more than the first book, since there are so many more threats and chances at things going wrong. I also loved that it was a unique idea and not something you see in other “catch the killer” books. Very well done!

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Amanda Swindle

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Killer Blonde is a multiple POV story, told from Detective Cade Dawkins’ and a psychopathic serial killer’s POV. I liked this alot as it gave me both perspectives and tiny details that may have been missed from the other person’s view. This is a fast paced story and has alot of things to unravel. Cade Dawkins is your typical story-book detective. Seasoned and professional, and known to close impossible cases. When a series of car accidents turn out to be a little too suspicious, it becomes apparent there is a serial killer on the loose. And, not only is there a killer on the loose…he has a specific type – gorgeous blonde women. Now Detective Dawkins needs to catch this guy before he finds a new target, and the ongoing game of cat and mouse becomes more and more intense. I think the only thing I did not thoroughly enjoy about the book was finding out the identity of the killer “too soon” and would have enjoyed that little detail to be drawn out a bit longer. Overall it was a great book and well written.
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Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Amanda Swindle

Sins of the Father (The McIntire County Series: #3)Sins of the Father by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sins of the Father is the 3rd book in the McIntire County Series. This installment follows new deputy Jolie Murdoch. For Jolie, law enforcement runs in her veins. Her father was the previous sheriff and her cousins are Nic and Cassy from the previous books. New on the force, Jolie is assigned the case of a missing girl, but then the girl’s father is found dead. Now she is tasked with not only finding the girl, if she is still alive, but finding the murderer of the father as well. Are they connected, and if so how? Who is to blame in one, or both, of the cases? Xavier came to town to escape his past, but when he is found over the dead body, he is suspect number one. It doesn’t help that he has no memory of how he got there, or what led up to that point. Sins of the father is told from different character POV so you get “inside the heads” of each one, and can really relate to them in some aspects. I love the McIntire series and can’t wait to read the next one. 5 out of 5 for me.

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Amanda Swindle

A Death on Fools Lane (Eve Sawyer Mystery #4)A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Death on Fools Lane is the fourth book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. I have not read the previous three books and was able to read it as a standalone without any prior knowledge of what the other books were about. I enjoyed that this was a lighter, fast read and that it is set between Christmas and New Years so you get a slightly festive feel from it as well. When Eve and her friends take up a house sitting job over the holidays, they think it will be just the get away they all need…until a body shows up in the yard. Every time I thought I had the murderer pinpointed, more details emerged so it kept me turning the pages. If you are looking for a fast holiday or stay-cation read, this is definitely something to check out.
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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Amanda Swindle

Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Born to die is the second book in the McIntire Series, and a followup to Atonement. This is another romantic suspense centered around a strong lead female, and touching on real life issues such as PTSD. Deputy Cassy Rivers narrowly escaped a lunatic two years prior and a string of thefts reunites her with an old flame. Enter Boyce Hunt, a fellow officer that just so happens to be her ex. Working a case with your ex has to be absolutely awkward and a struggle in itself. Can the two get along and solve the case? Will feelings of resentment deter the outcome? Maybe the old flame will be rekindled? Born to die can be a stand-alone book since it does not follow the same characters from Atonement, but there are interlinking details that pull you back to book 1, so I recommend grabbing them in order (so far). I liked this one just as much as the first book, and I can definitely see the story developing more into book three!
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Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Amanda Swindle

Atonement (The McIntire County Series: #1)Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Atonement is a romantic thriller with plenty of drama and turns. Centering around Nicolette Rivers, a female sniper that leaves the Marines because of PTSD, this book brings many things to the surface about real emotions and feelings. Nic is called to the scene of a man that is holding his family hostage. The man ends up shooting his wife in front of the kids, and Nic is forced to take him down which triggers her PTSD again. With all of the things going on in her head, she is then paired with Con, the only person who seems to be in her corner. They began investigating a string of suicides that are more than they appear to be and romance begins to blossom. I love that the characters are not perfect without flaws and issues of their own. I do wish there was more of a clear explanation on how or why the PTSD started, or what happened to cause the departure. I also was disappointed that the killer was very easy for me to figure out early on, but the character development and story saved the day on that. This is the first book in The McIntire series, so I am looking forward to seeing where the story leads next, and this is definitely worth the read.

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Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Amanda Swindle

Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala #5)Leaving No Traces by P. J. Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

While Leaving No Traces is book five in the Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series, it is a stand alone book and you do not need to read the previous books to understand the story. I do recommend reading them, to follow character development and better understand the history of Detective Scala (but again, that is not needed). This time around, Detective Scala is investigating a woman who was having an affair with a married man (while she was also married) and has gone missing. The woman was last seen buying cigarettes at a gas station and all that was left behind was her blood stained car. As the detective digs into the case, he soon realizes there was more to the woman than he originally thought, and more suspects began to surface. Was she trapped in a bad marriage and escaping into another relationship, or did the husband have something to do with it all? Where did she go, and who is to blame? Leave it all to Detective Scala to solve the mystery, but not without many twists and turns along the way!
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Tequila Midnight (Southwest Suspense Novels Book 1) by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Amanda Swindle

Tequila MidnightTequila Midnight by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Tequila Midnight follows the journey of Jessica Watts, a real estate agent that deals in cross-border relations. The picturesque writing really sets the tone for the vastly dry desert that is El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Riddles with a dark past, Jessica takes on a job to locate Doraliz Velasco, the missing daughter of one of Mexico’s richest tycoons. The case takes Watts all over the world, from Harvard campus to Belize, and back to Mexico. The journey comes at quite a price, as she is captured, beaten and drugged. While Jessica is pursuing the lost girl, she is also facing her own past demons. The only comfort she can find is at the bottom of tequila bottles and in the beds of strangers. The main character is a train wreck from the start, even before being commissioned on an impossible journey. Will she find the missing girl, and herself along the way? Will she find the answers she is looking for? Will she ever soften her heart and find love? I absolutely was drawn into this book and the constant swirl of drama and excitement over and over again. I am looking forward to reading the next one!

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The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Amanda Swindle

The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) by P J Mann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets they Hide is book two in the five book Commissario Scala Mystery set. I have only read book four in this set so far, so these books can be read as standalone or out of order. Reading them in order will most likely help with understanding character development, and I do recommend reading them all. A young man is found dead in a cemetery with a note that talks about secrets and hints that their may be other victims. Now Detective Scala must find out who this mystery killer is before any other bodies show up. As a no-nonsense detective, Scala is invested in making sure this murderer is found and brought to justice. What is the murderer after and why did he kill this man? Are the other murders linked to this one, and if so what is the connection? The Secrets they Hide is full of mystery, drama, suspense and plot twists. The author has a knack for setting the scene with very descriptive and vivid wording, and the character building is spot on. I am becoming more and more intrigued with the Scala mysteries and intend to read the rest of the series.

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The Misery House (The House on the Hill Book 1) by David Kummer – Review by Amanda Swindle

The Misery House (The House on the Hill #1)The Misery House by David Duane Kummer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Misery House is the first book in the House on the Hill series, and told from multiple POV. The book takes place is the quaint little town of New Haven, where everyone knows everyone, and nothing interesting ever happens. Growing up in a town just like this one, I immediately felt comfortable and familiar with the setting. That is, until things start happening. A local grocery store burns down, and two bodies are found inside. Then, someone goes missing. Are they connected? And if so, who, or what, is to blame? Could it be the new family in town? It soon becomes apparent that the creepy old house on the hill at the edge of town might be the connection. The locals call the house The Misery House, and nothing good is said about it. From multiple perspectives, you learn that everyone mutually fears the house, possibly for good reason. How is the house connected or involved? Where did it all start, and why? The Misery House reels you in and keeps you guessing and wondering. Unfortunately not ALL the questions are answered, as the book ends on a cliffhanger. I do like how the book kept me engaged enough to want to pick up the next one and see where this will end up, and the story itself was interesting and immersive. Job well done to the author for skillfully bringing all the perspectives full circle, and I will be happy to read more from him.

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The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Duology Book 2) Audiobook by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Amanda Swindle

The Book of Hours (Coin/Hours Cycle 2)The Book of Hours by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While this is the second book in this duology, The Book of Hours is the first book I have read by this author. That being said, I was easily able to follow the story without having read the first book. I do feel like I could have benefitted by reading The Coin beforehand, and learned more of these characters, and will be going back to read that soon. The characters were easily relatable and the scenes were vivid and easy to picture. While there is suspense and romance, there is plenty of action and danger as well. When art enthusiast Arnold Wickham wants to purchase Gabriela’s work before an upcoming auction, and she refuses, things get a bit intense. Fueled by the rejection, Wickham will do whatever it takes to get what he wants. Richard Harrison, the man in love with Gabriela, will do anything within his power to keep her safe. I am not usually interested in romance novels but there was plenty of mystery, suspense, danger and action to keep me turning the pages. I definitely feel like reading the prior book would have helped me “know” the history and characters better, but I still enjoyed this read.

Reviewed by @zoltrixes
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The Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic – Review by Amanda Swindle

The Master of DemiseThe Master of Demise by Nadija Mujagic
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Master of Demise follows Mitch Wegner, a well rounded and respected college professor. He is happily married to Emily, who owns her own yoga studio with regular clients. Everything seems to be absolutely normal and perfect. Even with the ideal life, Mitch is just somehow unlikeable. I found myself disliking him early on, and can not pinpoint why. When a student takes his own life, and his journal shows a strong dislike for the professor, suspicion falls onto Mitch. This creates a downward spiral of events for the professor. His students no longer respect him, his wife becomes distant, and he suspects she may even be having an affair with her yoga partner. With flashbacks from a traumatic experience in his teen years, things seem to be making a full circle right back to him. As things continue he becomes paranoid, feeling framed, and increasingly aggressive and self absorbed. He was already an unpleasant character, but his personality really amplifies as time goes on and you really do not like him at all. I even began thinking maybe he DID have some involvement, just because I did not like him that much. After all that has happened, can Mitch save his marriage and career? WAS he framed, and if so, by who, and/or why? Once you get to the big reveal, you will be shocked and realize the author strategically gave you hints along the way. I have never read anything from this author before, but I will be checking into her other work! 5 out of 5 stars!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny Book 5) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Amanda Swindle

Soul Redeemed (War of Destiny #5)Soul Redeemed by Theresa Van Spankeren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Soul Redeemed is the 5th book in the War of Destiny series, and they should be read in order to be able to follow the timeline of events. Typically I am not a fan of vampire stories, but this series has surprised me more than once and kept me interested and engaged throughout the series. With this book, we are back to Julia’s POV, and she is trying to learn to control and hone in on her powers to prove to the resistance they exist and how special they are. The trouble is, Julia is on a time crunch. She has to learn as much as she can before Ka-tet or the villagers are destroyed. As things get more chaotic and stressful, Julia struggles with self harm, and eventually, how to cope with recovering from that. Will Julia get a hold on her powers and overcome the resistance? Will Valentino get to her before she is strong enough? Can they overcome all of the obstacles that keep coming at them? There is so much to unpack in this one. The world building and ever-continuing character growth shines through once again. This is an amazing vampire paranormal series and I hope to see the story continue again!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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