PJ Mann is a new author to me having never read any of the previous books in this series. My genre of choice is mystery or thriller so after reading the synopsis of Leaving No Traces I was eager to see if this was a series I could find myself getting into after. I really did like this book, I felt that it really hit the ground running from the very beginning with twisty unraveling until the end. I like that the book itself wasn’t too long, about 200 pages start to finish with a sneak peek of what is to come.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2023-08-03 17:46:442023-08-04 12:31:06Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Felicia Bates
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!
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.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Swindlehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Swindle2023-08-03 15:46:552023-08-04 12:30:43The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Amanda Swindle
This was a great thriller read with lots of plot twists! I was not expecting all the twists and turns in this story. Detective Scala has to use his instincts to solve these murders. I did not realize this was the second book in this series until after I had already started the book and I will say it was not needed to read the first. I am sure you miss some character background so I will be reading the first one. I enjoyed the writing style and this book made for a quick read since I was anxious to know what happened next. Detective Scala has so much compassion for his victims that I feel it makes him a better detective. There were plenty of twists and turns in the plot to keep me wanting more. I am excited to read the rest of the books in the series with Detective Scala. If you are looking for a good mystery/thriller then I definitely recommend picking up this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-08-03 13:27:512023-08-04 12:22:55The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Carla Clemmons
This was a gripping story that had me turning pages so fast. The author immediately draws you into the story and the action starts from the page. The main character Jessica is a strong determined woman but she is also hurting and carrying a lot of pain around from her childhood which she hides by drinking too much Tequila and one night stands. My heart went out to her but also to her best friend Angus who tries so hard to help her save herself and stop her destructive ways. As someone who has watched a loved one drown in drink it is part of the story I can’t relate to.
Jessica is a Real Estate agent. She is used to crossing the borders and securing deals. So when she is offered a job of finding the missing daughter of a rich Mexican she thinks it will be an easy job with great payment. As she starts to investigate she realises she knows nothing at all about this type of things and her investigating brings her to the attention of some very dangerous people. Can she find the missing girl? Will she pay for her searching with her life? Add to this the constant battle she has already going on inside herself with demons from the past and this is because a fast paced story where Jessica doesn’t know who she can trust, and who is spinning her lies.
I loved this story and I couldn’t put it down until I reached the end. Jessica is an amazing character, I loved how strong and resilient she is, how determined she is to make things work and see things through no matter the cost. The author does an amazing job of showing the audience the internal struggle that Jessica goes through as she starts to fight and overcome her demons from her past.
This is my first book by this author which I enjoyed and look forward to seeing what is next for him. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the story come to life on each page. The characters pull you into their world with ease and keep you there until the end. They have great growth and made the story easy to read. I found this book well written and hard to put down. A story where one day you have everything in life and the next you are out on the streets. He now finds himself in a world of crime bosses, drug dealers and just trying to survive. I enjoyed Detective Sheldon’s character. He is strong and determined. I had to feel for him in some cases. His twists and turns had me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. This is a great suspense story that I highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-08-03 09:33:242023-08-03 12:22:41Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Gripping This suspenseful thriller will have you guessing til the end. The fifth book in A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series, Leaving No Traces is an intense, action- packed murder mystery. With twists and turns at every corner, there are a lot of layers to the story. This was a race against time, intriguing story that suspense lovers would enjoy. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-08-03 03:34:422023-08-04 12:24:29Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Rayne East
When he arrived at the car, he regretted not having had coffee. Lunch had been plentiful, and something to help him with digestion would have been appropriate. “Well, if this turns out to be a murder, soon I won’t even remember what a full belly feels like,” he said, looking at his belly. “Prepare yourself, my friend. This could be the beginning of another fasting period.”
Something I have in common with Scala- a love of coffee, food, and a great mystery. Leaving No Traces is the fifth intriguing instalment in the Commissario Scala Mystery series by P.J. Mann. I am really enjoying following Scala along on each of his investigations, and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s another engrossing and well-woven crime & investigation mystery, a bit of a whodunnit that starts with a murder that leads Detective Scala into a complex case that has him pitted against a cold-hearted villain. This cat and mouse game results in a story that has plenty of tension, secrets, lies, corruption, danger, high-stakes, action, police procedures, dramatic developments, and where Scala (and us) are thrust into a race against time to solve the case before it’s too late. Again, Ms. Mann doesn’t disappoint, delivering a suspenseful story. Looking forward to more Commissario Scala mysteries. Happy reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-08-02 23:20:372023-08-04 12:23:23Leaving No Traces (Commissario Scala Mystery Series Book #5) by P.J. Mann – Review by Angela Hayes
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites. I enjoy her writing style and attention to details that bring her stories to life before your eyes. I enjoyed the suspense and the twist and turns that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. This is a story about a murderer that only leaves a car and blood behind to figure out this mystery. Detective Scala has a determination like no other to figure this case out. I enjoyed the characters in this story and what they added to the entertainment value of the story. I found this book to be fast paced and hard to put down. A story that suspense will keep you coming back for more. I highly recommend this book and to check out the other books in this series
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2023-08-02 23:11:042023-08-04 12:23:14Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Another fantastic book by this author and gave me everything that I love full of crime, mystery, suspense, deceit, lies and the tense moments I had that left me at the edge of my seat trying to see what happens next.
Detective Scala is back…..but this time he must put the puzzle pieces together on a missing woman, leaving behind her vehicle with evidence of blood at a gas station. Trying to figure out the whole who done it, brings Detective Scala in parts unknown as he digs deeper…..but will Detective Scala be able to solve this puzzling mystery while trying to protect a witness who is key and twists and turns on every level?
I highly recommend these books…they really keep you engaged and intrigued…..questioning at every turn of the page what will happen next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-08-02 21:36:262023-08-04 12:15:32Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This is my first book that I have read from this author and I totally loved it. This is book 2 in the series and it could be read as a standalone…and I am definitely wanting to circle back on the beginning of the series, but I did not feel like I missed anything by reading this book first.
Detective Maurizio Scala is on a manhunt, trying to figure out whom murdered a young man and leaving his body in a cemetery. This mystery man is also leaving notes behind…poetic in sorts… possibly more bodies may be piling up…..revenge. Will Detective Scala be able to stop this murderer with a poetic mind before it is to late and more murders are ensued?
This book is a great crime, drama, suspense, corruption, secrets, lies and full of twisty turns as I tried to piece together the who’s who in connecting all the dots to the end. Very highly recommended and looking forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-08-02 21:22:432023-08-04 12:14:58The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This is my first read by this author and I’m looking forward to reading more by her! This is the second book in a series but was easily read as a standalone. I’m going to go back and read the first book in this series though!
This book held me from the beginning and didn’t let up until the end. It’s a riveting police procedural featuring a setting in Rome. What could be more interesting than a murder in a place known for their love? Just when you think you might have “whodunit” figured out, more plot twists and turns come up that will have you on the edge of your seat until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-08-02 20:11:072023-08-04 12:19:21The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Julie Johnson
The Secrets They Hide is the second book in this series. The story takes place in a beautiful place in Rome. What I love most about this book is the twist and turns that it had. You can try to predict what’s going to happen and then the author tricks you and a twist comes. The plot of the story was amazing. This was a page turner and had me on the edge of my seat wanting to know what happened next. I will definitely be reading more books by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2023-08-02 19:51:352023-08-04 12:18:42The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Melissa Fink
This is the fifth book in the A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome series. Although it is not essential to read the rest of the series to understand what is happening, I would recommend doing so to understand characters and background better.
I enjoy the author’s descriptive writing and their ability to paint a clear picture of what’s happening and the characters within the scenes.
Scala is a determined character, not taking the easy option by accepting the convenient answers. He is determined to find the truth, even when the case twists and turns as much as this one – nothing is what he expects.
I enjoyed the plot and where the story led in this instalment. There were moments which surprised me, moments which tugged on my emotions but there was never a dull moment.
I’m enjoying reading this series, and would recommend those who enjoy a good mystery book to give this a try.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-02 17:32:022023-08-04 12:17:33Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Mr Lucky is Lee Wood’s first novel in the Trentbridge Tales. It is an interesting and original tale set in England UK. I think readers will be surprised by this story and it’s twisty and unusual plot. Mr Lucky is not so lucky he is suffering from a heart-wrenching loss. Detective James Sheldon had it all and hit rock bottom, but fate had other plans for him. Some say a win is a good thing but not when it brings trouble to your doorstep. He has many demons to overcome and dangers to face. There are characters that you will like and some not at all. The villain is a truly despicable person but that comes through the intriguing narrative. Mr Lucky is psychological crime thriller that had me on the edge of my seat at times and at others my heart breaking. If you like British crime thrillers, then you will enjoy Mr Lucky. I look forward to more of James Sheldon and his adventures.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-08-02 17:30:162023-08-03 12:22:18Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Jenni Bishop
4.5 stars Leaving No Traces is the fifth book in the A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome crime series. Even though this book is part of a series, you can read it just as easily as a standalone novel. The story is well paced with lots of tension, suspense, and mystery. There are realistic interactions between the characters some likeable and some not. The plot and world building are intriguing as we journey along with Detective Scala and others in solving this latest murder mystery. It is easy to become invested in the outcome of the story with its drama that is entertaining and interesting. Detective Scala must tread carefully when trying to wade through another web of deceit and corruption. What he finds just leads him to the underbelly of a world that criminals reside. A place where lives mean nothing. His goal is to catch the killer, protect a key witness and keep himself alive doing so. If you like whodunnits with ruthless villains, then you will enjoy this tale by P. J. Mann.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-08-02 16:24:342023-08-03 12:32:36Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Jenni Bishop
This book is another great story I a brilliant series. I was caught up in the mystery right from the start and had to see how things would play out. It was an exciting story, full of twists and turns. I never quite knew where it was going to go next. This is the only series I have read by this author but it ilhad been a great way to become familiar with their work. I am.really enjoying their writing style and how fast paced and full on each book seems to be. I will certainly be reading more from them in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-08-02 14:57:532023-08-04 12:08:40Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Kerry Baker
Mr. Lucky is Book One in the Trentbridge Tales Series. It is a fast-paced, British Crime Thriller that centers around the character of former Detective James Sheldon. James is no longer a Detective and luck really has not been on his side at all. James has not only lost his career, but he has also lost his family, is homeless, and has sunken into self-despair. When he suddenly wins a substantial amount of money in the lottery things should look up for him. Instead, James’ life takes a turn for the worse as he is in a battle to survive against numerous people who suddenly seem to have it out for him. Will he be able to outrun, outwit, outfox, and out maneuver the savory characters intent on destroying him?
This was a well written book with a compelling storyline and interesting characters. James was down-on-his-luck with no hope for a bright future. He had sunken into self-loathing and despair until winning the lottery. Coming into millions of dollars should have instantly improved his life but as luck would have it, life got infinitely worse. James had to pull himself together and dig down deep for the strength to save his life from those after him. This was a fast paced, edge of your seat, intense psychological thrill ride that will rivet you and have you reading until the end. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-08-02 13:52:012023-08-03 12:21:55Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I really enjoyed this novel with a gritty, determined, realistic heroine. Jessica Watts was abandoned by her parents and had to grow up fast in order to survive. She doesn’t let anyone get close and is the tough-as-nails heroine you’d think she’d be. However, when a Mexican tycoon approaches her to help him find his missing daughter, Jessica can’t walk away from the pay-out he’s offering. This mission takes Jessica on every twist and turn imaginable and leaves her for dead more than once. Definitely check out this book if you love mysteries and tough on the outside, but soft on the inside heroines.
This is the 2nd book in the series; however, you can read it as a stand alone…the only thing you are missing out on is really getting to know Detective Scala (but you get that in this book…you just don’t have it from the beginning). I love a good mystery thriller and P.J. Mann did not disappoint with this one. The dual perspectives between Detective Scala and the killer was *chef’s kiss* and probably my favorite part about the entire book (I love a good dual perspective). I really like Mann’s writing style and look forward to reading more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-08-02 13:02:202023-08-04 12:07:55The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Megan Conley
This is a very interesting story. I liked the action in it I found the story premise to the be intriguing. He loses everything and spirals down. All of a sudden, he wins the lottery and everyone is after him. There is plenty of adventure and drama. The characters are quite well-written. It’s an intriguing drama that will grab you right from the beginning. I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-02 07:04:542023-08-03 12:19:20Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood – Review by Shelly Kittell
Detective Scala reminds me of a dog going after a bone. He will go after ever fact. He gets what seems like a straightforward case. Nope, nothing is as it seems. This is another fantastic mystery from this author that has us following Detective Scala as hee tries to find out who the murderer is. The twists and turns will surprise you. I love the writing of this author. She fascinates me with the details and the character personalities. The plots are always just the right style that you are pulled in from the start. Another winner that you should read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-08-02 06:18:362023-08-03 12:18:05Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Shelly Kittell
Detective Scala has received a mysterious note within his car, as he reads he discovers that not all maybe well and that he maybe caught up in something big. As the weeks go on nothing major happens until one night he is called to the cemetery as a body of a young man is discovered.
As he investigates the young man’s death he then unravels connections with seemingly unrelated murders pushing it further into lines of deceit and corruption. As him and his team investigate further dark secrets are discovered and will he be able to stop this killer before another body is found.
This the first book I have read by this author and what a start to my journey. The character of Maurizio Scala was sharp and non nonsense which was refreshing to read and brilliant to follow, with the introduction of the team and the secondary characters it had you engrossed all the way through.
Although this is the second book in the series I felt comfortable reading this as a stand alone story and did not loss anything in the back story or history. I loved the dual prospective of the story where you got to see inside the killers mind as well as the police which made the thrilling twists and turns even more exciting.
I would really like to go back and read the first book and hopefully more moving forward.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-08-02 05:58:042023-08-04 12:12:29The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Angela Shirley
It is 1889 when Emma and family return and this time they have been given an all expenses paid trip to Paris, so as they prepare for the very short notice excursion, they wonder who is behind it. It is out of the blue, but it is something none of them want to miss out on, especially when they find out that there will be a special exposition on at the same time.
The trip involves a few trains and a boat across the ocean, so Emma is excited that she isn’t on her own this time and that Jeremy, Dora and Tim can enjoy the experience with her. The first night, all four find new people to get to know and so they split the journey between new found friends and family, but they don’t mix together and that puts Emma on edge.
When they get to Paris, they are surprised with their hotel, it is much nicer than expected and bigger too, settle in and make a plan for what they want to see at the exposition over the next few days. As they explore the sights and sounds of the halls, their new friends seem to appear everywhere they do and unusual things start happening to and around them.
They think they can finally have some peace and quiet until a young girl arrives on their doorstep looking for Emma and collapses, when she wakes up, there are more questions than answers for the dynamic duo. Meanwhile, Dora and Tim become privy to a secret they wished they had never found out, but can they solve the intrigue surrounding it by themselves?
This is another thrilling mystery on a beautiful setting as secrets, lies and technology mix to form a dangerous and twisted web around the four intrepid investigators until all the loose ends are ties up in this race to uncover dangerous plots and marvellous discoveries.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60268637-the-secrets-they-hide” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2) (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1643691349l/60268637._SY160_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60268637-the-secrets-they-hide”>The Secrets they Hide: A Commissario Scala Mystery (Book 2)</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22194980.P_J_Mann”>P J Mann</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5737554667″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Detective Scala is back and up to his neck in mystery of whodunit. After finding a note attached to a deceased young man in the cemetary he is determined to find out every last one of the dark secrets mentioned. How deep does the corruption go? What makes this interesting is that the unsub seems to be a poet. The poetic notes have the clues hidden to help the dogged detective solve the crime. The author did a great job of engaging the reader from the beginning and keeping them engaged until the end. I enjoyed going along for the ride with Detective Scala and look forward to solving more mysteries. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2023-08-02 01:17:532023-08-04 12:11:54The Secrets they Hide (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
A single instant shattered Detective James Sheldon’s perfect life. Eighteen months later, he is begging for loose change on the streets and contemplating suicide.
In a strange twist of fate, he wins a record-breaking 168 million lottery. But what should be a life-changing dream becomes a heart-pumping nightmare.
Suddenly James finds himself thrust into a dangerous game where he’s forced to confront drug dealers, crime bosses out to destroy him, and the personal demons that keep him up at night. The question is – can he come to terms with his new wealth?
Totally unpredictable!
Not your usual crime novel plot.
Perfect for readers who enjoy a story with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster.
What Readers Say About Mr Lucky
–“An imaginative scenario composed of one man’s choice to do good with an unexpected windfall. Vindictive jealousy and unmerited retribution.”
–“Reminded me of both Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy’s Trading Places and the Nicholas Cage film, Leaving Las Vegas in places, with a soupcon of The Sopranos in the mix.” –“This is a fantastic read. It really moved me from the start with the scene about the homeless man. I would highly recommend it.”
–“Once you start reading, you won’t want to stop until you finish. It’s got a strong narrative drive as we learn how the paths of homeless man and a major drug dealer cross thanks to $100M lottery win. The characters are well-drawn and believable.” –“Most of us have fantasised at some point in our life about what we would do if we won a lottery. Lee Wood provides us with a surprising yet believable scenario set in suburban UK and featuring contemporary social issues including drugs, prostitution, corruption, homelessness and the plight of the working class.”
If you enjoy beautifully crafted British Crime by authors such as Adam Croft, Alex Smith, JD Kirk, Rachel McLean and Helen H Durrant, then you’ll love this series set in the fictional town of Trentbridge, a cross between Cambridge and Stoke-On-Trent.
Before semi-retiring and turning to write novels, Lee had a varied career. He spent more than 20 years working in the music industry. Everything from playing in bands as a teenager to running an indie record label and record shop during the punk rock era to starting a music collector’s magazine and building it from zero to a circulation of 14,000 copies a month.
He’s met virtually every top ‘pop star’ and achieved one of his lifetime ambitions when he became manager of The Troggs, one of his all-time favourite bands from his teens.
He wrote a best-selling book on the Sex Pistols in 1988, which was published by Omnibus Press and thanks to their well-oiled publicity machine sold a respectable 60,000 copies. It was also published in Japan – in Japanese!
He has lived in Cambridge for most of his life and looks on writing as a new adventure. He still finds time to play the guitar (Fender Stratocaster) and is currently learning to play the drums with his wife. They found a drum teacher who has a studio with two kits and they are learning to play together side by side.
Mr. Lucky, is the first novel in the series. They are all available in eBook and paperback formats.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Mr-Lucky_LIGHTER-1-copy.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-02 00:08:582023-08-15 17:50:55Mr Lucky (Trentbridge Tales Book 1) by Lee Wood
Detective Maurizio Scala doesn’t easily give up on a case. When a young woman’s car is discovered abandoned at a service station, blood splatters on the driver’s seat, the detective is determined to unravel the mystery and bring her killer to justice. But when a second murder emerges, it becomes clear that the case is far from straightforward.
As Scala delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption. With the mafia’s influence lurking at every turn, the stakes have never been higher. As the detective races against the clock to catch the killer, he must also protect a key witness whose life hangs in the balance.
Will Scala be able to crack the case before it’s too late, or will the shadows of the underworld consume him? Find out in this gripping tale of murder, betrayal, and justice.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Leaving-no-traces-ebook-red-1.jpg1200764itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-08-02 00:01:532023-08-15 18:07:15Leaving No Traces (A Commissario Scala Mystery in Rome) by P.J. Mann
Another book in this series that has enforced my love of this author. Another round of mysteries for Emma and Jeremy but this time, Dora and Tim are involved. The four are invited by a mystery organization on an all expense paid trip to the exposition in Paris, France introducing new and upcoming technology. They all decide it would be a nice trip and getaway but it doesn’t take long for Emma to feel like something is not right. I love the prologue that instantly pulls you in. From there you will find two mysteries seemingly not connected, intertwine for an exciting fast paced mystery where surprises keep you on your toes. This is part of a series but can easily be read alone as the characters are described in detail and gives you just enough to not be lost.
I really enjoy the notebook mysteries series! Each book is so intriguing and well written and the mystery’s suck me right in, and next thing I know I’ve finished the book! The characters are always great and you could read this as a stand-alone but I highly suggest checking out the other 5 books! So so good. I can’t wait for the next one!
This was the first book in the Notebook Mysteries series that I’ve read, and I must say that Kimberly Mullins did not disappoint. I will be going back and reading these books in order and cannot wait to reread this book once I’ve got all of the backstories read. As a standalone novel, this book had me intrigued, I loved how the characters were developed so strongly that I understood them right away, there was no doubt that they were there to solve a mystery and would be successful without a doubt. I love the fact that this not only draws attention to the characters, but you get to experience the beauty of Paris and the excitement around the Eiffel Tower. The setting was portrayed perfectly, I felt like I could reach out and feel the scenery as it went by, I was on the train with all of our characters. I was in doubt of who was a friend and who was a foe, developing a deep mistrust for several of our new characters that are a part of the story. This is a great mystery book, and I am excited to go back and reexperience it all anew as I pour over the previous books in the series. If you love a good mystery book, this series is definitely for you! @Brandy Rymer 08/2023
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2023-08-01 14:51:442023-08-04 11:59:35Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Brandy Rymer
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