This is the 8th book in the series and can be read as a standalone, however I will be going back to read from the beginning for character backgrounds to better understand them. This is the second book of the series that I’ve read and I enjoyed it as much as the other I read. I enjoy the characters we return to and their investigative styles and the personal connections which seem to appear. The characters are strong, and each stand out in their own right, especially Madeline who is strong and resilient despite everything thrown at her. Once again there are multiple cases on the go, but a combination of the flow the author’s writing possesses and the talent the author has of clear communication, the cases remain easy to follow. This clarity does not interfere with the author’s ability to build the tension and danger within and surprise you with a twist here and there which is great. As with the last book, the cases being investigated are engaging, keeping you invested in the characters and resolution of the investigations. I can’t wait to go back and read from book 1!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-03 16:53:582023-05-12 12:48:03Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is the first book I have read by Cynthia Hamilton and this most definitely won’t be my last. In fact, I have already ordered a few more to read next. She writes so very well that I most definitely think she will become one of my must read authors. This is a book in the Madeline Dawkins series and it definitely acts as a standalone. Madeline receives a call from her father and she rushes with Mike to her father’s side. It is there that she discovers that someone is revealing deep dark secrets of the residents at her father’s assistant living. These are secrets that the residents thought would never see the light of day. While working on this case, Madeline and her team receive another case. One that hits very close to home for Madeline. Do they have enough resources to solve both cases? Will they be successful? This book is filled with wonderful characters and plenty of suspense. I definitely recommend reading it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-05-03 16:41:432023-05-12 12:47:56Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the 7th book in the series, but this is the first I’ve read. This can be read as a standalone, however I will be going back to read from the beginning for character backgrounds to better understand them. I found the author’s writing style easy to follow, which was great as the plot has a number of cases ongoing at once. Firstly I’m impressed by the author’s ability to have multiple on going cases at once and being able to communicate these in a clear way, even when they appear to link. The tension was built in the right places at the right time which kept me reading ‘just one more chapter’. There are plenty of twists to keep you guessing and I like that there is a feeling that you are investigating these cases alongside the PI characters Madeline and Mike. My only (very minor) issue is that there were times that things could get a little repetitive in relaying information but this is small price for such an enjoyable read. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-05-03 16:09:392023-05-12 12:46:54Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This thriller made me stop and think on multiple occasions. There are so many points in the novel where one can stop and think “what if this really happened?” or “what if this is already happening?”
At one point, I was questioning my use of social media…that is how the author sucks you in on the high paced “journey” with Miranda.
It all starts with the simple ritual of writing down her feelings and burning them. One fire later and a trip to a cabin resort and she’s trapped in a barn. Thus, begins her fall down the rabbit hole and descent into the non-wonderland.
While she is trying to escape the madness, she faces her demons and rises victoriously.
I will admit when I first started reading this book, I questioned my choice but after the first few chapters I was pleased I kept reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maria Colonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaria Colon2023-05-03 14:49:082023-05-12 12:33:33Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Maria Colon
This is the 8th book in the Madeline Dawkins series. I honestly can’t express how amazing this author is. Every book is unique and gripping and no 2 stories or cases are the same. I do recommend reading this series from the beginning to give yourself a complete background of the main characters and to help you better understand the position they are in now.
We are back with the Private Investiagtors with another 3 cases to work through. The first case involves posion pen letters that start arriving at Monte Verde retirement complex. Someone is threatening to expose the residents past and secrets but for what purpose? What could a group of retired old people have to hide?
The second case is the help a woman get evidence of her Husband’s wrong doing to fight him in divorce proceedings. Everything about this story feels too close to Madeline’s past. Is this husband just as evil as Madeline’s was? Is the clients life in danger? And can Madeline protect her while snooping around for evidence?
The 3rd case is a case of a missing woman. After leaving home to join a religious cult Alison realises it isn’t what she thought it would be and so she escapes. Now she’s on her own and no one knows where. When her father enlisted Madeline and Mike and their PIs to track her down they start on a trail neither of them expected.
This book is full of secrets, deception, revenge and twists and turns which keeps the reader gripped. I love these stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-05-03 11:21:032023-05-12 12:33:01Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Kerry Carr
This is my second book that it had me on my toes. I can’t believe Madeline was so clever and had ways to get to the bottom of things. Madeline is one tough cookie but it seems like she had her own secrets as well or that only me… I love this book because it has action coming from everywhere. This type of book that keeps you in the story is one of a kind. I am curious though how the Author Cynthia came up with this story because every page had its own secret and the more I read the more I had to reread to put the pieces together.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlene Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlene Gonzalez2023-05-03 07:28:452023-05-12 12:32:05Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Charlene Gonzalez
Fraud, finance and first class mysteries This series is brilliantly written with great characters and intense storyline. Book seven sees Madeline and her sleuthing crew following a trail of money that leads them through twists and turns until the very end. So much tension, suspense, secrets and complexities makes this a page-turner. Highly recommend the whole series.
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 East2023-05-03 06:38:402023-05-03 14:14:08Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Rayne East
It has been quite a while since I have read a mystery and I’ve got to say I am so glad I read this one! I am new to this wonderful, creative authors writing and this particular series but I can honestly say it wont be my last. If anything I am a little sad I didn’t start from the very beginning of the series however I will definitely be going back to the beginning of the series and reading more. I am sure you will be hooked from start to finish just like I was. With so much happening and so many secrets and lies to untangle you will be turning page after page as quickly as you can in order to get answers just like I was.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juleshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJules2023-05-03 05:21:592023-05-03 14:13:44Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Jules Herbert
A River of Crows is a Crime Thriller that is packed with revenge, suspense, drama, mystery and so much more. This is my first book by this author and I’m a fan already. This is full of suspense and the twists and turns had me turning the pages on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what was going to happen next. There’s so many layers to this story I was pulled in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages. I lost all track of time until I finished. This story a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride with all the different things going on and all the emotions the characters are feeling. There was a couple spots my emotions were all over the place. This story touches on Mental Health , trust and PTSD. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to accidentally give anything away. I look forward to reading more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-05-03 04:15:012023-05-03 14:12:21A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This was a new author to me and sometimes you just never know what you’re going to get. I am glad I gave Ms. Gluhm a try with this gripping murder mystery tale because I could not put this book down.
We start off cryptically with a water scene and crows but never truly knows who is exactly speaking to us. Then we find out about Ridge and how they suspected he died but never actually recovered the body. Could that be the voice that started off the story? Sloan is hitting a rough spot in her life with her divorce coming to a close and now her mother checking herself out of her facility. Sloan returns to the town she grew up in and the place where they lost her brother. However, she gets more than she bargained for when things regarding her brother’s death don’t add up. Add in another boy’s body being found and Sloan is on the case to solve exactly what happened to her brother. Unfortunately, what she unravels will shock the entire town.
This book is an amazing read that lets you know when secrets come out, they can’t be taken back. It was a gripping read from start to finish and left you trying to figure out exactly what happened. Some characters you love and others you love to hate which is the telling of a great author. I now need to go read her other books because she definitely knocked this one out of the park.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2023-05-03 03:46:262023-05-03 14:11:57A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Vanessa Watts
What an amazing story! This book will hook you from the first page and keep you hooked until the very end. Lots of surprises, twists, and turns. I did not want to put this book down; I also didn’t want it to end. This is everything and more you could want from a book. I highly recommend picking this up today. You do not want to miss out on this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Westermanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Westerman2023-05-02 23:03:532023-05-02 23:03:53A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Ashley Westerman
I LOVED LOVED this book. I am not going to say anything about the story in this review about the actual characters or story because it is better to experience every juicy detail without knowing much. The author did a magnificent job in this book with a balance of not getting into the gory details but leaving you to your imagination. She has a penchant for not describing a room a character walks into but adding details here and there. I loved that fact as a reader. I don’t need pages of descriptions. The story itself will keep you guessing and your emotions flying. If you haven’t read this story or this author, she is a MUST and if she continues to write books this good, she will be a best seller soon.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Deb Robinsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDeb Robinson2023-05-02 22:32:422023-05-03 14:11:25A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Deb Robinson
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123207396-a-river-of-crows” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”A River of Crows” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1678304251l/123207396._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123207396-a-river-of-crows”>A River of Crows</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20042646.Shanessa_Gluhm”>Shanessa Gluhm</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5526880407″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Let me just say that the beginning of the book kind of threw me off, but it got me hooked and had me turning the pages. After 20 years Sloan Hadfield is still trying to recover from the death of her brother. It seems like she has come to terms with it, but she is in the middle of a divorce when she gets the news that her father is about to be out of prison and her mother is being discharged from a mental facility. She has to face her past by going back to her hometown where it all went down. Her brother was never found so she had always wondered if he truly was out there living a good life like her mother has been saying. When another young boy turns up she is determined to get to the truth no matter what. A lot of secrets come out and everyone will be shocked when they finally hear what truly happened. Will Sloan be able to reconcile the past and the present?
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<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-Alba2023-05-02 21:53:032023-05-03 14:11:17A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
I cannot adequately describe how great this book is. I was hooked immediately and the book twisted and turned in ways I never expected. The characters are mired in tragedy and trauma, yet are hopeful and real. The events that unfold are intertwined spectacularly. The writer has a masterful grasp of story telling! I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking for a good book. Stunning.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie stapletonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie stapleton2023-05-02 20:57:472023-05-03 14:10:59A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by katie stapleton
I really liked this book, and it read well as a standalone. I will definitely go back and read others in this series! The story was layered well and I liked the multifaceted view of the detectives solving three separate cases at once. It kept all the pieces constantly moving and I didn’t want to put the book down! The characters were well developed so even though I hadn’t read other books, I still saw the subtleties of their personalities and connected with them. Very good book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie stapletonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie stapleton2023-05-02 20:29:142023-05-03 14:10:13Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by katie stapleton
If you are looking for a beautifully written novel full of atmospheric storytelling, mystery, a murder, lies, and secrets with well-rounded characters, then this read is for you.
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm is written in 2 timeliness. The past, 1988 when main character, Sloan Hadfield’s went missing after a fishing trip with their father and 20 years later in 2008 as she is forced back to her hometown, where it all happened.
This story was masterfully crafted by the author. The well-rounded and beautifully flawed characters help build the plot that is full of mystery, intrigue, and lies. My weakness is a flawed character, and this book is full of them. The way the story unraveled had me gasping and not wanting to stop reading. This slow burn builds to a blazing fire that will leave you satisfied but so sad that it ended. I was already a fan after reading Enemies of Doves, but this book solidified my need to read everything this author will ever publish.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Enisha Reaveshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEnisha Reaves2023-05-02 20:13:212023-05-03 14:09:44A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Enisha Reaves
Wow! If you’re looking for a page-turning, drama-filled, action-packed book, this one is for you! The author is a talented storyteller and exceptional writer. I read this in two sittings (only because I didn’t know when I picked it up I wouldn’t be able to put it down and I had other plans)….just plan to read it all the way through once you start. There are twists and turns and jaw-dropping moments perfectly placed and makes you wonder what is coming next. The family secrets and drama take you where you least expect surrounding the death and disappearance of Sloan’s brother Ridge. The setting, characters, and plot are well developed and it is extremely well written. This is by far the best book I have read so far this year!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2023-05-02 19:54:402023-05-03 14:09:05A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jess Engel
Cabin Eight is tense, has unexpected twists, deep conspiracies, and explores the dangers of technology. This novel is a gritty search for survival that leaves you wanting more as the pages turn. The main character is well developed and you can feel the fear as she faces her fears. With horror and danger lurking at every turn, it’s a fast-paced Alice-in-Wonderland-feeling crime thriller! Just like the other books in the series, Cabin Eight will keep you on the edge of your seat.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Vaughnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Vaughn2023-05-02 18:54:392023-05-03 14:08:09Cabin Eight (The Millersville Series Book 3) by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Brandy Vaughn
Breach of Trust is Book Eight in The Madeline Dawkins Mystery Series. Madeline and her team are at it again with a few new cases to try to solve. Case number one comes when Madeline is asked to come to Monte Verde, a retirement home that her father has recently moved into. She is concerned that her father is not settling well in his new environment but quickly finds out that she was asked there for other reasons. The facility director asks Madeline to try to solve where the poison pen letters are coming from that are being sent to residents of Monte Verde. Someone is threatening to expose dark secrets from their pasts that could destroy lives. Case number two involves a woman being intimidated and bullied by her ex-husband. Then, of course, is trying to find a daughter who left home so that she could join a cult. Their hands are full, as usual, as they are kept busy with the new cases.
As they start to dig into each case, they discover that the residents of Monte Verde are not as innocent as they may seem. They all seem to have some deep dark secrets that are best left buried. A case involving an estranged ex-husband brings painful memories from Madeline’s past to the surface and puts her on edge. The ex-husband is using bullying and intimidation so that his ex-wife gives up her share of the marital assets. His techniques are concerning and almost criminal which act as triggers for Madeline about her past. The distraught father of a missing girl who is desperate to find his daughter pulls on heartstrings. Throughout all of the cases Madeline must try to also help her own father at Monte Verde.
Another great book by this author who is great at weaving all of the different storylines and cases together. It was fun to read the story and try to solve the cases along with Madeline. The characters were well developed and relatable, especially Madeline. She was smart, brave, and determined. I could feel the emotions she was experiencing as she relived the trauma from her own past and tried to work through it to save a woman in similar circumstances. This was a great read full of danger, secrets, lies, shady dealings, intimidation, tension, and some super sleuthing by Madeline and her team.
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 Barnes2023-05-02 18:54:122023-05-03 14:07:49Breach of Trust (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 8 ) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Other People’s Money is Book Seven in the Madeline Dawkins Series. Madeline and her team have taken on several new cases. Jane, a friend from Madeline’s past, asks for her help to figure out who is embezzling money from her husband’s company. As Madeline and her team begin to investigate the first case, a second one pops up when a woman goes missing. The third case involves a wealthy man and a gold digger. The man’s son asks for Madeline’s help to uncover the truth about the woman and save his dad from her greedy clutches. As Madeline and her team start to investigate, they end up with more questions than answers and discover that the cases are somehow intertwined. Madeline and her team seem to be hitting roadblocks in their investigations of each case.
This was a fantastic book with a great storyline. One seemingly straightforward case leads Madeline and her team to other cases. Each case seems to be wrapped up somehow with the other cases as Madeline and her team follow the trail of other people’s money. The team works great together as they follow the trail of clues and even though they hit a few roadblocks along the way it does not deter them from being relentless in solving each case. Madeline feels overwhelmed by tackling so many cases at once, but it does not deter her from doing what she needs to do in order to solve the cases. She is tough, smart, and determined. This book has embezzlement, a missing bookkeeper, a clever gold digger, elaborate cons and scams, manipulation, secrets, tension, drama, suspense, mystery, and a few twists and turns.
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 Barnes2023-05-02 18:12:342023-05-03 14:06:23Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book was absolutely amazing! I have not read a page turner like this one in a long time. This story had so many unexpected plot twists. The story flows so well and the characters are intricately written. I was taken by surprise at every turn of the page. This author definitely takes you on a wild ride. My heart breaks for so many of the characters for different reasons but especially Sloan. Her and Ridge are the two characters that do not make you mad at some point. So much happens in the book but the author makes it so easy to follow. I will definitely be following this author for future reads!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-05-02 18:03:062023-05-03 14:06:16A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Carla Clemmons
Sloan Hatfield wishes she could keep the destruction of her past in the past, but her mother has checked herself out of the mental hospital. Her father who was charged with murder of her brother Ridge is about to get out of jail and Sloan is having to head back home to Crow’s Next Creek to sort it out. As all this is surrounding her, she begins to question what really happened. Lies are told, secrets are revealed and the truth is about to come out that will have everyone reeling.
This was an excellent page turning suspense. The story vacillates between 1988 and 2008, you think the story is going one way only to have a twist you don’t see coming.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2023-05-02 17:41:212023-05-03 14:06:06A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Emily H
I hadn’t read anything by Shanessa Gluhm before A River of Crows, but this blew me away with such force that I’ve already picked up her another one of her books! I can’t remember the last time I was literally gripping my eBook so hard because of the suspense. The author takes us on a highly emotional rollercoaster with impossible to predict twists and turns throughout the entire story. Family ties will be challenged and some of their deepest secrets will be revealed. Can they all make it through in one piece, or will it be too devastating to go on? I cannot sing praises for this enough. I highly recommend picking this up if you want to be fully invested in a riveting crime thriller!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-05-02 17:38:462023-05-03 14:05:57A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Shannen Kern
A gripping mystery, thriller which kept me hooked throughout. The fast paced storyline and plot twists kept me guessing and turning the pages desperate to find out what would happen next! The story is told through a dual timeline, it starts off set in 1988, when Sloan Hadfield’s brother Ridge goes fishing with their father at Crow’s Nest Creek, and never returns home. Sloan’s Vietnam veteran father, who although mostly good natured, was also prone to violent outbursts was arrested and charged with the murder, although Ridge’s body was never found. Sloan’s ornithologist mother never excepted that her son was dead and insisted he was still alive, and went slowly mad. The story picks up twenty years later and Sloan who is in the middle of a bitter divorce, is once again in her hometown, to collect her mother who’s been discharged from a mental health facility. Being back is overwhelming for Sloan, who has so many unanswered questions, and so returns to Crow’s Nest Creek, the last place her brother was seen. Sloan is shocked by the sound of a crow muttering the same syllable over and over, which sounds like ‘Ridge’. Then the body of another boy is found, making Sloan question what really happened to her brother all those years ago, and was her father guilty. It’s not just Sloan and her family who are shocked by what she discovers, the whole community will be as well. This tale of family secrets, deception, and revenge is a real page turner. The descriptive narrative really brings the aerie and atmospheric Crow’s Nest Creek vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story, along with the wonderfully defined characters. An enjoyable and engaging read, which I definitely recommend, and I’ve discovered a new author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-05-02 16:17:362023-05-03 13:57:56A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Jennifer Gordon
A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm. I absolutely loved this book. Its been one of the best books I’ve read this year. Its the story of of Sloan whose brother disappeared on a fishing trip with their dad years ago and her dad was charged with his murder. Their father was a good man just prone to PTSD outbursts due to him being a Vietnam Vet. After Ridge died their mom went down a maddening path of destruction eventually being locked up in an asylum. When it was decided their mom was going to be away long term Sloan decided to go on to college. 20 years later she get a call from the facility her mom is at telling her she is being released. Sloan has no desire to return but she is the only family her mom has. When another young boy is found dead questions begin to appear about Ridge’s death. Did their dad really kill Ridge or was it someone else entirely? This book was so good I had a hard time putting it down. Do yourself a favor and read this mystery now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2023-05-02 14:03:342023-05-03 13:56:47A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Tausha Treadway
Shanessa Gluhm had me in a choke hold from the first page and didn’t let go until the very end. This novel kept me up into the wee hours of the night because I had to know what was going to happen next and I was furiously tapping on my Kindle to get the pages to turn faster. This is the gripping tale of Sloan and Ridge and the lies that tore their family apart for years. A River of Crows has so many twists and turns I got whiplash. I cannot praise this book enough. If you love thrillers, family drama, and really not knowing what’s going to happen until right before it happens, pick this book up right now!
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 Kimley2023-05-02 13:03:562023-05-03 13:56:28A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Megan Conley
Sloan Hadfield’s life was changed forever in 1988 when her younger brother disappeared while on a fishing trip with their father. Although Ridge’s body was never recovered their father was charged for his murder and sent to prison. It was suspected that their father killed Ridge while in the midst of one of the blackouts he was prone to having from his flashbacks of his time spent in Vietnam. After Ridge’s death his mother started to spiral out of control and slowly descend into madness that had her repeatedly being admitted into a mental facility. After her mom was committed to a mental health facility long-term, Sloan moved away to attend college and start a life of her own.
Twenty years after her brother’s death, Sloan is forced to return home to look after mother who has been released from the mental health facility. Sloan is reluctant to return home because of the painful memories from her past but she is the only family her mom has left. After suffering from a recent divorce, she really has nowhere else to call home. Seeing her childhood home dredges up her painful childhood and how much she misses her brother, and her childhood prior to his death. They were once a happy family but now she feels lost, alone, and bitter at how her life turned out.
Missing her brother, Sloan visits their favorite place, Crow’s Nest Creek, which also is where he was last seen. This is the place Sloan, Ridge, and their childhood friend, Noah, spent countless hours watching the crows. This is the one place that helps her feel close to her brother and where she feels a sense of calm. Sloan still has numerous unanswered questions about her brother and what happened to him twenty years ago and starts reliving the moments leading up to his disappearance. When the body of another young boy who disappeared around the same time as her brother is discovered Sloan starts to wonder if the two disappearances were somehow linked. As she starts to ask questions and search into her brother’s disappearance, Sloan is shocked at the secrets that are revealed. The truth shocks her to her core.
This book was intense and impossible to put down! I was a bit upset when I was interrupted a few times while trying to read it because I needed to see what happened next. I was not prepared for the twists and turns the storyline took and I am certain I gasped out loud at points throughout as the truth behind Ridge’s disappearance were revealed. The storyline was well developed, well laid out, and clearly thought out from start to finish.
The characters were ones that I immediately felt a connection to. Sloan was to be admired for standing by her mom no matter how bad things got. Caroline was one that I both loved and hated at the same time. As I was able to catch a glimpse into her past, I could empathize with her because of the trauma she has been through. This helped to explain her actions to a certain extent. However, it is not a reasonable excuse for her outrageous behavior and violent outbursts. When Sloan made excuses for her, or covered up and lied for her mom, it made me want to slap her. Yet, at the same time, I could understand that she still loved her mom and wanted to protect her. It was a true rollercoaster ride for me as I felt the emotions alongside each character. This book had action, suspense, drama, intrigue, lies, hidden agendas, betrayal, sinister family secrets, and a lot of information about crows. I have a whole new outlook on the lives of crows and a whole new respect for them. This book did not disappoint and I will definitely be looking for more by this incredibly talented author!
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 Barnes2023-05-02 12:10:552023-05-03 13:56:03A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I really enjoyed this story. The author has an amazing way of gripping the reader within the first chapter and not letting them go. I read this book in one sitting as I just couldn’t put it down. There are so many secrets and lies to uncover and it deals with some sensitive subjects such as grief and mental illness.
Sloan has had a hard childhood. After witnessing her father attack her mother in violent outbursts she is always on edge however things go from back to worse when her brother is murdered. This event completely sends Sloan’s life spiralling as her mother’s mental health declines and her father is arrested and charged with her brother murder the only thing she want to do is escape. Years later Sloan is forced to return to her home town when her mother checks herself out of the mental health facility she was placed in. On her return Sloan now has to finally face up to the demons of her past and with her fathers release from prison finally come to terms with what happened to her young brother. However the story isn’t as it seems and as all the secrets and lies begin to unravel we are shown the truth of what happened to Sloans family and why. This was a great read. The twists and turns I couldn’t see coming which meant I couldn’t stop reading till I reached the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-05-02 11:58:002023-05-03 13:55:55A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Kerry Carr
What a twisty turny mystery! I enjoy the way this author writes her book. It is a lot of flash bang then the mystery that follows and explains the Bang. Everything is not as it would seem. I enjoyed all the crow analogies..very interesting. There are quite a few characters but the story revolves around just a handful. So many times I await the other shoe to drop especially in the second half. I keep thinking I know what happened or is happening…sometimes I was right and others I was wrong. I had mixed feelings about who I feel sorry for and who I disliked or liked. It really fluctuated up and down as the story moved along. I really have a lot to say about all the characters but I can not without giving something away.
Revenge never hurts only one person because secrets always rise to the surface.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-05-02 11:03:372023-05-03 13:55:35A River of Crows by Shanessa Gluhm – Review by Lisa Helmick
This book is the 7th in this incredible crime/mystery. The loveable characters, Maddie and Mike are back and ready to dive into another round of crazy cases. As PI’s they find their workload a bit overwhelming with the incoming volume of new cases, but the main focus is for a missing bookkeeper. This book follows the cute married couple through their adventure into mysteries, claims of embezzlement, strange disappearances and more.
As usual this author provides a lot of twists and turns. You will thoroughly enjoy reading due to the easy flow of the plot. Also you may find that the ending was not as you thought it would be.
Overall it was a wonderful read and a great addition to this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2023-05-02 11:00:372023-05-03 13:55:28Other People’s Money (The Madeline Dawkins Series Book 7) by Cynthia Hamilton – Review by Darla Yocom
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