Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4) by Ellen Butler is another superb suspense/mystery and a wonderful addition to this series. I can’t get enough of Karina and the situations she inadvertently finds herself in (reminds me of myself). In typical Karina fashion a simple fun and relaxing holiday turns out to be anything but and she soon finds frenemies coming out the woodwork. Humour, great locations, great characters and lots of suspense make for an unpredictable and thrilling ride.
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 Bishop2020-10-03 05:31:192020-10-03 15:27:33Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jenni Bishop
Butler continues to up the ante with each Karina Cardinal mystery. And I believe this has been my favorite to date. Slammed full of intrigue and mystery, I simply couldn’t put this book done until I finished the last page. I love the way Butler develops each story and the detail each book contains. Each work is complete and can stand on its own easily. However for the character development and certain histories, you best appreciate the storyline when taken in series total. Loved this book and seriously hope another will be in my hands soon!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2020-10-02 22:52:482020-10-02 22:52:48Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Heather Lovelace
This book is great Ellen has done it again with another gripping story. Karina is having a trip to recover form her latest adventure. Her books keep getting better and better. Full of suspense, drama, danger and adventure. Karina is such a fesith character i adore her. This story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what is next. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-10-02 15:53:232020-10-02 15:53:23Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Piper Foster
This series gets better with every story. This is not my first book and it will not be my last book. This book is a fast pace adventure. There are twists and turns around every page turned. It is well written and the plotline is an adventure. Karina finds herself going to Mexico to drop off a package. It was supposed to be a vacation, but it turns into chaos. Karina always has mishaps with the plans she lays down. This book brings in some Egyptian history, which makes this package even more interesting. You will have to read to see what happens to Karina in this adventure as she always has with everything she does.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2020-09-30 18:49:422020-09-30 19:17:59Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Erica Fish
Pharaoh’s Forgery is book four in author Ellen Butler’s ‘Karina Cardinal Mysteries’ and this series just gets better and better. Our independently minded feisty heroine Karina Cardinal is having a short girls only holiday to Mexico to recover from her latest adventures. However when sister Jillian’s injury means she cannot travel, the trip looks like a no go until friend Rodrigo volunteers to go in Jillian’s place. Whilst boyfriend Mike Finnegan is working, Karina heads off to Cancun with fellow lobbyist Rodrigo. The pair look forward to some sun, sea, sand and plenty of margaritas. Having promised to handover a package to Mrs. Thundermuffin in Mexico, Karina then worries about what is inside the package especially as Mrs T, herself is being evasive. Concerned she may be carrying something illegal she takes a look to discover it’s an Egyptian death mask. Unluckily for Karina and Rodrigo the mask proves to be valuable and so attracts the attention of crooks, conmen, kidnappers, and murderers. With Karina’s life in danger, yet again, her and Rodrigo need friends in the right places to help them out of this situation and help them return home safely. I love this series of books, as each story has mystery, drama and suspense and this novel was no different, the plot had plenty of action to keep me happily turning the pages and enough twists to keep me guessing until the end. I was hooked from page one and as usual was completely immersed in Karina’s adventures. Karina is a great lead character who brings the story together but the other characters, such as Mike and Rodrigo, are also fascinating in their own right and add to the overall storyline. I look forward to future Karina Cardinal novels.
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 Gordon2020-09-30 16:19:592020-09-30 19:13:32Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I really have enjoyed the Karina Cardinal Mysteries books but this one has to have taken the cake and made my absolute favorite one so far. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, these could probably be read as standalones, you will be hooked after the first read though I can promise you that. This one is a wild ride and I really loved the small vacation setting that Butler took me to this time. She has a knack for building the world and scenery so well and vivid that I feel as if I am right there with the characters.
This time we found KC as she was about to go on a much needed vacay with her sister. Of course nothing goes to plan as usual and her sister breaks her leg and can no longer join her on the vacation to Cancun. Fate throws in at the last minute Rodrigo, a coworker and friend of KC’s, and the two embark on quite the adventure and mystery in Cancun. I love the intrigue and the building of suspense in this one and found myself reading well past my bedtime to finish this novel and figure out how things will work out for KC. I am so anxious to see what adventure we will get in the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2020-09-30 16:13:152020-09-30 19:10:45Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Liz Vrchota
Pharaoh’s Forgery is the fourth book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. WOW, this series just seems to get better with each new instalment- this is definitely one of my top two picks of the series, so far. I love a riveting mystery- something Ms. Butler does incredibly well. I love that her stories always keep me wondering what will happen next- and expecting danger with every turn of the page. Her books are always full of suspense, drama, danger, intrigue, tension, action, and even a little adventure. Her books are a definite ‘one-click’-no-questions-asked…. I don’t even have to read the burb because I just know I am going to love it. As expected, this story definitely didn’t disappoint. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, it could be read as a standalone- without feeling like you are lost or missing anything. But having said that, I really do recommend reading the previous three books first, because not only would you be denying yourself some really great stories- there are some recurring characters that appear in each instalment, so having the character introductions/details, backstories, and other interesting information would really enhance your overall reading experience. Karina Cardinal (K.C) has been through quite a lot recently and is in dire need of a vacation. She’s really looking forward to cocktails, blue skies, and the sunny beaches of Cancun- and having her sister with her for a girls get-away. But you know what they say about the best laid plans- as she discovers when her sister breaks a leg and has to cancel. Now it looks like K.C will be holidaying alone- until good friend and co-worker Rodrigo steps in to ensure she doesn’t have to cancel or go alone. But, if you have been following the series, you know that nothing is ever quite that simple and that K.C seems to attract trouble to her like a magnet- so, what should have been a simple favour for her elderly neighbour, turns quite dangerous- with K.C and Rodrigo caught in the middle. Their ‘adventures’ made for quite a gripping and engrossing read! I can’t wait for more Karina Cardinal mysteries!
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 Hayes2020-09-30 10:24:472020-09-30 10:24:47Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Angela Hayes
I’ve been loving Ellen Butler’s Karina Cardinal Mystery series of late and this was no exception. Diamonds & Deception can be read as a standalone, although of course there are certain details that benefit from the context of the previous books. I love this series for its detailed intrigue and fast-paced action. The plotlines and antagonists are well-researched, even if this book has slightly darker themes compared to the previous ones. I really loved how this one focused on Karina as a lawyer, but also how her romance with Mike keeps growing and Karina’s sense of humour made me laugh aloud many times. A suspenseful read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Netania Limhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNetania Lim2020-09-21 11:49:002020-09-21 11:49:00Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Netania Lim
Another quick paced, compelling story from Ellen! This time, Katrina’s sister Jillian attends a fashion show with Katrina when one of Jillian’s co-workers is accused of stealing diamonds. On top of the diamond theft, Katrina ends up being thrown into something else even worse! This was a smoothly written book. Plenty of suspense and drama. And surprises along the way! Ellen knows how to dive in head first to write a good book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Raylene Greenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRaylene Green2020-09-21 04:54:122020-09-21 04:54:12Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Raylene Green
Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4) By Ellen Butler 5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 4) by Ellen Butler. It is a story that includes mystery, danger, as well as twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It is a book that had me hooked from the very beginning. I love the character of Karina Cardinal. She is a woman who is strong, intelligent, and independent. Her boyfriend Mike believes that she always gets herself into sticky situations. This story has Karina going to Cancun. She is asked to bring a package along with her. Sounds easy right? What happens when she is in Cancun has her wondering what has happened to her well-deserved vacation. Read this book to find out what happens. This is a story that had me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. There is never a dull moment in the situations that Karina finds herself in. I also enjoyed reading about the additional characters that are introduced. Some of them have been brought forward from previous books such as Mike and Rodrigo. Others have a selfish agenda that they will try at all costs to make happen. Don’t miss out on an exciting and entertaining story that you won’t be able to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2020-09-20 17:37:152020-09-20 17:37:15Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Laura Furuta
Diamonds & Deception is the third installment in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. The entire series is full of mystery, suspense, and romance. I have yet to be disappointed by this author. Karina always finds herself wrapped up in trouble, but each storyline is unique and pulls the reader in. Although each book can be read as stand alones, I highly recommend reading them in order. You’ll love this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Connie Cranstonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngConnie Cranston2020-09-18 21:06:002020-09-18 21:26:26Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Connie Cranston
This is book three in Butler’s ‘Karina Cardinal Mystery Series’ and having read the two previous novels and having been introduced to Karina Cardinal I was looking forward to this third instalment and was not disappointed. Although book three in a series it can be read as a standalone story, however if read as a series then the reader will have a better understanding of Karina’s backstory. When a friend of her sister Jillian, Sadira Manon who is a middle school teacher is accused of theft from her moonlighting job as a jewellery store clerk, Karina steps in to help prove her innocence. Karina and Jilly join together with Silverthorne Security to investigate as Sadira is adamant that she is not guilty and that she’s being set up. The more they dig and uncover they soon find themselves amongst the shady and dangerous world of the Russian mob. Unfortunately Karina realises she has discovered too much and that she is in trouble a bit late and so she really only has one hope of rescue and that’s boyfriend and FBI cybercrime’s expert, Mike. However the couple who have had a friends to lovers relationship have hit a difficult patch and so Karina just hopes he will pick up his phone. The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of drama, suspense and twists and turns in it that kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. I was fully immersed in this crime thriller and I literally could not put the book down. I love Karina, the main character, who really brings the story to life and she is a very relatable and likeable person and I felt fully immersed in the story alongside her. Having read the first two books I felt like I was back with an old friend. I hope there will be further books in this series.
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 Gordon2020-09-18 16:31:402020-09-18 21:22:58Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Diamonds and Deception is the third book in the Katrina Cardinal Mystery series and i recommend reading them in order! This series just keeps on getting better every time! Once again Ellen blows our expectations out of the water with her talent! This book, just like its predecessors is full of twists you wont expect, and definitely keeps you guessing! This series as a whole is just fantastic and i recommend it highly! I cannot wait to read more from the talented Ellen Butler!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2020-09-18 12:47:422020-09-18 12:47:42Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Finn Cunningham
This book, just like the others by Ellen Butler, grabs your interest from the first chapter, never loosens its grip and holds you down to discover more in this mystery. This book leads you down unpredictable turns but so are the characters that lead down unexpected paths. All the different layers of this mystery will hold your attention for a great deal of time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2020-09-18 12:45:422020-09-18 12:45:42Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Faith Jackson
This is the fourth book in this series. I think this series just keeps getting better and better with every book. I enjoyed how well written this story is. The characters bring the story to life with the mystery and action. I found this book to be engaging and fast paced. I had no problems connecting with the character as they kept me turning pages. In this story Karina is back with another mystery. She gets the opportunity to go to Mexico for some fun and drop a package off. But things don’t go as planned for the drop off. What happens next you will want to read this book. I really enjoyed the characters, they are strong and made me feel as if I was right with them. They made the story for me. I highly recommend this book.
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 Wagner2020-09-17 14:06:122020-09-17 14:06:12Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This is the 3rd book in the series. Another great book by Ellen Butler keeping the series going and very engaging. Danger just seems to find Karina see doesn’t seek it. Highly recommended for those who like crime and romance. Well developed story line and plot. It kept me on my toes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-09-16 14:07:472020-09-16 14:07:47Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Piper Foster
After some of Karina Cardinal’s recent adventures—her lover Mike Finnegan would call them scrapes, jams, or pickles—she’s more than ready to blow this D.C. pop stand for a short girls’ trip to Mexico. Until Jillian’s roller skate wreck blows their plan out of the water.
With Jilly injured and Mike working, her fellow lobbyist Rodrigo volunteers to share some sun, sand, and margaritas in Cancun. It’s tough to relax, though, knowing what’s in her suitcase. A package she promised to hand off to Mrs. Thundermuffin in Mexico.
Mrs. T’s evasive maneuvers around Karina’s questions wave more red flags than a bullfighter, leaving Karina no choice but to take a peek. Okay, so it’s not a kilo of something illegal. It’s an Egyptian death mask that turns out to be a magnet for crooks, conmen, kidnappers, and outright killers.
When the situation explodes into chaos, Karina and Rodrigo are lucky to have friends in the right place—at their backs. But they’re in one hell of a jam. And they could be going home in something tackier than a souvenir t-shirt—more like a body bag.
International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book four in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Melinda Leigh, J.D. Robb, and Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.
Ellen Butler is the international bestselling author of the Karina Cardinal mystery series and award-winning historical suspense, The Brass Compass. Fans who enjoy the suspense of Melinda Leigh and the humor of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will fall in love with Butler’s Karina Cardinal. Her experiences working on Capitol Hill and at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the mystery-action series. The Brass Compass has won multiple awards for historical fiction and is compared to such bestselling novels as Kristen Hannah’s The Nightingale.Ellen lives with her family in the suburbs of Washington, DC.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Pharaoh_s-Forgery-cover-330dpi-scaled.jpg1200744itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-09-16 00:02:282020-10-19 11:49:17Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler
This was a book I was highly anticipating, having read and loved the Karina Cardinal Mystery #1. This book was even better. I really enjoyed the more overtly political nature of this novel. It was fast-paced and flowed smoothly, and the plot and subplots were all thrilling and intriguing. Karina is a fascinating character, making impulsive, borderline implausible decisions, but she’s a strong female protagonist who’s also flawed and doesn’t always make the right decisions. A highly readable book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Netania Limhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNetania Lim2020-09-10 23:05:532020-09-11 06:02:43Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Netania Lim
Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery #3) by Ellen Butler
Butler has done it again. Karina is at it again in this new book and Butler has rightfully outdone herself. This is a fantastic book and I can’t wait for the next.
Karina, Rina, or K.C., is at it again with the trouble. She is following her sister down the rabbit hole, but it’s her sister. Things aren’t as they seem and Karina gets in trouble again. The quote I chose for Karina is: “No, don’t ‘Karina’ me. Listen, it’s not like I plan to be part of the raid. I’ll wait in the car. But I am coming with you. And if you do find her, I want to be there. I need to be there.”
Mike, FBI boyfriend, is once again out of town. When he gets another frantic call from Karina. This time he knows what’s going on and can’t be mad. The quote I chose for Mike is: “I can’t leave you alone for a second, can I? Between you and your sister, you’ve got disaster written all over.”
Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good crime and romance. Ellen is fantastic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2020-09-10 19:39:172020-09-10 22:41:21Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Amanda Kimble
Fatal Legislation is the second installment in the Karina Cardinal Mystery series by Ellen Butler. This murder mystery has a nice pace and the author does an excellent job at character building. It’s suspenseful and draws you in completely. I’m really enjoying Ellen Butler’s writing style and can’t wait to read more from her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Connie Cranstonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngConnie Cranston2020-09-07 07:52:102020-09-07 07:52:10Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Connie Cranston
This book is intensely action-packed as we follow the lead character, Karina through a suspenseful race to prove she’s innocent in an unimaginable crime that she’s not even guilty of. She’s got the assistance of her boyfriend to assist her prove her assistance. The stealthiness of how the crime was committed will have you scratching your head and guessing how the killer pulled this one off. But that is just the beginning as that opens the doors to more than she bargained for but this book is an insane read with so much that keeps you feeling just as Karina feels about this. I love how this author is able to get us all riled up and keep up on the pace of the characters. This is the second book I’ve read by the author and I must say she has gained me as an avid reader because these books keep me on my toes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Faith Jacksonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFaith Jackson2020-09-06 01:55:032020-09-06 09:07:21Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Faith Jackson
This is the second book in this series. Best to read the first one as this is a continuation from that. You have art with the first book and a political type mystery with this book. Karina ends up being a person of interest when a senator ends up dead while talking to her. Karina starts her own investigation into what’s going on with what happened with the senator. The political side wasn’t bad even though it didn’t hold my interest As Much. Book had plenty of action, suspense, and drama to keep my interest. Fast-paced and easy to read. Ellen knows how to Intrigue you!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Raylene Greenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRaylene Green2020-09-04 05:04:262020-09-04 08:46:26Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Raylene Green
Fatal Legislation by Ellen Butler is the second book in the Capitol Hill Murder series, and I absolutely loved it. This book kept me up late into the night, on the edge of my seat and wanting to read what happens next! Ellen’s work with detail is phenomenal and I can’t wait to read more! This talented author has truly outdone herself, and I fully recommend this series, as well as the rest of Ellen Butler’s work! If you love a good mystery, this book is for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2020-09-03 18:16:592020-09-03 22:21:16Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Finn Cunningham
I found this novel by Ellen Butler to be a gripping political mystery thriller and it is Karina Cardinal’s second adventure. Although book two in a series it can be read as a standalone story. Having read book one and already been introduced to Karina, I was looking forward to this second instalment and was not disappointed. The plot is complex and fast paced and had me hooked from page one. When Senator Harper literally drops dead at Karina’s feet she becomes a ‘person of interest’, due to the fact that the Capitol Hill lobbyist was having a heated discussion with him after he had torpedoed her latest health care legislation initiative. When it’s discovered that the Senator was actually assassinated by a hacker disabling his pacemaker, FBI cybercrime’s expert and Karina’s boyfriend Mike Finnegan is reassigned to work a new case. Fearing that she will become a suspect Karina begins her own investigation into who would want the Senator dead. Karina ends up in the dangerous world of money and politics, and soon finds herself in the real killers sights. The main character, Karina Cardinal, really brings the story to life as she is a very relatable and likeable person and I felt fully immersed in the story alongside her. The storyline has enough twists and turns in it so that it kept me guessing until the last page. I couldn’t put this book down and I hope there will be further books in this series.
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 Gordon2020-09-02 15:40:502020-09-02 16:04:10Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon
International bestselling and award-winning author Ellen Butler presents book three in the Karina Cardinal mystery series! Fans of Melinda Leigh and J.D. Robb, who love the humor of Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum will adore this gripping mystery adventure.
The rainbows-and-unicorns period of her friends-to-lovers relationship with Mike Finnegan officially over, Karina Cardinal is taking a tactical retreat. No way is she calling him for rescue from one of her infamous “scrapes.”
Too bad trouble, if not her middle name, is a close relative.
Sadira Manon, friend and colleague of Karina’s sister Jillian, has been dropping way too much cash on designer labels for a middle school teacher. Even one who moonlights as a jewelry store clerk. But when she’s accused of theft, the loose diamond falling out of her purse is enough for the police to sing the song of their people—”Miranda Rights.”
Karina, Jilly, and Silverthorne Security join forces to investigate who’s setting Sadira up to take a fall, and why. They dig up a shady tangle of Russian mob ties and gambling debts. By the time Karina realizes they’ve dug too deep—and maybe a little too far outside the law—Jillian’s in trouble, and the only way out of this particular pot of hot water is to make that phone call…and hope Mike doesn’t let it go to voice mail.
Ellen Butler is a bestselling author writing critically acclaimed suspense and award-winning historical fiction. Her experiences working at a medical association in Washington, D.C. inspired the Karina Cardinal series. She is a member of Sister’s in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Office of Strategic Services Society.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/D_D-digital-cover-scaled.jpg1200927itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-09-02 00:02:022021-02-15 11:25:17Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler
This is the second book in the series by Ellen Butler. This book had me hooked from the start it so full of mystery. I adore Karina character she is such a strong and passion perosn. Been in the wrong place at the wrong time with the senator. There are some many twist and unexpected turns in this story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-08-27 16:10:452020-08-27 18:53:29Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Piper Foster
Fatal Legislation (Karina Cardinal Mystery #2) by Ellen Butler
This is the second book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series and I’ve got to say Ellen sure knows how to write. I absolutely loved this book and really can’t wait for the next Butler Book.
Karina Cardinal is back at it again. Solving mysteries when she should be working. That’s nothing new for our lovely Karina. Her friendship with Matt is moving forward, until they get stuck.
The death of a Senator causes Karina to be in the middle of a situation. Then the death of a high up person is tricky. The third death though closes the case. The deaths don’t stop there. The quote I choose for Karina is: “Mike, I’ve been giving this a lot of thought. My sister says it’s time for us to move this relationship forward. And she’s right. We’ve been dancing around a sexual liaison for too long now. Do you want to move the relationship forward?”
Crime lovers and romance readers alike will love this. Highly recommended book and I will be waiting for #3.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2020-08-24 16:48:182020-08-24 23:03:39Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Amanda Kimble
Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler is a cozy mystery. The author does a wonderful job at submerging the reader into the life of main character Karina Cardinal. The pacing of the storyline is great and I love that it’s based on a true event. The blending of fact and fiction is amazing. I can’t wait to continue reading this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Connie Cranstonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngConnie Cranston2020-08-23 09:39:572020-08-23 12:03:02Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Connie Cranston
Karina Works in DC, and while she keeps busy with her job, she loves it. She loves her life and her boyfriend and one evening, his parents, who are well known in DC, throw their yearly party. She is eager to attend only to discover a painting that ends up being stolenin her boyfriends parenta house! Karina’s character like storyline are well developed a very enjoyable story of fantastic mystery for mystery lovers!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Raylene Greenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRaylene Green2020-08-22 22:25:512020-08-23 07:48:59Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Raylene Green
I enjoyed this original story, the first in a new series by Ellen Butler, the story introduces us to our heroine Karina Cardinal and is a wonderfully written novel based on a true event and which had me hooked from page one. “In 1990 a Boston museum was robbed of $500 million worth of artwork”, in this novel the author comes up with a storyline based on what could have happened to this stolen artwork. This was an exciting cozy crime mystery novel with a strong female lead in amateur sleuth Karina Cardinal. The storyline was fast paced and had plenty of drama, suspense and twists and turns that kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. When Karina Cardinal ends a long week lobbying on Capitol Hill, instead of chilling out in front of Netflix, her and her boyfriend, Patrick Dunne head off to his parents’ annual holiday bash. The evening becomes more interesting and more dangerous when Karina sees something she shouldn’t in Patrick’s father, Martin Dunne’s study. The painting she glimpsed before it disappeared behind a secret panel looked suspiciously like one that had been stolen and is infamous, as anyone close to the painting has been murdered, Mafia style. As Karina wonders what to do an old flame and FBI agent Mike Finnegan comes back into her life and she’s tempted to tell her old friend everything, especially as she still has feelings for him. However, Karina is being watched and both her life and others are at risk if she continues to look into the stolen painting. I was fully immersed in this crime, mystery, thriller and literally could not put the book down. I loved the main character, Karina, as she is a likeable and realistically independently minded women and I look forward to future books with her as the lead. I liked the aspects of romance in the story with both boyfriend Patrick and old flame Mike and how Karina’s relationships changed and developed with each one. I found this to be an original storyline and was gripped until the last page. I found the authors ‘afterward’ section fascinating as Butler tells the reader about the real event that this novel is based on. A five star read and a book which I definitely recommend, I have now discovered a new author who’s books will become ‘must reads’!
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 Gordon2020-08-22 15:55:032020-08-22 19:10:46Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Jennifer Gordon
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