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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Series) by Stephanie R. Caffrey – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Mistaken Identity (London Detective Agency Book 1)Mistaken Identity by Stephanie R. Caffrey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mistaken Identity is the first book in the London Detective Agency series. I was drawn to it by the London setting, as I was feeling nostalgic, and was instantly engaged by the intriguing story! This is a great read if you’re looking for an action-packed romance that will have you on the edge of your seat.

I found the characters easy to engage with, and there’s plenty of interpersonal drama going on as they try to adapt to the unideal circumstances they’ve found themselves in. Evelyn’s research sounds so interesting – I’ll have to read up on that topic myself as I want to learn more! I like how the friction between her and Patrick demonstrates how much they have in common, and James’ down-to-earth temperament balances things out.

I will say that if you’re travelling by plane this is maybe not an ideal holiday read (didn’t stop me though, just meant I was a bit more anxious than usual at the airport!). But it’s great, I couldn’t put it down and may have missed a bus or two because I was so distracted reading it!

This book gets five stars from me! I can’t wait for the next instalment of the series!

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis #2)It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It Comes From Within is the second book in the House Valdis series. I’d recommend beginning with the prequel, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia, as that provides vital background to this story. I’ve enjoyed many books by this author, who consistently delivers exciting and original urban fantasy stories with LGBT+ characters, and the House Valdis series is certainly no exception!

Xenobia is settling into her role at the head of the newly expanded House Valdis. She needs to strike a balance between doing what she can to protect and help those she loves, and not pushing herself too far. The growing threat from rogue vampires needs attention from her and her friends, before it gets out of hand.

I like that in this book we have more relationships developing between side characters. It’s good to see more of them, and have a broader spectrum of romances! The narrative shifts between multiple points of view, sometimes just for a page or two, so we get to see the perspectives of many characters on the story. Some of my favourites are Sylvia and Ezrah, who both get to play important parts in this story!

I’m looking forward to reading more from House Valdis! The story comes to a satisfying conclusion but there are still questions for a subsequent book to answer.

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series to paranormal romance fans looking for something with plenty of familiar characters and tropes, but also loads of original ideas to spark your imagination!

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Murder At Music Hall (True North Murder Mystery Book 1) by A. J. Ullman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Murder At Music Hall (A True North Murder Mystery Book 1)Murder At Music Hall by A. J. Ullman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder at Music Hall is the first book in the True North Murder Mystery series. I enjoyed it, and look forward to reading more from this series!

Trueman North has channeled his tragic past into a determination to find justice for victims of murder. He is focused and diligent, never taking the easy way out. Now retired as a detective and working as a PI, North has been hired by a man who believes that the wrong person was accused of his son’s murder. Now North must find the real killer, and why they did it, as well as proving that the man who was accused is innocent.

As North seeks insights into the victim’s life and death from a variety of sources, we get drip fed bits of information that may or may not lead to the murderer. Many characters have secrets, but not all of their secrets are clues. Some of the secrets are quite dark and may be triggering to some readers.

This is an engrossing read for mystery fans who enjoy a story that will make them think. I particularly enjoyed the orchestral setting as it’s fun getting to see behind the scenes at the orchestra. It gets four stars from me!

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Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Web of Evil (Hani's Daughter Mysteries Book 2)Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Web of Evil is the second book in the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries series. I’d recommend starting this series of historical mysteries, set in Ancient Egypt, either at Flowers of Evil which begins the Hani’s Daughter series or at Bird in a Snare which begins the original Lord Hani series. That said, the book includes enough information and backstory that it can be read as a standalone mystery.

I loved the well-researched historical setting in the Lord Hani series and it’s fantastic that the Hani’s Daughter Mysteries shed more light on the work and lives of women in this part of history. Neferet and Bener-ib are great characters who combine their work as physicians, serving people in their community who might not otherwise have access to medical care, with occasional dabbling in detective work. Lord Hani is still on the scene but the story is very much led by Neferet.

This is an intriguing mystery where new information leads Neferet and the readers to question what we think about the case. It’s a real page-turner! And there is plenty going on around the periphery with Neferet’s family and the communities involved in the case. I particularly enjoyed learning more about different styles of weaving and how the industry was run!

This book gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series to fans of historical mystery who are interested in Ancient Egypt or just looking to explore a different part of history.

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The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Rise of House ValdisThe Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Rise of House Valdis is the first book in the House Valdis series. It’s an exciting urban fantasy featuring plenty of action and romance! I’ve enjoyed other books by this author so I knew I was in for a treat with some fascinating characters and LGBT+ romance.

After getting to know Xenobia in the prequel, it was fun to see how her life on earth had developed and learn what she can do with her powers. There are also plenty of new characters to meet – I particularly liked Matthew who we learn a lot about as the story progresses.

There are plenty of threats as Xenobia tries to protect the various characters who’ve ended up under her care. She has some difficult decisions to make as she works out how to keep everyone safe, including deciding who she can trust to help her.

I’d recommend this series to readers who are fans of the author, and anyone who’s looking to get into an urban fantasy with superb world building. This book gets five stars from me!

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia is the prequel to the House Valdis urban fantasy series. It is a short story that introduces Xenobia, one of the main characters in the series, and gives some of her backstory. I would say it’s not essential reading to enjoy House Valdis but it has been helping me to understand Xenobia’s motivations and behaviour.

This is quite a dark story as Xenobia and her friend Urd are subjected to slavery and violent treatment. It’s fast paced and there is plenty of action as Xenobia tries to find a way out for herself and Urd. There are moments of hope and lightness – one of my favourites sees Xenobia and Urd dancing around their room. This helps keep the story balanced.

This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend reading it if you plan on reading the House Valdis series although it has quite a different feel in terms of pacing and genre. It really is a short read and will get you ready to delve into the series!

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries, Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Murder She Meowed (Bookshop Kitties Mysteries Book 2)Murder She Meowed by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder She Meowed is a cosy mystery featuring cats, a bookshop and a bakery. What’s not to love! It’s the second in the Bookshop Kitties Mysteries series and reads fine as a standalone, as long as you don’t mind spoilers for the previous book.

I love the cast of community characters. There are many casual connections, but as the story unfolds we learn more about people’s pasts and how they were connected with the murder victim. All kinds of people come into Christy’s bookshop, and she’s good at getting them to talk about themselves as well as the books they have come to buy! I particularly liked Lora, who needed to buy two copies of Christy’s latest book to avoid a fight between her daughters.

The cats are a fun addition to the story. In their cat stroller, they come almost everywhere Christy does and their reactions lead her to clues. They can also help people feel calm and open up!

This book gets four stars from me. If you’re looking for something to read while you are performing important duties as a comfortable seat for your cat, look no further!

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Curse of the Forbidden Island by C.A. King – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Curse of Forbidden IslandCurse of Forbidden Island by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Curse of the Forbidden Island is a paranormal romance. I’ve enjoyed many books by this author, particularly The Portal Prophecies! This is a bite-sized story with plenty packed into a short space.

I particularly enjoyed the setting! Reading this book on a bus in February, it was great to imagine a job where I could go and lie on a warm, sandy beach as soon as I’d finished for the day. We got plenty of background and development with Selene who never quite fits in or knows how to behave. Her curiosity brings readers into the story and helps us to wonder about the mysteries surrounding the island.

Although it’s a short book, I felt like it was satisfyingly complete. There’s plenty to fuel the imagination about what might happen after the story ends, but the story is well paced and the ending doesn’t feel rushed.

This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to adult readers who are fans of this author, and any paranormal romance fans who want to replace gloomy castles with a tropical island!

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Group Hug by Ariella Talix – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Group HugGroup Hug by Ariella Talix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Group Hug is a polyamorous romance novel. Callum and Petra move into the home Weston inherited when he realises he needs to rent out a room or two to stay on top of his mortgage. Their mutual attraction is immediate, and it’s only a matter of time before they work out how to navigate a relationship that suits everyone’s needs and desires.

I particularly enjoy the cosy domestic scenes – sharing meals (Callum’s excellent cooking is described in mouth-watering detail), snuggling up to watch movies and so on. The dogs are a great part of the story, often relieving the tension or providing something for characters to bond over.

Petra is a ghostwriter and has researched and written polyamory in the past, so is on hand to provide definitions of different terminology (eg why this is an MMF book rather than MFM) and suggestions for things they can try in the bedroom. This may be helpful for readers who are less familiar with this.

Another great thing about this book is the inclusion of the characters’ families. Weston has lost his family, and Petra has a difficult relationship with hers, but Callum has a big and loving family who are fun to read about!

This book gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to fans of romance who are open to reading about a caring and supportive polyamorous relationship.

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Shifter Shorts by TK Lawyer – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Shifter ShortsShifter Shorts by T.K. Lawyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Shifter Shorts is a collection of six short paranormal romance stories, each featuring a human woman and a male shifter. Most of the stories are independent of each other, but A Mate for Draco picks up at the end of Release the Hellhounds and resolves what would otherwise not quite be the HEA we’re promised.

My favourite is Gargoyle Mine. The idea of a gargoyle shifter watching the world from the side of a building is cool, and something I hadn’t come across before. This story is also less dark than some of the others which I appreciated. It hints at broader aspects of the characters’ lives, leaving spaces for the reader’s imaginations to elaborate on the short story.

I also enjoyed Haven. Again, this isn’t as dark as the others and the nautical setting makes a nice change!

This collection gets three stars from me. I think it has quite a specific target audience as the stories have a lot of similarities including the women often ending up in dangerous, sometimes quite violent, situations they need rescuing from and the men having the end goal of mating for life. If this appeals to you, here are six stories you’ll love!

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Song of Earth and Claws (Faelands Series) by Lena Abram – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Song of Earth and ClawsSong of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Song of Earth and Claws is a fantasy story set in a world of fae where clear rules and procedures dictate how politics and justice are acted out. This includes how and in what circumstances revenge should be taken, and how kingdoms can be lost and run.

The main character, Lannahi, is a young adult and daughter of a powerful king. Secrets from her past mean that she has to work strategically to keep her family safe. She has to make a bold and dramatic gesture that will make her vulnerable and isolate her, but could also bring her power and, eventually, safety.

I enjoy the world created in this story. There are clear social structures which mean that actions and decisions have inevitable consequences. This adds to the tension of some of the more dramatic scenes as we wonder what the knock-on effects will be.

The over-the-shoulder narrative lets us see how Lannahi analyses different situations and chooses her course of action. Her naivety can be frustrating at times but serves as a reminder of her youth, and that she wasn’t intended and therefore adequately prepared for the world she has ended up in.

This book gets five stars from me, and I look forward to reading more Faelands books! I’d recommend it to fans of high fantasy who enjoy stories with intrigue and romance. Particularly if you like books with lots of music in them, this is for you!

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The Uncrowned King (The Blood Prince Series) by Ayla Marie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Uncrowned King (The Blood Prince Book 2)The Uncrowned King by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Uncrowned King is the second book in The Blood Prince YA fantasy series. Leo is the rightful heir to the throne but doesn’t want to be King, he just hopes to use his connection to the crown to secure a safe place for him and those he loves.

This is an exciting book full of action and intrigue. Every decision Leo and his family make is watched by those around them and could impact their safety, positively or negatively. They must choose who to trust, which rules to bend, when to insist on doing things their way.

The story gets quite dark at times, and emotional at others (and of course dark and emotional!). There were times when I had to put it down for a moment just to absorb what had happened and have a break from the intensity! But other times I couldn’t put it down because I needed to know what happened next.

The Uncrowned King gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to fans of fantasy series with maps in the front and unconventional families with tight bonds.

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The Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Alien & the Crime BossThe Alien & the Crime Boss by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Alien & the Crime Boss is a short sci-fi romance featuring, as the title suggests, an alien and a crime boss. Leilphun has fled his home world to Earth, a planet he knows only through stories. He is immediately taken prisoner by Kasper, who is untrusting due to the multiple crime families who want him dead.

I like how Leilphun and Kasper warm to each other over the course of the story and learn to trust. It’s also fun to see Leilphun experiencing Earth for the first time and learning how to fit in. While the shorter format makes this a great book to read in one sitting, I’d have enjoyed more time both for the development of Leilphun and Kasper’s relationship and to see Leilphun exploring human life.

I’ve enjoyed many books by this author before and this will appeal to fans. I like the originality of her characters and the scenarios they find themselves in. It’s also always great to come across LGBTQ+ characters in genre fiction!

This book gets four stars from me. If you’re at all intrigued by the title, give it a read! It’s such a short read you’ll be able to satisfy your curiosity as well as getting a taste for the author’s style.

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Lela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Lela's ChoiceLela’s Choice by Jennifer Raines
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lela’s Choice is a standalone romance that follows Lela as she travels from Australia to Malta to look for her missing niece. She’s keen to work independently from her father, but her father has arranged for Hamish to help in her hunt.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and I enjoyed it a lot! The author approaches interesting and complicated issues and situations in her books, adding depth to the romance. In Lela’s Choice, we have the challenges of locating a missing person in an unfamiliar country, as well as Lela’s relationship with her father and how that impacts on her connection with Hamish.

The setting in Malta is well-researched and described, so it’s like travelling there by book! It’s fun exploring Malta along with Lela and Hamish.

I’d recommend this to fans of romance with a bit of mystery thrown in, who like books set in interesting destinations. It gets five stars from me!

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery) by Alice Bienia – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Knight In Peril (A Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery #6)Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knight in Peril is the 6th book in the Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery series. I wouldn’t say this series necessarily needs to be read in order, the books work fine as standalones, but Knight in Peril will have more impact if you are already familiar with Gab from earlier books!

This story builds on anxieties around women travelling alone, as Jorja arrives in Istanbul to find her friend Gab is not there to meet her as planned. She then has to combine her skills as a PI with police forces in Istanbul and back home in Canada to try to find Gab, whilst also keeping herself safe alone in an unfamiliar country.

I love that in amongst the mystery plot we are treated to descriptions of Turkish food, landmarks and culture. It really feels like a holiday in a book! (albeit a dangerous and stressful one…).

I’d recommend this series to fans of suspenseful mysteries. It gets five stars from me!

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Grave Digger Academy IV (Grave Digger Academy Series) by C.A. King – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Grave Digger Academy IVGrave Digger Academy IV by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Grave Digger Academy IV is part of the Grave Digger fantasy series. It’s aimed at teen and YA readers but will appeal to all who enjoy magic school stories. This book is best enjoyed as part of the series so that you watch the characters grow and develop and see how the story leads on from the previous book.

I love that this story gets us going with some mysteries straight away. Who is Jezabella Peacock and what does she have to do with Makayla? How has the school changed, and what impact will that have on her? There are plenty of twists, it’s a real page-turner! I’m looking forward to reading the fifth book when it comes out.

This book gets five stars from me! I’ve enjoyed other series by this author as well so knew I was in for a treat when I started the Grave Digger Academy series! It’s great for existing fans of the author, as well as being a great entry point.

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Dreamscape (J.J. Morris Mysteries) by J.N. Sheats – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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DreamscapeDreamscape by J.N. Sheats
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dreamscape is the second book in the J.J. Morris series. I hadn’t read the first book and enjoyed this book well enough, there was plenty of information to help me catch up, but I would recommend reading the series in order to get the full backstory (unless you’re like me and see a pretty cover and can’t stop yourself!).

Joey is struggling to keep up with her day-to-day life as she also deals with the supernatural incidents she’s newly aware of. This will be relatable to anyone who has felt like their life has fallen apart a bit, the descriptions of the chaos of her living space were particularly familiar to me!

There are plenty of mysteries and questions to draw you into the story. How is Jinx the cat getting into Joey’s locked room? What’s with the weird dreams she’s having? What caused the fire on campus? It’s an intense story that will excite your imagination. Jinx, by the way, is definitely one of my favourite characters!

This book gets five stars from me. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Orenda is the second book in the Latitude Series, which follows on from Antipodes. I’d recommend reading the Antipodes series first for the full backstory of the world the stories are set in, but you could jump in at The 45th Parallel which begins this next generation of the story.

This is a post-apocalyptic science fiction series that draws on mythology and traditional beliefs from around the world to inform a rich and widespread world of connected communities. As the story passes to a new generation, there is a focus on rebuilding the world and making decisions that will set it on a positive course for the future.

I really enjoy this series, and Antipodes, for the way it takes readers to all kinds of interesting places. The author describes these places in great and loving detail, which transports the reader to the place! In Orenda, it’s particularly fun discovering new places through Gio’s eyes who hasn’t spent his life travelling as Caitlin has.

This book gets five stars from me! I’m looking forward to reading more from this world.

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series) by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Arriving Home (Lake Juniper Series)Arriving Home by Chelsea Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Arriving Home is gay romance with a snowy, festive setting. It has a lot of cute, Hallmark-esque tropes but also addresses deeper and darker topics. Both of the main characters, Austin and Elijah, have a lot of healing to do as they learn to trust each other and open up.

This is a refreshing read for anyone who finds the Holiday season difficult, as we see Elijah and Austin struggling with things like being in noisy, crowded spaces and dealing with uncomfortable family situations. As well as this, we see them finding ways to cope and help each other out.

Arriving Home gets five stars from me! I’d recommend it to M/M romance fans who are looking for an engaging Holiday read! I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

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Lost and Found (Logan McKenna Mystery Book 9) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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

Lost and Found is the ninth book in the Logan McKenna Mystery series. I enjoy this series for the coastal and nautical settings, and the great dynamics with Logan’s friends and family! Lost and Found can be read as a standalone mystery, but the developments in recurring characters and their relationships make it best enjoyed in the context of the series.

One thing I enjoy about these books is how they start with a glimpse of the murder. That means you as the reader can be starting to look for clues from the start, before Logan is even on the case! There are loads of great details to notice and you never know what might be relevant!

The focus on the crabbing industry in this book added a level of interest. Through various characters we see how the unpredictability and competitivity of the industry can impact people’s lives, which then adds to the drama and tension. It’s clearly been well-researched which made it informative as well as adding depth to the story!

This book gets five stars from me. If you’ve enjoyed books in this series already you know you’re in for a treat! I’d recommend the series to mystery fans who enjoy coastal settings,

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The Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Men of Eden Cove ManorThe Men of Eden Cove Manor by Naomi Valkyrie

The Men of Eden Cove Manor is an enticing paranormal romance, set around Halloween. I’ve enjoyed this author’s books in the past – some fantastic LGBT+ paranormal stories – so was excited to read this and it didn’t disappoint!

The story draws heavily on the Gothic which I love! Curious Lucifer sneaking around a supposedly haunted house, stumbling into something he shouldn’t have seen and then being caught up in a dangerous and wonderful world feels classic, but there’s plenty that’s new and unusual about this story as well!

While it’s in many ways a lighthearted paranormal romance, this story also explores grief. Lucifer has recently lost his mother and is trying to honour her by living his life to the fullest. Meanwhile, Mordecai and the others at Eden Cove Manor are still affected and motivated by bereavements they suffered long ago.

If you’ve enjoyed other books by this author, you already know you’re in for a treat! I’d recommend this to fans of Gothic literature and M/M(/M/M/M…) romances. It gets five stars from me!

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 7) by Mark Nolan – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Mission Target (Jake Wolfe, # 7)Mission Target by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mission Target is the seventh in the Jack Wolfe Thrillers series, although each book can be enjoyed as a standalone. Jack, and his highly trained dog Cody, have been called on to help eliminate a vast terror threat facing the US. Jack also faces personal threats that put those he loves in danger.

Jack and Cody are a great team, taking care of each other and combining their skills to great effect. I also really like Sarah, Jack’s partner, who can keep a cool head in a crisis and shares Jack’s affection for animals. This is really a great series for readers who love animals and thrillers!

There’s plenty of detail around each action scene or stunt that takes place. I’m a particular fan of the ones where we find out afterwards important details that made things work out, a reminder of the careful planning going on behind the scenes (and Jack’s tendency to throw that out the window and improvise!).

I’ve enjoyed other Jack Wolfe books I’ve read before and this continues the trend of gripping, intriguing thrillers with plenty of humour and lightness for balance. It gets five stars from me!

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls #4)Faking the Fall by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Faking the Fall is the fourth book in the Buckeye Falls series. I’ve enjoyed a few of the books already so knew I was in for a treat! The books in the series work as standalones, each as a romance that focuses on particular characters from the community, but it’s fun to read them together and get to know the whole community!

In Faking the Fall we have two creatives, writer Alice and artist James, who are both facing creative blocks. They are also both recovering from bad break ups, which have brought them to Buckeye Falls. James is under pressure to produce more artwork after a long dry spell, and Alice’s parents are keen for her to move out and, preferably, get married and give them lots of grandchildren.

This is a fun fake dating story, with the inevitable sparks of real connection as things develop! I particularly enjoyed checking in with all of the familiar characters from other stories such as Max, CeCe, Natalie and Ginny. It’s great to see their stories continue to develop!

Faking the Fall gets five stars from me! I’d recommend the series to fans of cosy, small-town romance.

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The Man in Black by L.R. Liverpool – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Man In BlackThe Man In Black by L.R. Liverpool
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Man In Black is a wild west thriller with a gay romance. It’s fun, engaging and at times gripping. We follow the young protagonist, who has named himself Simon Shaw, as he pursues his dream of joining an outlaw gang.

Simon is a wonderful protagonist. He is naive in many ways, but has a clear vision of the future he wants and who he wants to be within it. Like many queer people, he is resisting the path that is seemingly laid out for him and following the only path he can think of that allows an escape.

This story is well researched with plenty of immersive world building. It’s cinematic at times! This, along with the suspense of the mysterious murders, will draw you into a book you will struggle to put down. (But please do put it down occasionally, it’s long and you need to eat!).

This book gets five stars from me! I love LGBT+ representation in genre fiction and this is a great example.

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Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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

Safe Harbor is the fifth book in the Logan Mckenna Mystery Series. It can be enjoyed as a standalone mystery – it’s the first that I’ve read, but now I’m keen to go back to read more and get to know the stories behind some of the characters!

The Oregon Coast provides a stunning backdrop for this mystery. Logan is there on holiday with her family, including her young grandson. There are so many activities for them to enjoy, but getting caught up in a murder is not something any of them planned.

I enjoy how this story revolves around such interesting family dynamics. Logan has a lot of complicated relationships and past trauma that she has to work to keep from impacting her present life. This adds plenty of interest and depth to the story!

For me, this is a five star read! It will appeal to readers who enjoy exploring an interesting destination through the eyes of a protagonist, and who like a mystery that will give them plenty to think about.

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand, #1)Wild Lavender by Nicole E. Kelleher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wild Lavender is the first book in the Heart & Hand series. It’s a beautiful historical fantasy romance with a heroine who resists society’s expectations of her. Adventurous and inquisitive Lady Aubrianne is an enjoyable character, and her love of horses will make her particularly appeal to animal fans out there!

There is, of course, a strong romance story in this book established from the outset where a chance encounter brings Larkin and Aubrianne into each other’s lives. But there is also plenty of action and mystery adding layers to the story!

There are plenty of great characters in this book! One of my favourites is Gilles, the stablemaster. It takes time for Aubrianne to win his trust, but as she and we get to know him he definitely grew on me!

This book gets five stars from me, and I’m keen to read more of the series. I would recommend it to fans of mediaeval fantasy romance, particularly if you love horses!

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium is an enchanting children’s story that takes place in a world where imaginary friends are real! Four children – Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick – are drawn to the Toy Emporium to claim their own imaginaries. Soon they, and their families, are caught up in the fantastic world of mermaids, dragons, sylphs and gnomes. But while Mr Barsin doesn’t ask for money in exchange for the imaginaries, there is still a cost he expects to be paid.

This is an engaging “be careful what you wish for” story. It explores different family dynamics as well as challenges that children face, including grief and neglect. Parents try and do what’s best for their children, and don’t always get it right. There are many times when a child and/or their parents are in danger, so for sensitive readers it may be good to read this book together to reduce anxiety.

This book gets four stars from me! I’d recommend it to kids, and grown ups, who love to play with their imaginary friends!

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A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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

A Death on Fools Lane is the fourth book in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. It’s loosely a festive murder mystery, set between Christmas and New Years, but can be enjoyed any time of year! It can be read as a standalone but is a nice continuation of the series, with the return of some familiar characters.

Eve and her friends have taken on what seems to be a simple bit of housesitting during the holidays. It’s a chance to get away and have some time together. But, of course, there’s a body in the yard, so now there’s a murder (or suicide?) to investigate.

Eve makes a good investigator. Her strength is her ability to communicate with people, making them comfortable enough to share with her. This means she gets into the personal stories behind the victim and those connected to him, picking up on clues to what’s been going on.

It’s an entertaining mystery! Even near the end I wasn’t sure what had actually happened, until we got the final clue. This story will keep you turning the pages!

A Death on Fools Lane gets four stars from me. I’d recommend it to mystery fans, particularly if you’re looking for a good Betwixtmas read!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Party To Remember is a festive novella in the Notebook Mysteries series. I’d recommend it to fans of the series looking for an enjoyable holiday read. If you haven’t read this series yet you should start with Emma to get to know the characters and their circumstances! It’s a fun historical mystery series with a great cast of recurring characters working together.

A suspicious party invitation has Emma and her friends curious and excited. On the one hand, it’s a chance to wear the fabulous dresses they bought on a recent adventure in Paris! But the strange choices in who has been invited, and the private or secretive nature of the hosts means they have a feeling something isn’t quite right.

There’s plenty going on in this book as characters have lots to prepare for – a wedding, the party, performances. Add in a young girl that Emma and Jeremy have suddenly ended up responsible for, everyone’s got a lot on their plate!

This book gets five stars from me. A great addition to the series!

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets of Arkaim is the second book in The Reeds of West Hills series. It’s a good idea to start at the beginning of the series, although this sequel does a good job of reminding readers of relevant information from The Guardian of Whispers. It’s a fun magic school fantasy series appropriate for strong readers in KS2, as well as KS3.

Jon and Frank are getting used to their powers and the school and wider world they are now a part of. They’re excited to go back after the summer – to see their friends again and learn more about what they can do! And they have the Zodiac Games to look forward to, which it seems the whole school is excited about!

There are also plenty of situations for them to navigate, including Jon coping with the stigma associated with his unusual powers. And there are mysteries to solve, where the twins have to work to keep themselves and their friends safe.

This book gets five stars for me! I’d recommend it to young fans of magic school series such as Children of the Red King and The School for Good and Evil.

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