Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Minotaur’s Lair is the third book in the series by Luciana Cavallaro. Once again the author put great work into the details of the characters and the world they are in. This may well become a new favorite author of mine. I feel I can relate to the characters and was very invested in each book. Highly recommend this series!
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When I reviewed book 2 I said that the authors creative storyline, descriptive detailed writing, wonderful characters and intriguing combination of Ancient History, Mythology and Fantasy would 100% keep you captivated from start to finish and it absolutely continues in this 3rd and final book for this truly amazing series! With such an action packed, adventure filled storyline and an ending you may well find unexpected you will cement your love of this very talented author for sure!! I know I have. From now on just seeing her name on a book will be enough for me to want to read it.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic and detailed story that draws you in and makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. The author has created imagery so strong that you can vividly imagine what is happening. As the final book in the trilogy this book really ends on a high. This is easily my favourite book out of all of them and I didn’t want it to end.
I loved the Greek mythology element to this. It made it so much easier to engage with the book as there was a lot of information that I was already aware of. I really enjoyed going on Evan’s journey with him. He was easy to relate to, despite being a 12-year old boy. This is a fantastic series that I have loved from start to finish.
The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow where do I find the right words to review this book! I know that no matter what I say I won’t do it or the author the justice they truly deserve! I made the mistake of starting with book 2 so I will be going back to the beginning and starting again. Don’t get me wrong if like me you started with this book your enjoyment will in no way be hindered by that but let’s face it when something is so amazing why wouldn’t you make sure to read everything possible to truly enhance the experience.
The Authors creative storyline with plenty of twists and turns, descriptive detailed writing, wonderful characters and intriguing combination of Ancient History, Mythology and Fantasy 100% keeps you captivated from start to finish. Personally I simply can’t wait for more. I need more Evan!!!!
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 3rd book in the Servant of God’s series and wow. Unfortunately for me this is where I started but i will definately be going back and reading the series from the beginning. The author’s writing is really captivating and I was hooked from the beginning. I loved the mix of historical and mythical and the danger as the different sides battle to find the last artifact.
The characters are amazing written even though they are descendents from God’s they all seem like real people which makes the story fantasy but in parts believable.
Evan and his friends along with the High Priestess have been captured by the Amazon Queen. She then drugs them so they forget their God’s Quest and they settle into a life of helping the Amazons become great again. While the men do this the Queen places the High Priestess in a cell and keeps her as a prisoner. As the High Priestess’s health deteriorates the God’s try and make her see she needs to rescue herself and her Companions and complete their Quest to save the God’s and their way of life. They need to recover the last ancient relic which is hidden in the Minatours Lair.
Meanwhile the Dark Lord has almost completely his mission to overthrow the God’s and take over himself.
Can Evan escape from the Queens grasp and find the ancient relic? What happens when Evan starts to question the God’s and their plans?
This story is full of twists and turns, excitement and danger as Evan trys to escape and then continue with his quest. I can’t wait to read the series from the beginning.
Minotaur’s Lair by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 3 and the final book of the trilogy. I found it quite exciting and the adventure will pull you in from the beginning. It picks up from where book 2 left off. Evan and the gang are on the Amazon warrior island. The drama kicks back off there and just doesn’t end until the very end of the book. I found the characters quite intriguing. It’s a good book for historical fiction. I did find myself wishing that the plot was a little less glitchy with transitions. In moving around the story, I felt it was a touch rocky. Overall, the drama and the characters will pull you in. The books really need to be read in order so I would start with book 1.
The Labyrinthine Journey by Luciana Cavallaro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book 2 of the trilogy is quite exciting. That naughty Zeus is at it just doing what he wants to get what he wants. Evan is thrown into the story and gets deep into the drama as he and the others are looking for the sacred articles to save the Gods. Are the Gods selfish much? This was an entertaining story as it gives an interesting perspective at what the Gods would do to survive a threat to their lives. I found the Gods to be quite full of themselves. The other characters were well-developed. They each played a very important role in the story. Evan is probably the most relatable character. His struggle is so real (from the modern world. Sleep disorder? Tumor?) This is where I came into this trilogy and I’m looking forward to reading book 1 to see how it began. It’s a fascinating book in the historical fiction genre.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What is there not to love about a story that brings three strangers into the same situation on the same night and the story was inspired by Reba McEntire!! I enjoyed this suspenseful story that was full of twists and turns! This was a new author for me, and I was impressed! The author had a unique writing skill that really brought this story with great detail to life. It was well written, easy to follow and sometimes that’s hard to do, especially when you are writing about three different characters. One fateful night, three worlds collide, and no one could see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were well developed and kept the story engaging, entertaining, and easy to read. This was a fast paced story full of twists and turns that had me turning pages like no tomorrow! I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from this author!
Mary Espinoza, December 2022
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 
The Minotaur stirs.
Evan is drugged to forget the gods’ quest.
Evan and his fellow companions are enslaved by the Amazon Queen Antioche and her warriors. The Dark Master’s victorious revenge over the gods is almost complete. The plight of the High Priestess is precarious, her health ailing, imprisoned in a dark room, and unable to rescue her brother and fellow Atlanteans.
One more sacred relic must be recovered, within the lair of the Minotaur. Evan leads his companions into the final battle against the Dark Master on the lands of mystical Krete. He must succeed in his mission so his father Zeus fulfills his pledge to return him home. Then there is Queen Antioche, and the precious gifts she presents him.
Will Evan return home, and what will become of his future?
Minotaur’s Lair is the third and final book in the action-packed Servant of the Gods historical fiction series. A must-read for all historical fantasy fiction fans, ideal for readers of Wilbur Smith, Rick Riordan and Steven Pressfield.
Click here to view the Book Trailer for Minotaur’s Lair (Servant of the Gods Book 3) by Luciana Cavallaro
Luciana Cavallaro, genre-bending fiction author, is the multi award-winning author of The Labyrinthine Journey and The Guardian’s Legacy. She has been nominated for book awards in the action/adventure and historical fiction genres, Finalist in the New Media Film Festival and Finalist in the Page Turner Awards. She is also rather proud of her ambitious attempt at driving her first car at the age of three. (Just between us, this was when she gave her father high blood pressure … and the beginning of her adventures). Visit her website at https://luccav.me/
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m always looking for mysteries and “who done it’s” that are engaging and don’t get bogged down and boring in the middle, the historical aspect was definitely a plus, and Murder on Oak Street absolutely fit the bill. This book has lots of drama, suspense, and misconceptions that pull you in and doesn’t let go until the end albeit reluctantly as I found myself wishing for more. Murder on Oak Street is ultimately an investigation within an investigation as a previous reviewer stated, and I enjoyed every minute of it. If you like historical, crime, mysteries you should definitely give this a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street by I.M. Foster is an intense ride of a murder mystery. It follows Dr. Daniel O’Halleran as he tries to untangle the webs of intrigue surrounding the deaths of two wealthy and influential men which may, or may not, be connected. The long list of suspects are full of secerts, lies, and scandal. It’s cleverly written, well-paced, and full of colorful characters. Foster had created a wonderful story with enough twists to rival Knives Out. Happy sleuthing!
Reviewed by @whisperhymer
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved the corner POV for a cozy
I enjoyed this cozy mystery. Very different from other cozy mysteries I have read. I loved that it was from the point of view of the Corners’ and Detectives’. I want to read the next book in the series and found out what comes of the romances that happened. I wasn’t expecting who the killer was. Most of characters were likable.
Reviewed by @purplesky25276
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
Meet the Author: I.M. Foster is the pen name Inez Foster uses to write her South Shore Mystery series. Inez also writes historical romances under the pseudonym Andrea Matthews. Inez is a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogically speaking. Most of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history.
Reader’s Thoughts: Murder on Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series. It is a historical mystery full of suspense, drama, and murder. This was my first time reading a book by I.M. Foster. At first, with the slow start and the old dialect, I just couldn’t get roped in. I had to keep putting the book down. However, I really wanted to know what was going to happen so I had to keep coming back. Once I got past this I couldn’t put the book down. I found myself consistently trying to crack the murder. The characters within Murder on Oak Street are realistic and believable. The vivid storytelling and world building allows you to feel right alongside the characters on this who-dun-it journey. Despite the slow start and the dialect I would not hesitate to recommend this book to a friend. I would definitely take the time to read another book by Foster in the near future.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As a fan of murder mysteries, I had to give this book a read when I saw it at the local library. I am so glad that I did. Wow was this a whodunit book. There were so many plot twists and turns that I was constantly changing my guess as to who the murderer was. I was wrong in the end. This book reminded me of a lot of Agatha Christie books. She is one of my favorite authors, so I loved how the author weaved the details into the story. I would highly suggest reading this book.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A little slow to start, but once you get into the meat and potatoes of this classic “whodunit” you will find out nothing has an obvious answer at first. The historical setting may be what slowed me down, as I am not a huge fan of older style writings but I was able to stay interested, throughout. I liked the believable characters and although I am unsure of the historical accuracy, it was easy to follow. The story follows Daniel O’Halleran, a coroner in 1904 New York. Daniel is struggling in both career and the romance department, and decides he needs a change. Taking on a new position in Long Island, he is happy with the change of pace and slower lifestyle it brings. That is, until he is provided an old case to review. The dialogue and plot flows smoothly, if you are into historical fiction, and it was a nice change of pace from what I usually read. I will check out other books by this author, and would recommend it to others.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was on mystery that I was so absorbed in I forgot to eat, sleep or do anything but finish the story. Needless to say this storyline was gripping. The characters are well developed and the plot was really interesting with many twists and turns. I absolutely loved the author’s writing style and look forward to many more by this author! A perfect example of a riveting story with a mysterious bent!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and how everything intertwines. I suspected the culprit, but did not have the whole thing figured out, so it was a great surprise to connect everything together. The author does a great job in developing each character and keeping them true to their nature, which was great. The antagonists are also well developed and realistic. I could picture each character, along with the various locations clearly and it was enjoyable to follow them along on the journey. I couldn’t put the book down until it was done! Now I want more!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster. I LOVED this book and can’t wait for the next one. Its the story of Daniel O’Halleran who is a coroner’s physician. He feels like no one takes him seriously and they are always pushing him to hurry up and push cases through. On top of not being super happy with his job his fiancee stood him up at the altar so he makes the hard decision to pack up and move on. He moves to Long Island from New York and accepts a coroner’s assistant position. The boss tells him not to expect anything like the amount of cases in New York here. His first case just happens to be one of is very first cases in New York that he had to hurry up and pass on and where his feeling that something was not right. Will Daniel be able to solve this old case and prove to himself especially that he was right all along. I loved this book and if you love mysteries you will too!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m really glad I picked up this book. The author is new to me and I’ve always liked finding a good series. In the first book of the series, there are 3 different stories of people from different walks of life that find themselves at the Mansfield night club on the same night. What will this fateful night bring?
I really liked learning about the main characters in each story.
Francie grew up poor and finds herself at a gentleman’s club but instead of having to physically entertain men, she ends up singing as the music entertainer. After a couple of life changing events, Francie ends up at the Mansfield as the main singer.
Rose is in her late teens when she’s caught up in a whirlwind romance by a young man who stops in at the diner she is working at. Rose believes she is in love and gets talked into marriage and leaves her small town with hopes and dreams. Her husband gets her an audition at the Mansfield as the opening act. Soon Rose finds herself unhappy in her marriage.
Lastly we meet Beau, a young up an coming lawyer in Atlanta who finds out his boyhood best friend Poke has been accused of murdering a man. Beau does his best to get his friend out of his predicament but old ties in the town (County Judge and Sheriff) don’t follow Justice and his friend loses his life.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It took me a while to get into this book, as I felt it started off a little slowly. But, once the pace and story picked up, I really enjoyed Murder on Oak Street! I. M. Foster was a first time author for me, but she created such a realistic setting with her vivid storytelling and great world building. The characters were well-developed, realistic, and there were a variety of different characters, each with his or her own story. Murder on Oak Street has it all! Murder, drama, mystery, and lots of twists and turns! I found myself attempting to solve the murder right along with everyone! Overall, this is a great read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and crime! I look forward to reading more by I. M. Foster.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a really good book! It was very well written, and was mysterious enough to keep me enthralled throughout the whole thing. I really enjoyed the scene the author set up, and to me the beginning was a little reminiscent of Where The Crawdads Sing. The imagery throughout the book was really good. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs in this book and the twist at the end was exceptional. I’m excited to see where this series goes from here!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love film noir or the 1940’s this is a book for you!
Three Characters’ stories and how they came to be at the Mansfield. How their lives become entwined, and how the lure of the lights and fame can blind you to the evil of men. This book has some graphic scenes, but they are so tastefully done that you can’t imagine the story without them, and they are a window into a time and lifestyle so foreign to many of us in 2022. There is rape, betrayal, prostitution, murder, domestic violence, bigotry, abuse of the law, and adultery to name the things off the top of my head. Now, these things happen in society today, but the way in which they happen in the book is quite different from what we would see. I can’t say enough about how well written this book and the characters are. The world is immersive and I felt like I could see and hear the scenes. Just an absolute Gem!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great historical mystery. The writing was fantastic. I was instantly transported right into this book. I was trying to solve the mystery as if I was an investigator in the story. I couldn’t put this down. I literally read it in one sitting. If you are into historical fiction and mysteries, Murder on Oak St is it. The characters and story is very well written. I.M Foster has a new fan.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a good book blurb, and this one has a good one, it certainly piqued my interest. For a book that has three stories in one, it was an easy read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The first story made me think of the song Fancy by Reba McEntire, and then I read more about the author and the series was based on a different Reba McEntire song, Because of You. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there’s a plot twist or turn. I love it when that happens. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, but the second book in the series is available so I can’t be to upset.
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Daniel is frustrated with his job working as a coroner’s physician in 1904 New York. After two years at his job the authorities have no interest in listening to his findings and he sees no future working there. Then his fiancée decides on their wedding day to call off their wedding, so Daniel takes it as a sign that he needs a fresh start. He accepts a job offer in Patchogue as assistant to their local coroner.
Daniel is barely in Patchogue a month when Kathleen, an attractive librarian, asks him to look into a murder that took place in New York two years ago. Daniel agrees to help her because it just happened to be a case that he worked on, and he was never happy with the verdict in the case. When a murder occurs in the peaceful little village Daniel cannot help but feel that the two cases are somehow linked.
I absolutely adored this historical mystery. It was impossible to put down and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The writing was superb, and the author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. I anxiously await book two!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 1st book in the Express Investigations series. The author has done an amazing job with this historical story. I love how it tells the story of 3 people and their lives and what leads them to all be at the same place at the same time when something changes their lives forever.
Each of our characters are strong and they all have a very unique story to tell.
Beau Hartwell is an lawyer who is starting to make his way in the world but when fate steps in and he loses everything he finds himself at the Mansfield Hotel.
Francie Roubideaux has had a hard life from the start. Living with her mother they were barely surviving. Until she is sent to Miss Claires. But things arent what they seem and when Francie realising it is a house of pleasure she had 2 choices. Stay and pleasure the clients or leave and be in danger. When she starts singing she is spared somewhat from the client side of thing. When she finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel to further her singing that’s when her life really changes.
Rose Donovan falls in love with a man and against advice she leaves with him. However this is all not real and when he sells her to the Mansfield Hotel as a singer.
3 different people, from 3 different backgrounds and life’s are brought together in an event that will change all of their lives.
It is an amazing read you will not be able to put it down and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
All roads lead to California or in this case to the Mansfield Supper Club. Road to the Mansfield follows 3 different characters who have been broken. 3 different characters who you could say have been put through the ringer. The author expertly writes their overlapping stories reflecting the trials and tribulations they go through. The common thread, they all end up in California. They also end up at the Mansfield Supper Club. 2 of which are employees/entertainment and the other a spectator.
Francie(Ruby) finds herself in California to put herself back together. Ending up training and working at a gentlemen’s club when she was 17 she went through a difficult and trying year. Betrayal by her best friend and the stealing of her virtue. She married the man who got her out, only to lose him to death 6 years later. Now it’s time to start over and she’s hoping her voice can lead her in the right direction.
Rose is young and naive. Blinded by the words and actions of Rico Valentino. He convinces her to leave her family and friends, to marry him and move to California. Unfortunately it only takes a few months before his controlling and abusive ways present themselves. Tricked into an audition at Mansfield, she realizes despite her nerves it’s the opportunity of a lifetime, but at what cost.
Will she ever open her eyes and leave him?
Beau was broken by the death of his best friend. The death led to a domino effect of him losing everything. Best part he’s okay with that, because he feels like himself again. He also heads to California, and ends up a spectator at Mansfield. After listening to Rose and Ruby sing, he realizes he wants to help Rose any way he can. He is also mesmerized by Ruby.
Will he act on instinct?
How do these 3 characters tie together?
I feel like it’s the California move healing themselves. What do you think?
It’s one story with 3 overlapping substories, each focusing on a different character. It’s good but I have to warn you there are some dark themes that could be a little too much for some, but you should check it out!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love that all 3 stories connect at the end. This book is such an easy read that also kept my attention from start to finish.
The first story starts with Francie. Kind of reminds me of the song “Fancy” by Reba McEntire. She is living very poor, her mom is not in the best health and they have her baby brother to take care of. Francie comes back one day after selling some frog legs and her mom dresses her up all fancy and sends her off with one of her clients she sews for.
Francie’s singing voice saves her from so much until 2 crimes threaten to take all that way from her.
Then you have Rose. My heart broke for Rose through her whole story. She quickly marries a passerby to escape the life she is living and they head to California. Rose meets Francie and her life changes so much for the better. Rose quickly learns the man she “loves” and married that maybe her father was right about him. But like many marriages in the time period of this book, was trying to stick it out and make it work.
Then comes the story of Beau. The heartbreak he suffers after not being able to help a friend in a legal situation haunts him the rest of his life. However, between that and his divorce he changes his law practice and moves to California.
Oh how I can’t wait to see what happens with these 3 characters in the next book!
Road to the Mansfield by CB Laurence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a page turner that I could not put down!! Road to the Mansfield tells the stories of three individuals who all end up at the Mansfield where their paths cross. This is the first book in the series and I cannot wait for the rest of the books to be released!!
Murder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murder On Oak Street is the first book in the South Shore Mystery series by I. M. Foster. This is a historical mystery that has former New York coroner, Daniel O’Halleran moving to the small town of Patchogue and investigating his first mystery. He approached to investigate a two-year-old mystery that leads him to investigate a second more current mystery. I found this book very engaging and I really enjoyed the character of Daniel. I also enjoyed all the twists. The book has a bit of a slow start but really starts to pick up and becomes quite the page-turner. This is a great book for mystery and/or historical fiction fans.