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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Char Whatomy-Alba

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine

The second book in the Crawford series is just as good as the first one. Lauren is back doing her job as a court stenographer although the jobs are few and far between. She is so far behind on her bills that she is desperate enough to take a job with her ex-husbabd who is now a judge. Together they are on one of the biggest trials Crawford has possibly ever seen. A young delivery boy stands accused of murdering an elderly lady. The lady in question had just been in court with Lauren the day before concerning her competency. Based on how things were going surely one of the bitter children is the culprit? The further they get into the court proceedings the more Lauren thinks the accused is innocent. Is she willing to risking losing what little income she is getting to speak up?

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Angela Hayes

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

 

 

Shadows of Doubt is the second book in the Crawford Mystery series by Merissa Racine. This is another intriguing crime and investigation story- with plenty of mystery, suspense, courtroom drama, secrets, tension, and more.
We met Lauren Besoner, court stenographer, in the previous book when she got tangled up in a murder investigation. In this story, Lauren is drawn into another investigation in an effort to see that justice is carried out. But her investigation uncovers startling secrets she would rather have left buried, revealing clues that point a little too close to home. What happens makes for a great story that had me anxious to find out how it all played out in the end.
Bring on Book #3….

Thank you, Merissa Racine!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Daryian Lucas

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the first book to this series and loved it so I decided to read the 2nd book. I made a good choice because this book was just as good as the first. I’m beginning to love suspense/mystery novels and this series is why. The book is written in 3rd person but it’s not too much. It mainly focuses on Lauren’s feelings which I like. I can’t wait to keep reading more by this author.

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Anantha Rusum

Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, a good old time mystery book, is a good way to end the weekend. I love mysteries, Agatha Christie is my favorite, in fact I chose this book because it is historic mystery, you get a feel of the 1930s.

Two detectives want to indulge in their hard earned holiday on new year’s eve abroad a ship when work comes calling. They end up on the wrong side investigating missing documents instead. To make matters worse, there is a murder. Will they be able to solve the mystery before it goes public?
This is the crux of the story. It is a very well written captivating mystery. I loved it.

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Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 1) by Amy Argent – Review by Jenna Knee

Come Back Tomorrow (Embrace Tomorrow, #1)Come Back Tomorrow by Amy Argent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where to start? It has been so long since I’ve been so captivated by a book. This is the story of Will and Tori, two unlikely people who find themselves drawn to each other in uncertain times. You find yourself captivated by this story and find yourself longing for it to continue long after you have finished. There is so much story left to tell and am so very excited to know that there is a book two. I’m haunted by this story, but haunted in a good way. There is so much I want to say about this book! This story of hope and love is a must read! Thank you, Amy Argent for bringing this story to all your readers.

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Brittany Angel

Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Frances Palmer, her fiance Jack and her Uncle Sal embark on a planned holiday with friends they recently made on their travel from Austrailia to the UK. Only upon arriving, they are asked to go under cover to help solve a mystery of stolen documents. Soon there after, on the cusp of solving the mystery, there is a murder.

This is the 4th novel on the Jack and Frances series and was my first to pick up. It was an easy read that I could follow along with no prior information. Definitely fun and entertaining.

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Silent Gavel (A Crawford Mystery Book 1) by Merissa Racine – Review by Char Whatomy-Alba

Silent Gavel (Crawford Mystery #1)Silent Gavel by Merissa Racine

Lauren Besoner, a court stenographer, has found her boss dead in their home. When she agreed to carpool with the judge the last thing expected was to find her deceased. It comes to her attention that she has become a prime suspect when she does several interviews with the police. How can she prove her innocence beyond a shadow of a doubt? Surely there are several suspects who had more than enough motive to commit the crime? Will she be able to find the killer before she is arrested a charged unjustly? Or is she a soon to be victim herself?

 

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Angela Packard

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in this series, and I loves this one as much as I did the first. Lauren Besoner is a court reporter who freelances. She takes a job working for her ex-husband while his regular reporter is on maternity leave. Lauren’s job is to take down every word said in court, but she can’t stop her inquisitive mind when things don’t add up. Can she just do her job or will she follow her instincts and start doing her own poking around.
I love Lauren and I think along the same way as she does. I found myself talking to the book and telling her where to look next. The characters are very likable, from the owner of the bakery to even her ex-husband, who didn’t realize becoming a judge would find him so lonely. I sat on the edge of my seat as I turned each page wondering what she would come across next! I would recommend this read in a heartbeat.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Kristine Solano-Witucky

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kingdom of Embers is the first book in the series Kingdom Journals and is a YA novel. I love YA novels, the characters and the story line. Tricia Copeland didn’t disappoint with this book. I love witches and vampires so this book really kept me interested in reading it and not stopping. I am going to download the next book and see what unravels.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Alexandra Nay

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an absolute pleasure it was to discover a novel that was so much more than just a YA paranormal romance. Keeping in mind that I accepted ahead of time that I am more than just a bit too old to be considered as part of the target audience, I enjoyed this book so much more than I predicted. Main character Alena is part of the forbidden race of witch-vampire hybrids. As far as she knows, she is the only one of her kind. Alena’s life becomes exceedingly challenging as she struggles to balance classic high school drama and romance, with her blossoming powers and paranormal abilities. The storyline developed at a nice pace, the ending will blow your mind, and leave you unable to wait to begin the next book in the series.

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10) by Louisa Bacio – Review by Rayne East

Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10)Sea Mage by Louisa Bacio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enjoyable quick read
I enjoyed the story line and the paranormal aspects of this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and even though it is the tenth book in the series there is enough explanation to know what’s going on. The use of imagery is well done but sometimes I found the conversations between characters a little stilted. Overall, a series worth checking out.

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Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by Nina Maes

 

Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Good story, with very real emotions that you can feel through the pages. Love how it draws you in to want to what is going to happen next. Like all the twist and turns. Looking forward to reading more from this author.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Melissa Collins

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read paranormal romance but this was my first time traveling one and it did not disappoint. I’m so fascinated how K.G. paints a magical picture of the present and past! I’m looking forward to reading more books by her!

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Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven Book 5) by AJ Renee – Review by Audrie Harrington

Cursed Luck (Broderick Coven, #5)Cursed Luck by A.J. Renee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So happy to finally read about Edward and also check in on how all the other family members are doing! He is the quiet, brooding brother who doesn’t have magic like the rest of the family. He can be a bit cocky and often sticks his foot in his mouth. He seems to be good in business and we do find out that he has magic powers just like the rest of the family. Edward still struggles with the loss of his father and keeps his distance from the family. I was happy to get to know Mia since we saw just a little of her in Cursed Touch (book 4). I love her earthly magic and can just picture all of the beautiful flowers described throughout the pages. This was another steamy love story and I hope this isn’t the last book to be written about the Broderick Coven.

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)
By Merissa Racine

4-stars

Shadows of Doubt is the 2nd book in the Crawford Mystery series, a series that I recommend reading in order as this book follows the same characters as the previous book.

Just like the first book we get to follow along with Lauren and the current case she is working on as a stenographer. I found reading all the ins and outs of the courtroom to be really interesting, however, I prefer a more fast paced read with a bit more excitement. In saying that though this story is quite realistic compared to others of this genre and that is truly a nice change.

This is a book I would recommend reading, it’s entertaining and mysterious enough to keep you wanting more!

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Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection Book 3) by Nikki Lynn Barrett–Reviewed by Jerricka Brown

Snowfall Serenade (Soul Connection Book 3)Snowfall Serenade by Nikki Lynn Barrett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was amazing. I love it. I was intrigued from the very beginning. I was flooded with emotions with each word. I was transported into the story. Barrett did an amazon job with this story. I felt the passion through the story line.

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Love’s Refrain (The Stardust Duet, Book 1) by KG Fletcher-Review by Elena Tobar

Love's Refrain (The Stardust Duet, #1)Love’s Refrain by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A beautiful love that even time can’t come between. My heart was breaking for Phillip through so much of this story, knowing just how many years he waited and searched for the love of his life. When he finally reconnected with Katherine, the magic between them was electric, even with the passage of so much time. This was my first time reading a story about time travel and this was written so beautifully that I found myself invested from the very first page. My heart was in my throat the entire time, just waiting to see what would happen with Phillip and Kat. I’m counting down the days until I can read part two of their amazing journey.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Anna Hirsch

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland
4 Stars

This is a young adult fantasy novel. It is about witches and vampires yet is unique in its approach to them. Alena Scott is half witch/ half vampire; a forbidden breed. She is raised by her mother who is the vampire chancellor. She is raised with the knowledge to assimilate into human society. Unfortunately with her weird diet, pale skin and being the new girl in school, she sticks out like a sore thumb. Trying to make friends and hiding what she is is proving to be difficult. Being a teenager with her hormones out of whack, there are times when she literally wants to rip someone’s throat out. There are so many secrets that she longs to uncover concerning her missing father and her powers. Meeting her childhood imaginary friend in the flesh, they work together to figure things out.

I think that this is an amazing start to this series. Although I was frustrated to know more details about Alena, the author threw out enough crumbs to keep me interested. There was intrigue, action and mystery. I enjoyed the fact that the main character wasn’t some all powerful being. I have a feeling that her powers will grow throughout the series and that’s how it should be. I’m so happy that she acted age appropriate. Alena is an inexperienced seventeen year old who I’m thrilled didn’t jump into bed right away with someone. She had the same questions and feelings that we all lived through at one point. I loved this book and look forward to reading more of this world that Ms. Copeland created.
Review by @Anna Hirsch

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Dawn Brown

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Alena is a hybrid of a vampire and a witch. She is getting ready to turn 18, when she will be a responsible adult in all worlds (vampire, human and witch.) She is currently living in her mother’s overprotective world and trying to imagine her future but her mother, being overprotective, won’t let her do anything like date or hang out with friends.
When she runs into her imaginary friend from childhood at the library, Alena embarks on a mission to see what is going on. What has her mother been searching for? Who is her father? Why did they leave LA and her (imaginary?) friend behind.
Opinion
Sit down and buckle in for this book. I will have to warn you that the chapters are long but SOOOO worth the read. I am a huge fan of anything paranormal and this book fits the bill perfectly. The mystery behind what Alena’s mom is hiding kept me intrigued but what kept me wanting to read more was the day to day problems of being a teenager. This book is well worth the read.

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Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10) by Louisa Bacio – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Sea Mage (The Nightshade Guild, Book 10)Sea Mage by Louisa Bacio
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book! Also, I did know that I was picking it up in the middle of the series. So while I did not have a lot of the backstory going into the book, I didn’t feel like I was missing something in the over arching plot.

Serena is a mermaid shifter charged with keeping the orphaned, elven princess safe from the evil entities that are trying to take her. She and Peder are drawn to each other but each have other commitments that have to come first before they can truly explore what is going on between them. Can they work together to keep the toddler safe and find a balance for each other? Or will it all become too much for them?

I haven’t seen a lot of mermaid books and that is what drew me to this book. The author did a phenomenal job describing all the characters and places they were at. I could literally see them. In fact, every time Serena is described I couldn’t help but picture Serena from Gossip Girl! LOL

Now that I have read this book, I will go back and find the others in the series. I am hoping to get through them all by the time the next in this series is released!

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have enjoyed every book that I have picked up by Tricia Copeland! Her writing draws me in and keeps me wanting to know more about the characters and the storyline.

Alena is a sheltered half vampire, half-witch. Her mother keeps her scheduled and pretty much on lock down, but as this is her senior year in high school, her mother lightens up a bit. She begins to see the world around her in a different light as she makes new acquaintances and new friends. Shockingly enough, her new friends include an imaginary friend that she discovers is actually very real. As a struggle between the witches and the vampires begin to escalate, Alena finds out who her true friends are and which ones she needs to keep close. But will that be enough to save her, her family and friends, and mankind?

Ms. Copeland does a wonderful job writing believable characters with normal teenage angst, emotions, and challenges that they face with friends and family. I appreciate that she doesn’t over sexualize their feelings, uses clean language, and keeps the plot plausible -as much as you can with paranormal!

All in all, I really liked this book and will be looking for Book 2 to read next!

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by LaBeccah Davis

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is such a good book. The characters are developed so well that you feel like you know them personally… I can’t wait to read the other books in this series so that I can find out what happens to the third side of the imaginary friend triangle… This book has some serious issues in it that make it more than just a romance novel… it has issues that real teens deal with in real life… I love how the author was able to add that in this book…. Where is ivy and what happened to her is my question now! Time for the next book!!!

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Liz Vrchota

Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This fourth installment of A Jack and Frances Mystery was just as exciting and just as much of a cozy good mysterious good time as the previous three before it if not more so! I have really loved following these two along on their adventures through time and all the mysteries they seem to find themselves in. In Death under Palm Trees we find Jack in Frances in Nice, in 1931, with a whole new mystery. I even spotted some characters from a previous book that I loved and returned for a hello so that was fun! The world building will make you feel as if you are right there with them too! The characters are really great but they build over the series so I would recommend that you read the books in order for the best enjoyment of the novels. I can’t wait to see what we will get next!

Review by @lizaileen
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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Kerry Carr

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 2nd book in the series and it is just as enjoyable as the first book. Even though the books can be read as a standalone I would recommend reading them in order so you get a proper sense for the characters and how they are linked.

Lauren is back as the court reporter. Forced to take whatever jobs come her way she has to take a job as a court reporter for a murder trail that her ex husband is the judge on.
With the feelings between the running high can she focus on her job?

This murder trial has a difference. Lauren knows the victim and she knows that the chances of the person who is on trail for her murder actually commiting  this murder are very slim.
With other suspects with a stronger motive for this murder not being looked into Lauren finds herself trying to solve the case and bring the real murderer to justice. However things aren’t that straight forward and the story takes you on so many twists as it unfolds that you won’t know who the killer is until the end.

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Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by Jade Thomson

Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yall- I ate this book up and left ZERO crumbs. If you enjoyed Journeys Through SpaceTime (as I did!), you’re gonna LOVE Journeys Through TimeSpace. Not only is the cover art breathtaking once again, the story is FANTASTIC. I think often book series can fail because the second can’t measure up or characters fall flat, blah blah blah, but TimeSpace was incredible. I felt lucky to read the first and I felt immense joy to read the second. James Talisman continues to create incredible characters and an enriched multiverse that is written so well that I can actually feel as if I am there and witnessing the worlds around me. I love this author and I am ready for more of his books! Onto the next!

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Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by Jade Thomson

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Do you ever feel like YOU were the lucky one for finding a book? Because I felt LUCKY getting to read this. I am a BIG fan of books that utilize multiple point of views (POVs) because it really keeps me immersed and engaged. I loved the complexity of not only the storytelling- but of the worlds and characters within them. There are so many dynamic exciting things that happen that it can seem overwhelming, but let the story overtake you because the outcome is so worth it. It’s the first in the series and I’m so thankful I can read the second one because I am EAGER FOR MORE. I can’t get enough of the Journey’s Through series and more works by James Talisman! Onto the next!

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Death under Palm Trees (A Jack and Frances mystery Book 4) by Carmen Radtke – Review by Amy Brennan

Death under Palm TreesDeath under Palm Trees by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me preface this by saying that I wasn’t planning on indulging in a mystery novel this month. My life has been very, very busy with appointments, and work, so much so that I believed that I was unable to read something that required dedicated attention to detail. I didn’t think putting my sleuth hat on just was in the cards. I am absolutely delighted that I decided to pick up this 1930’s mystery by Carmen Radtke. It was exactly what the doctor ordered.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Jack and Frances, their relationship, as well as dear old Uncle Sal and Aunt Mildred. The plot thickens about halfway through the novel, as we discover that though this case started out as one without any casualties, we should have known better. Unfortunately, what started off as a case of the missing documents, turns into a whodunit, much to the groups dismay. For me, I found the writing to pull me in and not let me go until I was lacking sleep to the point, I fell asleep a few times during my lunch break. Jack and Frances Mysteries series will be one I revisit soon, and very much look forward to it. Thank you, Carmen Radtke, for this escape from the real-life complications. Highly recommend.

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Kerry Baker

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadows of Doubt: A Crawford Mystery by Merissa Racine is a detailed and interesting story. I thought that it has a fresh twist on it given the main characters profession. I thought that it gave the story and authentic feel to it.
I was slowly pulled more and more into this story, wanting to see how things would turn out. I thought Lauren was such a good man character. For me she brought the story to life and added so much to it. She was engaging throughout and just a likeable character.
The book is full of twists and turns, which rg keeps you involved in the book. This is a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed.

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Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals Book 1) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

Kingdom of Embers (Kingdom Journals #1)Kingdom of Embers by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, amazing…I so enjoyed this book. This YA Fantasy is just a great read espcially if you love stories with vampires, witches, magic and secrets. Having to move to yet another new school, especially her senior year, Alena, who is half witch half vampire, is trying to finish out school and graduate. Her mother is strict, being cautious at every turn, is a Vampire Chancellor . Alena has questions to her mother on who her father is and when or if she can meet him. As the story unfolds, Alena embarks on a journey to reverse an ancient spell as she may hold ultimate key to reverse. I could go on about this book but do not want to give any spoilers out! This story is truly fantastic and if you love fantasy with a twist of vampires I recommend this book HIGHLY!

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Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Lorrene Huisman

Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery)Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so excited to read this book, and join Lauren on her next trial and case. I loved her character in the previous novel. The previous novel held me at the edge of the seat with suspense, and this one up held very much to my enjoyment with the first, though this one I seemed more and more intrigued!

Lauren is a tough cookie from my past readings about her and her growth as a character. She has always been a girl that will do or die to survive. She has to take a job she doesn’t want, but hey it pays the bills at the end of the day right? Doing her job leads to other things perhaps of the cognitive mind though? Lauren has a strong lust for the truth always. For those of us who read the first novel, we can speak that Lauren can get a hunch and you can basically know she may be onto something! I loved the murder trial and how Lauren went against better judgment to seek out the truth!

For me what really made my intrigue and wonder of this novel, is when Lauren is hunting for evidence and facts what she finds. Sometimes when you dig with questions you do not like the answers you find in your search. After all we all have secrets do we not? Not all those skeletons can stay hidden forever, or can they? As I read on things tied together, and I was blown away at moments leading up to the ending and conclusion! I really need to have a conversation about this book! It was more than good, the mystery and hunt for justice as well as the truth was descriptive and very well done. I was very much impressed as I was with the first, and even more this round! This author is amazing with her writing, seriously!

So again read this book, especially if you have read the prior, you will be holding your breath with suspense and intrigue as you read through this book. There was a lot of moments where even you question things in the book, that lead to another. Well done and very well written! Loved it entirely!

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