The Boss of Centocelle: An Italian Murder Mystery (Book 6) by P. J. Mann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s always interesting to read about a mystery setting in another country. The reader gets to see how police procedures are done in another country. There’s plenty of crime, mystery, and who-done-it in this novel to keep the reader guessing all the way to the end!
Come Home to Death by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Come Home to Death
I really enjoyed this book and finished it very quickly. It is intriguing and has some twists that I did not expect, which is always nice in a mystery! I was rather frustrated with Erica at times throughout the book, but I believe the author did a very good job conveying her youth/naivety in the storyline. It was annoying to me how she handled (or didn’t handle) her problems and responded to her aunts when they were helping and looking out for her.
**spoilers**
Upon finding out that she is about to become a multimillionaire, Erica also discovers some harsh truths about her husband and realizes she doesn’t really know him at all. After some attempts on her life, and her husband’s murder, she finds herself returning back home, a thing she swore she would never do. However, even there the trouble follows her and intensifies.
Happy endings and a new love wrap up this book nicely.
Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I.M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Murder on West Main: A South Shore Mystery by I. M. Foster was a really good book! I was hooked throughout the entire book, it kept a decently fast pace and the tone of the book reflected the attitudes of the time very accurately.
When a universally disliked man in a small town is unexpectedly found to be the victim of a homicide, there are many suspects, and no one is shedding any tears over the man. Primary suspect, and who found him at the scene, is Colin Brissedon, brother of Kathleen Brissedon who is the love interest of the town physician and coroner- and lead investigator on this case. When Kathleen insists on doing some investigating of her own, things start to get interesting.
Intrigue and romance, danger lurking in the shadows, and witty dialogue. This book was a really good read and I loved the historical accuracies and how they were later explained in further depth at the end of the book.
The Winemakers – Box set: A Series of Sun-Kissed Historical Romances by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Winemakers is a box set of 3 amazing books- While they could stand alone with enough backstory to explain the previous book, it reall would be better read in order. All 3 take place in Portugal.
The True Purpose of Vines follows a widowed winemaker (Julia) and a foreign Englishman (Griffin) who are thrown together, and cannot keep apart no matter how much they both feel they should. Even though it has a ‘hero saves the day’ theme at the end, Julie is independent and stubborn (both are, really) and I loved reading about her story. Happy endings and great historical tales weaved throughout.
A Taste of Light follows the ruthless Count Almoster, who we met in the first book. Though he played the role of the villain there, this book sheds more light on his tragic upbringing and history that lead to the jaded and wounded man he is today. Anne, Griffin’s sister is the heroine in this one, though they both end up saving each other. More happy endings.
The Truth About Myths surprised me. I really thought the 3rd would be about Almoster’s brother or cousin from the previous book; however, this tale follows Princess Isabel and notorious rake Count Henrique who are VERY reluctantly forced into a trip to Spain together. Of the 3, this one was my favorite. Political intrigue and scandal, of course a hefty amount of hesitant romance that leads both to find each other while also finding themselves and who they really are as individuals. The mystery and suspense in this book was, in my opinion, a lot more intense than the other two.
Overall, great stories! Amazing world building and historical accuracies, truly lovable and hatable characters, steamy romance but not to the point that it takes over the book and becomes the theme. Very well written, page turner and neatly wraps up the ending without leaving anything missing. I really can’t wait to see if there are more from this author and hope that Cris finds a happy ending as well!
Breaking Apart by Wanda J. Venters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Breaking Apart (A Finnerty and Liccione Mystery) was SUCH a great book! Multiple POVs, intrigue, mystery, suspense, light thriller… I loved all of it. It is a little slow up front, but not in a tedious way. The rest of the book moves pretty smooth and quickly. As a retired medic, I really love the medical side of the book was completely accurate (such a pet peeve of mine), but it was also written and explained so easily that it would not be hard for anyone without a medical background to be able to understand. Awesome read, really enjoyed it!
Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 2) is the 2nd book in the series. It technically could be read as a stand alone, but I really feel like you should read the 1st book to fully understand. The writing style is definitely different than other books I’m used to and I can’t tell if it’s to be representative of Neferet’s thoughts or if it’s the authors style. Either way, it’s different haha
This book Neferet and Bener-Ib once again find themselves solving a murder that landed in their laps. There were a few twists that I did not see coming which I really enjoyed. The ancient Egyptian world fascinates me so I do love learning more about that while reading these stories. Overall, I enjoyed the read and would likely pick up the next.
The Earl’s Match by Holly Bush
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Earl’s Match is the 5th and final book in The Thompsons of Locust Street books, although it can stand alone very well. I haven’t read anything by this author before, so this was the first one in the series I read (was not aware it was a series when I picked it up) and the author gave enough backstory to fully understand the relationships without bogging down the story line.
This story shifts POV, although it is primarily from Payden’s perspective majority of the time. Also has a lot of flashbacks from present day to events within the past 5 years that play heavily into current situations. The chance meeting of Clarice and Payden initially sparks anger rather than romance and the chaos that follows is both interesting and suspenseful. Very well written- I enjoyed it and would read more by the author.
Family Ties Family Lies by Jacqueline Boulden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Family Ties Family Lies was an awesome read! It is outside of my norm and I enjoyed having something different to die into. This book centers on family, secrets that no one wants to talk about, and a persistent daughter who cannot simply let things lie. (no pun intended)
I really did enjoy this book and would pick up another by this author.
The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Curse of Jean Lafitte was such a fun book! I love historical books, but when they collide with the present day it so much fun to read. The world building was awesome and so much detail was given for the characters, yet it never got bogged down or slow. Right from the beginning I was hooked, and could not put the book down! Would absolutely read more by this author.
Curse of the Sands by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Curse of the Sands is the 2nd book int he Relic Hunters series, but gives enough backstory that can be read as a stand alone, but also doesn’t bog down the current storyline.
The 2nd book finds Adam battling ancient Egyptian curses, exploring pyramids and saving the world. The shifting POV between current timeline and the past still fascinates me with the accuracy and the fiction blend, and it’s almost like getting two stories in one. I love learning and reading about ancient Egypt and this was a story idea that I had never encountered before, so providing a very unique view point on something that has been written about for ages. Truly a great story!
War of the Damned by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
War of the Damned was incredible! I love history and the back and forth POV between the current timeline and the past is so fun. I love the historical accuracy mixed with the fiction of what could have been. This is the second book in the series, but provides enough backstory that you really could read it stand alone and be fine.
The 2nd dives into WW2 and the conspiracy theory of the Nazi SS soldiers searching to mythical legends and fantastical, mystical ways to enhance their “superior race”. Such a fun read. 10/10 recommend.
Eagle of the Empire by Martin Ferguson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely loved this book! I haven’t read anything by this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This book is great for YA and my son will love it.
This book is like Uncharted meets Gladiator. While definitely a work of fiction, the author takes great care to make sure things are historically accurate as possible- I really got caught up in the adventure and immediately dove into the second book!
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Song of Earth and Claws by Lena Abram was really a great read. It was my first book by this author so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The world building was really awesome and I loved the character development. I’ve read a lot of fae-universe books and I really loved the unique twist this one had and the mystery surrounding the two main characters. I did feel a couple times that there could have been a little more information given to the readers, like about the games in general, but I also feel like not having the info did not detract from the overall read and storyline. Would definitely recommend this book and will read more by Abram!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R2BBBWC685MNT0/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/1041462184
https://www.goodreads.com/review/edit/146931629
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
While this is the 6th book in the series, it is completely stand alone. This is the first book by Sara Vinduska that I’ve read and will absolutely read more! Renewed was a lighthearted and easy to read romance, with plenty of steamy scenes. The danger and intrigue element made the book hard to put down. The characters were wonderfully written and looking forward to more.
Slay It With a Diamond by Rob Bates
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not put this book down! I was completely hooked throughout and really enjoyed the entire read. The intrigue was awesome, world building and characters had enough detail so that I could really picture everything but never bogged the story down. It is a romance, nothing steamy, but the main character is her own woman and while she does need her bf and depends on him, it’s not from a weak perspective. Strong female lead that you can see come into her own even more throughout the story line. Well worth the read!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54111417-pharaoh-s-forgery” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1592277233l/54111417._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54111417-pharaoh-s-forgery”>Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377203.Ellen_Butler”>Ellen Butler</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015590950″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Karina and her crew are back for yet a other adventure. This books steps away from what we have come to know, her adventures in the USA and life on Capitol Hill. We have officially gone international! Karina wants a fund girls getaway to Mexico but Jillian’s accident throws a wrench in those plans. Her fellow lobbyist, Rodrigo, ends up going with her as he too deserves to have fun and relax. Karina is not just there for fun and relaxation, she is also there for some work. She had a package that she promised to deliver to Mrs. Thundermuffin ( this is an awesome name! ). She doesn’t know what it is but she let’s her curiosity get the best of her and she takes a peek. As we know, this causes Karina and her friend to become targets. How will she get out of this mess? So far I have enjoyed all of these books. They are a bit fast paced but fun. If you enjoy mystery thrillers then do look into reading these books. It’s a great series to get lost in.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39197711-isabella-s-painting” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Isabella’s Painting (Karina Cardinal Mystery #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1520913940l/39197711._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39197711-isabella-s-painting”>Isabella’s Painting</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7377203.Ellen_Butler”>Ellen Butler</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6015540690″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Karina Cardinal is a very successful lawyer and lobbyist on Capitol Hill. One day she had a long day and just wanted to relax with her boyfriend, Patrick Dunne. The couple is invited to his parents annual holiday bash even though Karina was tired and had achy feet. In hopes of finding a place to rest her weary feet she interrupts the host, Martin Dunne, and a guest and they appear to be hiding something. What was the object that they were being so secretive about? Her curiosity gets the better of her and she goes sleuthing on the internet once she returns home. She feels that she has found the item, a missing painting. She runs into an old friend who works for the FBI, Mike Finnigan. Can he help her? This was a fasr paced but enjoyable book. It was a good start to a series. I’m looking forward to book two.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
Woman Unbroken by Alexandra Fleder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Woman Unbroken: A Novel by Alexandra Fleder was such a good read! It was my first time reading anything by this author and would definitely do so again.
This book follows the story of Devorah, who had what seemed like an envious upbringing on the surface; however, recent tragic events causes her to reevaluate much of her life. I love that the main character is allowed to “wallow” in some borderline depression filled days. The story did not bog down, it wasn’t depressing to read, but it was incredibly realistic to see a character that had gone through so much be allowed to have a real world response. Being able to hide away, forget the world and just rest and recoup as much as possible. In the end, Devorah does find her will again and the rest of the story follows her path and she grows stronger and into her own person. A happy ever after that isn’t dependent on someone else!
Murky Murder by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) was such a fun book! Seems odd to say that about a murder mystery, but it really was. Despite the title, the book was still rather lighthearted and fun to read. I loved the quirky group of women that work at the Hotel Lafontaine and the budding romance between Ivy and Mr. Humphrey. It is rather slow in the beginning but picks up speed and maintains throughout. I recommend and would read more by this author.
Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nick and Julia are back in this final installment of the Painted Souls trilogy. This has been an incredible series. The author has done a meticulous job of researching details and such to include in this story. His writing is engaging as you read about the cult’s continued efforts to dominate. If you like mystery and suspense, this is one series that I would recommend. I would definitely say to read it in order.
Knight In Peril by Alice Bienia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Jorja Knight always makes for a fantastic read. She is an investigator I thoroughly enjoy reading. In this story, she’s in Istanbul and her bestie, Gabs, is missing. The author does a wonderful job of taking us on a mysterious adventure through the city. Jorja is following every lead she can. I don’t know how she’s not creeped out when her room is gone through.There are twists and turns through the story along with colorful characters that makes this an amazing adventure. A story I definitely recommend for mystery lovers.
Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read the first book in the series I was rather eager to start the next book and I think this my very well be the case for each book ! I get so excited when a book grabs me from the very first moment and it’s even more of a treat when I know it’s a series and there’s more to follow it almost feels like a never needing gift 🤣😉❣️📚
We left Logan at the end of the last book exploring a new relationship and it was good to see how that was developing and there were some tense moments as well , after everything that she’s been through I think a break is in order and she heads to Portland …
While in Portland there’s an explosion at a Vietnamese food truck , Logan knew the the old lady that perished in the explosion and the people who owned the truck and my heart hurt for these people , they’re trying to make a living and survive and then this happens and just to put the cherry on top the police suspect the truck owner 🥲🙈
What I did appreciate and want to commend the author for is how she broached subjects that many see as taboo but she looked at these topics from all angles and different perspectives which in turn made me see things in a different light 🙏
Also fair warning eat before you read this otherwise you’ll be left drooling and craving 🤣🙈
All in all a brilliant read that tick all my boxes 😉
Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Ghost Takes a Vacation is such a cute and fun book! It’s actually the 2nd book in a series and I didn’t realize that when I got it. But, it reads as a stand alone and gives enough backstory without bogging things down. I really loved the characters and the second hand embarassment from Genie getting caught conversing with a ghost in public was definitely real! A Very unique book, great world building and some intense moments. The characters were relatable and lovable, and I am now going to read the 1st one since I missed it! Absolutely recommend.
This is book #2. I unfortunately read the series out of order. I really wished I hadn’t but it is what it is. Logan McKenna is visiting Portland for work. She meets several people and of course someone dies, however there is another whole story going on during this one. I kinda of got lost within the stories. I was trying to figure out how they connected and how the title was incorporated into the story. I eventually did understand why the other story was going on and how it connects with the mystery of who killed the victim. What I don’t understand is why Ben’s story hasn’t been told and what her relationship with him has to do with the troubles she finds herself in by being nosy. While I do have many questions, which may or may not be answered, I do know that I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. There are moments where I got lost and there are moments that are very sad but overall this was a good book. I still want to know more about Ben and his past for some reason.
Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book #2. I unfortunately read the series out of order. I really wished I hadn’t but it is what it is. Logan McKenna is visiting Portland for work. She meets several people and of course someone dies, however there is another whole story going on during this one. I kinda of got lost within the stories. I was trying to figure out how they connected and how the title was incorporated into the story. I eventually did understand why the other story was going on and how it connects with the mystery of who killed the victim. What I don’t understand is why Ben’s story hasn’t been told and what her relationship with him has to do with the troubles she finds herself in by being nosy. While I do have many questions, which may or may not be answered, I do know that I couldn’t put this book down until I finished it. There are moments where I got lost and there are moments that are very sad but overall this was a good book. I still want to know more about Ben and his past for some reason.
Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Vanishing Day is book four in the Logan McKenna series and once again touches on sensitive topics. While this is a continuation in the series I do think it could be read as a standalone as well. In Vanishing Day, a Lori is trying to keep herself and her small child safe from an abusive husband. When the husband comes to try to make a bad situation worse, Logan steps in to try to help her new friend. Now, with too much information and getting involved in Lori’s dilemma, Logan is also in danger. I really liked the way this author can take a serious topic and twist it into an engaging story, bringing awareness to situations but not lecturing on them. Well done and well written.
Reviewed by @zoltrixes
Vanishing Day: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Logan Book 4 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Once again, the author captures your attention and pulls you into the story right away. The plot is very relatable, I can definitely see how each character is how they are portrayed. The characters are very well developed. The way the author is very detailed and descriptive is wonderful.
Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love how the author gives us a backstory to give the reader some background before actually going into the main story. Also, the author does give us an important topic to think about while reading the story. The characters are very well developed and they do provide different points of view on the topic at hand.
Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The beginning does have you very intrigued to keep you reading. The author does really well in providing vivid imagery about the scenery and the characters. It does provide you with a point of view from different characters, sometimes it’s kinda hard to tell when it does shift, I had to think for a minute before I read more. The characters are very well developed. The author does provide some insight on what it was like for Vietnamese especially during and after the Vietnam War.
Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The beginning does have a very slow start and in the prologue it does capture your attention to want to read more. It does take awhile to build up the plot. I like how the author puts a lot of information and details about the major and minor characters. Logan is very relatable and she has gone through so much. I love how the author uses and describes the scenery, it is very vivid especially at the art festival.
