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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

November 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Heidi

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 😉

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Ghost Takes A Vacation by Carmen Radtke – Review by Kat Mellon

November 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by katherine mellon

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.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kirsten Berkebile

November 11, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kirsten Berkebile

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.

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VANISHING DAY (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

November 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Swindle

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

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VANISHING DAY (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kristin Boutelle

November 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kristin Boutelle

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.

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DEVIL’S CLAW (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kristin Boutelle

November 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kristin Boutelle

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.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kristin Boutelle

November 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kristin Boutelle

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.

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Kristin Boutelle

November 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kristin Boutelle

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.

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DEVIL’S CLAW (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

November 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Swindle

Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devil’s Claw is the third book in the Logan McKenna series, and so far my favorite of the first three books. I am coming to find out each book focuses on a different social issue and is well presented in how it is handled. I never feel lectured or forced to see things from the author’s POV, but rather shown that the issue exists, and how to navigate through that. Devil’s claw taught me a bit about sea otters and rescue as a side educational portion to the actual storyline. The author paints vivid pictures describing her scenes and characters and the character development is believable and easy to follow. When a new sea otter rescue is presented with legal battles over who the real owner of the property is, greed and complications come out in full swing. Many people come forward as the owners, and the hostility amps up quickly. Inevitably, someone turns up murdered. With so many people involved…some with everything to lose, and everything to gain…who is the culprit? Very fast paced and edge of your seat writing style, and I liked this one the best so far. Can’t wait to check out book 4!
Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

November 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Swindle

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forest Park is book two in the Logan McKenna Mystery series. Logan McKenna is back and this time we see things from different perspectives and thoughts of different characters. there was not much transition from one character’s thoughts to another, but I was able to easily follow who it is we are are meant to be in the head of. I enjoyed that sensitive topics were handled well and not shoved into the reader’s faces, and was not presented in a way to come across as lecturing. While this is a continuation from book one (about 6 months after the last book), I think this could easily be read as a standalone. Their are two stories happening in Forest Park. One is dealing with a Vietnamese food truck that was bombed and the other is a homeless veteran with PTSD and it somehow works that both storylines come together smoothly. I wouldnt really say this was much of a mystery, and more of a thriller, but I still enjoyed the story and the way it was presented and I do think the writing, overall, is well done.

Reviewed by @zoltrixes
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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Amanda Swindle

November 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Amanda Swindle

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shattered is book one in the Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller series and my first read from this author. Logan’s life is falling apart around her. She has lost her husband to a car accident and sold her business to become a school teacher. Other teachers began accusing her of helping her students cheat, so now she might lose that as well. To try to escape from everything and get her head back in the game, she goes to South Cali for the summer. The fresh air and familiar faces will do her well….until a body shows up at the art festival she is working at. Now Logan McKenna has to help solve the murder to save her and her friend from false accusations. I love the strong female lead character quite a bit, and the story progressed well without too many slow spots or unbelievable moments. I still have 8 more books in the series to read so I am curious where it goes next.

Reviewed by @zoltrixes

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Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

November 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Christine

Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Pharoah’s Forgery
By: Ellen Butler

I truly feel that each and every Karina Cardinal book gets better than the last. I have found that she has become one of my favorite main characters. She is strong and independent and all in all just a really relatable character. In this book, the setting is moved away from Washington, DC and the United States. This move makes the focus of the book shift – previously each of these book had to do with U.S. government and politics, however, now this book is much more focused on ancient things. This gives the book a refreshing makeover that really made the experience even better. This book gives us better looks at characters that were mentioned in previous books but really gives us a good feel for them – like Mrs. Thundermuffin and Rodrigo. It was really great to get to know these characters in a different light.

The Karina Cardinal Series is really an excellent mystery series that is filled with suspense and twists and turns. Each book is a standalone, however, I highly suggest reading each one, as it is a fantastic read but also because there is some character crossover between books. I definitely suggest picking this one up!

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek

November 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Christine

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isabella’s Painting
By: Ellen Butler

This is a fantastic fast paced mystery. This book introduces us to Karina Cardinal who is just at the wrong place at the right time to put her in the middle of a mystery. Karina is a fantastically well written character who drives the plot (which happens to be based on a real life mystery). This story sucked me in from the first page and it really delivered. This author gives enough detail to make you feel like you are there but not so much that it bogs down the plot of the story.
I definitely recommend this story and I cannot wait to read more by Ellen Butler.

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Mary Espinoza

November 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mary E Espinoza

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In this book we are introduced to Logan McKenna and the recent activities of her life. Her life recently seems to be falling apart. Logan recently lost her husband in a car accident a couple of years ago and is put into the position of having to sell the business that she and her husband built. Since the sale of her business, Logan finds herself being called into being a teacher, everything seems to be going great until she is accused of helping her students cheat. Logan is appalled because she can’t help that she is such a great teacher, and her students are excelling on the standardized tests. Now Logan is a position that has her job on the line. Logan moves to California in hopes that maybe reconnecting with an important part of her past life might help her on her journey to rediscovering who she is.
Everything is going well, until a body is found, and her friend is being considered as a person of interest. Logan now has something to do that will help her try to forget everything that has been going wrong for her.
I loved this story and the amount of detail that Valerie put into Logan and her story. I am impatiently waiting to see what happens to Logan next and to see if she continues to find herself in unique murder mysteries.

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Mary Espinoza, November 2023

Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Mary Espinoza

November 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mary E Espinoza

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery by Valerie Davisson is book two in the Logan McKenna series, and I personally think that it is just as good as the first book! All Logan is trying to do is figure out what has happened, and why weird stuff keep happening with her around. Logan is just trying to piece her life back together after losing her husband a couple of years before, and it has been an adventure trying to do so! Logan decides to take vacation to Portland Oregon, and she happens to witness an explosion at a food truck and the kicker is that she realizes she knows the deceased. Valerie, our author has a very creative way of explaining in great detail what is going on with our main character and what she is doing. Valerie makes you feel like you are right next to Logan as she tries to go through life. Good job Valerie on writing such awesome books and keep them coming!

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Mary Espinoza, November 2023

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail (A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series Book #1) by MJ Murray – Review by Angela Hayes

November 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Angela Hayes

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail: A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series by MJ Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 Stars

Detective Dylan and the Case of the Missing Mail is the first book in A Youth Sleuths Chapter Book Series, and debut novel, by M.J. Murray.
Budding detective Dylan is on the case when his neighbour’s mail goes missing. With the help of his sister, Emily, and their dog Theodore, these sleuths are determined to solve their first case. What ensues makes for a fun read.
This is a children’s chapter book with an easy to read and understand plot that captures the imagination by engaging the reader with a fun story that contains some ‘learning’ opportunities along the way. There are some fun, black and white, illustrations sprinkled throughout that help inspire the imagination.
This is aimed at children who are just starting to read ‘chapter books’ on their own, or with help- and contains a few ‘harder’ words to challenge them as they read (Reading Tier 2). There are also lessons in problem solving, working together, perseverance, taking initiative, finding ‘clues’, family, friendship, and more.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, M.J. Murray!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson

November 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by katherine mellon

The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love period pieces so I was looking forward to this one! It is also my first book by Wareeze Woodson, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. The world building is really good, the characters are relatable and I do love how the main character, Vanessa, has so much more sass than most authors give ladies of the time! I really could feel her frustrations and could not imagine living in such a time. Without giving too much away, the author does an amazing job of making you feel empathy for the lovable characters, while also intense annoyance bordering loathing for the “villains”! It moved fast throughout and i was captivated the entire time. Some twists that I definitely did not see coming and wrapped up in a believable ending. Very good read!

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Jennifer Reimer

October 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jennifer Reimer

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love how this author makes these books that you could read them as stand alone and not have to read them in order. Event thou there are probably parts that would be clearer if reading the books before, but you won’t feel too lost doing so. This was another great book with Logan and her challenges of being involved in murder and crime. Logan is a strong willed, smart, string, courageous, women and really makes you think she could kick some a** if she had too. This book was filled with suspense, mystery, drama, secrets and so much more, that it kept me intrigued the whole time. I felt like I was constantly on the edge of my seat reading this. Really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to drive into the next one.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

October 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lorralei Hoerner

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Murder, mystery, secrets, intrigue and drama….Forest Park is book 2 in The Logan McKenna Series. This was a very good story that kept me engaged at the edge of my seat, trying to figure who “who done it”… I am really enjoying this series so far.

Logan is enjoying new found interest and heads out of town to Portland Oregon to have some time away. With new found friendship develops…..an explosion happens and Logan finds out that the woman whom passed due to this accident, she knows the victim. Fingers are pointing in all directions that this is murder and all eyes are on Logan’s new friend, Thanh. Will Logan be able to find out who was truly responsible for this act before it is to late…

This is a very good mystery and always looking forward to more of Logan McKenna!

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

October 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lorralei Hoerner

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Secrets, lies, murder with twists and turns along the way! Shattered is Book 1 in The Logan McKenna Series and this is the first book I have read by this author. I thought this book was very good, engaging crime thriller as I try to piece together a murder mystery and love to find out the “who done it”.

Logan McKenna is trying to move on her life after losing her husband two years prior and the aftermath. Picking up a job as a substitute teacher, Logan helps students learn who end up doing well in test, but the there are other teachers who accuse Logan of students and cheating. Taking a break in teaching and these horrible accusations, Logan decides to help at a local festival with her friends, unfortunately there is a murder at the glass blowing booth and Logan’s best friend, Thomas is accused of this crime. Will Logan be able to piece together and find out who the true murderer is before it is to late?

Read and find out! I love the female lead in this series and I am looking forward to reading more!

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Heidi Sturgess

October 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Heidi

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a brilliant start to what looks like is going to be a phenomenal series !

So Logan and Jack were married and ran their their computer business . After he dies I. And accident she’s left settling debts and selling the business . She now needs a job and starts working at a school but it would seem that her job is under threat but she takes everything in her stride ….

She buys a small house at the beach in South Calafornia , she has friends there that partake I the annual otter festival and she’s going to help them at their stall and play her fiddle and wait for this she loves Edith Piaf ( like hello new best friend ) oh and she has a yummy Viking looking neighbour named Ben . He welcomes her to the neighbourhood with coffee , how sweet is this man !?

I enjoyed the way both the arts of knife making and glass blowing was explained and it really did intrigue me I even shared parts of the knife making with a friend of mine whose husband makes knives !!
I fell in with little Dimebox 🐾❣️ thank you Logan for giving the little fur ball another chance at life 🥰

Thomas and Lisa , married friends of Logan have their stall at the festival and she helps them , all things seems to be going well until a body is found at the glassblowers stall !
Thomas is a suspect and Logan isn’t having any of it and is determined to prove his innocence .

I’m keen to find out if things will develop between her and Ben but more I’d like to go for a drive with her in Lola , her ‘58 Corvette 😉

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DEVIL’S CLAW (A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 3) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Mandy Ott

October 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mandy Ott

Devil’s Claw: A Logan McKenna Mystery/Thriller Book 3 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Devil’s Claw is the third book in the Logan McKenna Series and it hits even closer to home for Logan. This time around, Logan’s daughter, Amy, is involved in the drama. Although I hope that no one has as bad of luck as Logan, in the fact that all these murders, kidnappings, and overall bad things happen around her, they do make for an exciting series! Valerie Davisson delivers again with the same realistic characters and amazing world building. There are so many twists and turns and several point of views, yet Davisson is able to keep things from getting confusing or jumbled. There are so many factors going on in this book, but they all somehow come together wonderfully in a fantastic, thrilling tale, complete with fuzzy, cuddly sea otters!

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Mandy Ott

October 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mandy Ott

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The second book in the Logan McKenna Series, Forest Park, delivers the same great characters along with some new and lovable faces. I love the introduction of so many unique, diverse characters and the way Valerie Davisson discusses sensitive topics such as homelessness, PTSD, and addiction. She delivers a harsh reality while not becoming overly sentimental or preachy. I did read the first book in the series and believe that, although having some of the back story helped navigate this book, the books could be read as standalone stories. This book seemed to flow a little better than the first and still included amazing world building and descriptive imagination! Davisson paints such a vivid picture in the reader’s mind of the setting in which the story takes place. I can’t wait to read the next book!

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Mandy Ott

October 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mandy Ott

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by Valerie Davisson but I love a good mystery/crime story so was eager to read it. The characters in this book are original, believable, and realistic. Logan seems like the type of person I could be friends with in real life. She is independent, hard working, and sassy; and I’m all for it! The story was original, combining an art festival with a murder, death and blossoming love. Amateur sleuthing takes Logan on a roller coaster of emotions and many twists and turns. I was unsure who was the killer for the longest time! I did feel like the story kept backtracking a few times, repeating contradictory information, but these instances were brief and I was able to pick up the story pretty well after. Overall, a great mystery by a new-to-me author!

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Liar, Liar by Winter Austin – Review by Kat Mellon

October 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by katherine mellon

Liar, Liar by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Liar, Liar: The McIntire County Series: #4 by Winter Austin- this was an amazing book! It’s the 4th in a series but can also stand alone. Gives enough back story on the characters that you know them, but not so much that it bogs the storyline down if you’ve read the previous books.

This one focuses on the towns sheriff, Shane, and a yet another murder mystery that happens in his small town. The characters are believable and realistic. Great world building, and I love how the author can convey and help you feel the characters frustrations and emotions while reading.

Would recommend starting from the beginning, but if you didn’t it’s still a good read!

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Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

October 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Rebeca

Pharaoh’s Forgery: Karina Goes on Vacation by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. These books can be read as standalones, but I recommend reading the books in order so you can understand the characters better, their backgrounds and relationships.
I enjoy the author’s writing style; it flows well and is easy to follow. The story points come together really well, and you can tell things are thought through.
Karina continues to be her lovable self; she gets into trouble/danger and must investigate. Her strength and determination shine through and I can’t help but love her.
The plot is fun and entertaining, keeping me gripped throughout. There were moments I was left guessing and not trusting anyone, and it was great!
I am still so obsessed with this series and swiftly moved onto the next book!

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Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

October 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Rebeca

Isabella’s Painting by Ellen Butler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book in what has begun as a great series, the Karina Cardinal Mysteries series. I loved this introduction to Karina and the storyline was brilliant! It doesn’t hurt that this is a cosy mystery which is one of my absolute favourite types of books (perfect for a autumn night by the fire).
I enjoyed the writing style of the author; it flowed well and was easy to follow and the links to true events made it feel even more real. I was lost in the storyline almost instantly – it felt unique, and I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. I also liked the section which explained more about the actual crime which this book includes, I find true crime fascinating and having this insight was a brilliant addition.
The characters were great, fun and interesting. I loved Karina, she felt so real, and lovable and strong. Despite the danger, she was determined and came out the other side stronger than ever.
I loved this book so much and had to move onto the next immediately!

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Shattered: a Logan McKenna Mystery Book 1 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek

October 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Christine

Shattered: Logan Book 1 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shattered
By: Valerie Davisson

In this book we are introduced to Logan McKenna. Her entire life seems to be falling apart. She recently lost her husband in a car accident. She sells the business that she had build with her husband and becomes a teacher. She then is accused of helping her students cheat because they are doing so well on standardized tests. This means that her job is on the line.
She decides to move to the beach in SoCal. Near a very important part of her life of her childhood – the Otter Arts Festival. She decides that she will reconnect with her old friends and just relax and figure out her next steps. Well this is until a body is found and her friend is a person of interest. This gives Logan something to do other than think about everything that has been going wrong in her life recently.
I LOVED this story. I loved Logan as a character and all the chaos that she has been through. I feel that it made her even more likable. I loved the aspect of glass blowing as this is an art that has literally always been of interest to me. I loved everything about this book and I cannot wait to see more of Logan McKenna.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek

October 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Christine

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Forest Park
By: Valerie Davisson

This was a fantastic book. This is the second book by Valerie Davisson that I have read as well as the second Logan McKenna book I have read. Each one has been absolutely fantastic. It contains fantastic thriller and mystery elements as well as elements of Women’s Fiction. Valerie Davisson crafts fantastic novels that read quickly and contain a fantastic amount of character development. This book looks ast two stories that surround a mysterious explosion. The first plot line looks at a the Vietnamese family who’s food truck was involved in the explosion. The second looks at a Vietnam vet who is struggling deeply with PTSD. Additionally we have Logan who is involved after witnessing this explosion. This book is absolutely amazing and I cannot wait to continue reading this series. I enjoy Logan McKenna as a protagonist and am loving her development from book to book thus far.

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Forest Park: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 2 (The Logan McKenna Series) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Crystal Brehant

October 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Crystal Brehant

Forest Park: Logan Book 2 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book two in this series is another cozy mystery. This time, there are several stories woven together beautifully. As with the first in this series, the author adds sensitive real life issues into the story without making them awkward. They feel genuine. The setting was detailed well. You feel like you are actually there. I am looking forward to reading more in the series

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