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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Sheri Schrader

Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries: Suspicions is the fifth book in the Notebook Mysteries series. It is January 1889, and we find Emma and her team back to solving mysteries. This can be enjoyed as a standalone, but I recommend picking up the earlier books first. I enjoyed delving back into the life of Emma. This time she is busy with multiple cases going on. There is also the return of someone from her past. With everything draining Emma and Jeremy’s energy, they must battle the challenges. I enjoyed this series and enjoyed this newest addition to the series. If you enjoy mystery and historical fiction with a strong female lead, this is a great series to grab. I look forward to picking up more from this author in the near future.

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Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Sheri Schrader

Ale's Fair in Love and War (Love on Tap, #1)Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ale’s Fair in Love and War: An Enemies-to-Lovers Romance is the first book in Love on Tap series.
I always enjoy books by this author, and I was glad to grab a new book by her. This is a fun enemies-to-lovers romance. Cash owns a local brewery with his brother, and his arch-enemy Hollis owns the dog grooming business next door. The two have developed a mutual dislike of one another. The snark between them and the pranks they pull are great. You can feel the sparks growing between them. When they join forces to save Cash’s business, they are a power to be reckoned with. I enjoyed the characters and the back-and-forth between them. This is an entertaining romantic read with a HEA. I look forward to grabbing the next book in this series. With this author, I’m always guaranteed a good book.

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How To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by TL Clark – Review by Sheri Schrader

How To Write A Historical Novel And Love ItHow To Write A Historical Novel And Love It by T.L. Clark
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

How to Write a Historical Novel and Love It: A Beginner’s Guide to Researching, Writing, and Publishing a Historical Book is a well-rounded how-to book. I have read several novels by this author and always enjoy attention to detail. Here all of the pieces are broken down into easy to understand bits. Clark asks questions the author should’ve thought about before delving too far into writing their novel. The different parts include thinking about what period, location, weather, clothing, who is in power, and more. On top of giving sections to think about before moving too far into the writing process, Clark also gives examples for the writer to think about. This is written in a conversational form and allows one to read quickly. Also, because of the setup, it would be easy to go back and reference specific sections while writing. I thought this is a well-thought out handy book to keep if I ever start to write my historical novel.

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Creatures of the Night by C.A. King – Review by Sheri Schrader

Creatures of the NightCreatures of the Night by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Creatures of the Night is a new book by author CA King. I was excited to pick up a new book by this author because I always enjoy her storytelling. This book is set in a dystopian, science-fiction world. Zoe lives in a world that has been at war for generations fighting monsters and demons. She has been always been a fighter, but what does she do if falls for the enemy? Whom will she choose, the family she loves or for romance? I always enjoy books by this author. I tend to read straight through to the end and this was no exception. Zoe is a strong female questioning everything she has learned about herself and those they have been battling. I like that she has to face some internal issues and not just physical tests. I would like to know if we will get more from this world or if this will be a standalone book. There is a lot more that can be explored. I look forward to picking up more books from this author soon.

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Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff – Review by Sheri Schrader

Streets of ShadowStreets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Streets of Shadows is a YA historical fiction story set in 17th-century Scotland. I always look forward to reading a good historical fiction story, and this did not disappoint. Kenna wants to avenge the murder of her sister, but before she can, she is taken by a mysterious stranger. Locked away in the poorest slums of Edinburgh, she must find her way out and figure out who and what the players are in the situation. I enjoyed delving into some Scottish history and seeing a different viewpoint of the plague. Kenna is a well-developed character who kept me on the edge of my seat at times. There was a lot of development of the different characters and the setting and story. Even though there was a lot of detail to put you into the 17th century, it wasn’t so overdone, making the story drag. I hadn’t read this author before, but I will now look for other books by her. I look forward to passing this book on to my niece to read soon.

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Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 3) by Byrd Nash – Review by Sheri Schrader

Spirit Guide (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #3)Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Spirit Guide is the third book in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. Let’s start by saying to read the first two books before grabbing this book. Madame Elinor Chalamet and the Duke of de Archambeau are trying to find a missing woman. Little do they know there is more involved than they realize. Chalamet has to go against an old nemesis, and Archambeau is right by her side. I really enjoy this series and the characters. Also, the slow-burn relationship brewing between Archambeau and Chalamet is growing. If you like historical fiction with a bit of supernatural, a spunky female lead, and a challenging male lead, this series is for you. I anxiously await the next book, but I will be thinking about what adventures Chalamet and Archambeau will be involved in next.

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What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers by H.D. Thomson – Review by Sheri Schrader

What I Wish I'd Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They'd Told Their Younger SelvesWhat I Wish I’d Known: For Writers: 100 Authors Reveal What They Wish They’d Told Their Younger Selves by H. D. Thomson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What I Wish I’d Known: For Writers is a collection of advice from 100 different authors. I found this to be an interesting read. Some information is relatively basic, but others bring up points less often considered. It was nice to see traditionally published authors while others are part of the independent publishing world. This book would be great for those considering writing a book or early in their publishing career. I appreciated the various points of view and how these seasoned authors approached their own writing and the advice they gave. I enjoyed this book and everything it contained.

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Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by Sheri Schrader

Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls, #2)Shameless Love by K.G. Fletcher
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shameless Love: A Small Town Opposites Attract Romance is the second book in The Bennetts of Langston Falls series. Walt is the brother who is fierce and will do anything to take care of those he loves. Elyse is a television producer who is helping his sister Becky find more success. This is a definite opposites attract story with sultry flames attached. I was excited to learn more about Walt after his introduction in the first book of the series and was not disappointed. Also, this can easily be read as a standalone book (but read the first one). I enjoyed the character of Elyse and how she became involved with the Bennett family. The tension between Walt and her was great. I look forward to the next book in this series and getting to know the Bennett’s a bit more.

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Sheri Schrader

Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Straight for the Kill is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. This can easily be read without having read the first two books in the series. The author gives enough background, so I did not feel lost with the different characters or the situations that arose. I enjoyed reading about Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit and Deputy Detective Lila Dayne. This was an interesting mystery because it not only contained a case from 25 years in the past for the characters but also a current case. I liked how the cases were personal for Benoit and how smart and well-thought-out they worked the different cases. This book kept me reading, and I look forward to catching up in this series to learn more about Benoit and Dayne. If you like a good mystery and topical topics such as corruption in your mystery, this is a great book to grab.

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The Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Authorpreneur YellowpagesThe Authorpreneur Yellowpages by Winnifred Tataw
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Authorpreneur Yellowpages is an easy and helpful resource for those wanting to publish or seeking new resources. She breaks down the “yellowpages” into editing, formatting, and marketing categories. I picked this up because I’m interested in writing and possibly self-publishing, but I still need help with the moving parts. So you are not good with graphics or the marketing part, there is a group of different companies you can contact. She gives contact information and breaks down what services each company can offer. This is a great way to help people find the assistance they need. I was curious about this because I have read some of her fiction books. I am glad I stumbled across this invaluable resource.

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Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by Sheri Schrader

Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers, #4)Cry Baby by Belinda Williams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cry Baby: A Grump Sunshine Slow Burn Romantic Comedy is the fourth book in the Pierce Brothers series. This can be read and enjoyed without reading the other books in the series. I have read several books by this author in the past and was glad to pick up another of her books. This book focuses on Amy, who is doing a refresher on her life by going back to school in her 30s, and Noah, a grumpy bachelor who finds himself the guardian of a baby. But, now that their lives have collided, will they see eye to eye?
I enjoyed both characters and how they dealt with some genuine obstacles. As we get older, life gets more complicated, and we have more personal history playing a part in our decisions. This book handles it with a soft touch and a bit of humor. Grab this book if you want a romantic read with a brooding male and a bright female. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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True Colors (Landry’s True Colors Series Book One) by Krysten Lindsay Hager – Review by Sheri Schrader

True Colors (Landry's True Colors #1)True Colors by Krysten Lindsay Hager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

True Colors: Landry’s True Colors Series is the first book in this series for tweens. Landry is going through the struggles of middle school. She wants to be one of the “interesting” girls and soon finds a new series of challenges that await her with a new status. This book is a sweet reminder of the struggles of being a middle school girl and wanting to fit in. I enjoyed reading about Landry and her wanting to stay true to herself. This is a great read for young girls and those going through the middle school years. I enjoyed that Landry realized that things are not always as they appear with changes in popularity in school. Lost friends, new friends, foes, and new adventures. All can enjoy the book, and I will pass this on to my niece to read since she is hitting this period of her life. I look forward to reading more from this series and the author in the future.

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Lucky Stars by Fantasia Yu – Review by Sheri Schrader

Lucky StarsLucky Stars by Fantasia Yu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucky Stars is a modernized sci-fi version of Audrey Hepburn’s Roman Holiday. I was intrigued by the cover and the description in the cover blurb. Princess Mora is being put in an arranged marriage to merge two families and not getting to live her own life. She makes a break for it, and adventure follows. This is a quick read that has kept me wanting more. I always enjoy sci-fi romance, and space pirates add another level of fun. I enjoyed Mora and Darin, the rebel pilot. The two are a good match, and I looked forward to getting to the end to find out if there was a happily ever after. If you are looking for romance, sci-fi, fun, and of course, space pirates, this book is for you. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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My Inner Critic by Christine Bernard – Review by Sheri Schrader

My Inner CriticMy Inner Critic by Christine Bernard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Inner Critic is a relatable story of self-discovery and finding self-love. The story is relatable and made me feel understood. Like the main character, I am an introvert in an extrovert world with so much going through my head. I enjoyed that the author put herself as a character into a fictional world to tell her story. I worried the story might touch too close to home. I was pleasantly surprised that though it hit close to home, I loved embracing Emily and accepting her as one of the team. The story was well written, relatable, funny at points, and tender at others. I love that other women are coming into their own and finding comfort in themselves, as I did later in life. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy MysteryThe Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery by Holly Tierney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Muffin Shop Murder: A Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery is the first book in The Delilah Crumbworthy Mystery Series. This is a cozy mystery set in the small town of Snowflake Valley. Delilah is new to town and has always dreamed of moving to Snowflake Valley, a picturesque small town. When she opens her muffin shop, she hears stories about the bakery that used to be where her shop is located. Are the rumors true?
Delilah is smart and savvy with a heart of gold. She wants to fit in and make a place for herself in her new community. So, with her new friend and employee, she discovers the story of the previous business and some other odd happenings centered around her new shop.
I enjoyed this light read. It read quickly and filled a cold afternoon. There are a lot of quirky characters in this small town, and it will be interesting to see how they become more involved in future books. I’m glad I picked this book up and will keep an eye out for more from this author.

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A Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker – Review by Sheri Schrader

A Dowry of Snails and MudA Dowry of Snails and Mud by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Dowry of Snails and Mud is a fun YA Historical Romance. Rhia Caddell is being forced into an arranged marriage to the Prince of Wales. The fate of her village rests on her shoulders. What is a girl to do? This is a clever story with great characters. The story is fast-paced and kept me reading. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I like that this wasn’t just a simple romance. I enjoyed the historical setting, which added to my enjoyment of the story. The challenges Rhia faced because of the marriage and the town’s issues were timely and helped show some of the issues women still face today. This was a fun read, and I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Sheri Schrader

Chatroom With A ViewChatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chatroom with a View is an edge-of-your-seat creepy story. The story is fast-paced, keeping the story moving along. After reading the blurb, I was intrigued by what the story would hold. What would change if there is a genetic predisposition to killing found? Troy comes from an extremely dysfunctional family and possesses the killer gene. Drawn in yet? I was and wasn’t disappointed. I will warn you that this is dark and super creepy. There are twists and turns down a dark path. Be warned this is a read that will keep you reading late into the night and then keep you awake because of what you read. I will keep a look out for more books by this author in the future.

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Sheri Schrader

Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Married Blind: A Marriage of Convenience Hollywood Romance is the second book in the Kings of Screen series. This can be read as a standalone book. Abi barely keeps afloat with her bills and helps her sister out. Finn, a notorious playboy, needs to rehab his image to save his career. The two come together on a reality show where they must marry and play nice for three months. Of course, nothing good comes easy, but there is a HEA.
I enjoyed the characters of Abi and Finn. I am not a fan of reality shows, but I might have watched if this was an actual show. The two are good together with their banter and tension. I enjoyed the difference in their backgrounds and that they were not both Hollywood types or a normal Joe. The contrast helped with bringing the two together. I enjoyed this book and will be checking out more from this author.

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The Taste of Light (The Winemakers Book 2) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Sheri Schrader

The Taste of Light (The Winemakers, #2)The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Taste of Light is the second book in The Winemakers series. Redemption and a chance at love are the topics of this book. Pedro, whom I did not like) in book one pulls at the heartstrings in this book. I did not want to like him but fell for him anyways. When he meets the beautiful light that is Anne, we start to see him for himself. The story is set in a beautiful location and fills my need for a historical fiction story with romance. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I am really hooked after this book. I love seeing characters evolve or prove me wrong about my initial impression of them. Pedro did all of that and more. Swoon-worthy story leaving me wanting more. I look forward to the next book in this lovely series.

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Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Sheri Schrader

Whispers in the WatersWhispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whispers in the Water is a prequel novella to kick off the author’s new Blood of the Fae series. This is a Victorian gaslamp story with a slow start. There is a lot of story-building and character-building in this initial story. I enjoyed the characters and the premise. I look forward to the next book to see where this series will go. Jessa is smart and curious. I want to see how she develops as a character. The story also provided some nice intrigue and mystery. There is a lot of good here, and I can’t wait for the next book.

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Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 2) by Byrd Nash – Review by Sheri Schrader

Delicious Death (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #2)Delicious Death by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Delicious Death: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Volume 2 is part of a six-part series. I was excited to get more into the story of medium Madam Chalamet was great. This time the King’s life is in danger. Can she use her ghost-talking skills to solve the mystery before Duc d’Archambeau? Culinary delights, ghosts, mystery, and more kept me tearing through the pages. The author gives a great amount of detail, witty repartee between the characters, and an interesting setting. I look forward to the rest of this series.

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Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Sheri Schrader

Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries #1)Ghost Talker by Byrd Nash
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ghost Talker: Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Volume 1 is the first book in a 6 part series. I have read other books by this author, and this did not disappoint. This is a relatively short read but packs a lot into the pages. Madame Chalamet is a medium trained by the elite Morpheus Society. She is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s death. She also has to contend with Tristan Fontaine, duke de Archambeau, who is part of another investigation. I like her quick wit and sarcasm. I like the back-and-forth conversations with Tristan Fontaine. I love the setting and the story. This is a gaslamp fantasy with lots of interesting characters. Madame Chalamet, Elinor, is a great character. I look forward to reading this series and seeing what situations Elinor ends of getting herself into.

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Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Sheri Schrader

Falling HomeFalling Home by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Falling Home is the first book in the A Buckeye Falls series. This is an excellent read if you want a second-chance romance set during the Christmas holidays. I fell for the main characters, Ginny and Max, quickly. I could relate to going home to help a parent, but not everyone has a Max pining for them. Ginny left the small town for a job and left everything behind for a new adventure. Max stayed in the small town and prospered in everything but love. Will the exes find their way back together? The story is sweet and filled with holiday cheer. I look forward to seeing what the next book in this series brings. This story definitely helped me get into the magical holiday spirit.

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Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Sheri Schrader

Snow in LoveSnow in Love by Libby Kay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Snow in Love is a delightful holiday romance. This is a quick read but a well-thought-out story. Sienna and Connor are one of those couples you want to see succeed. The two meet on the slopes, but immediately I wanted it to develop into more. The characters contrast each other nicely. I always enjoy a holiday romance story, and this did not disappoint. I recommend this book if you need a quick getaway and to get in the holiday spirit. I look forward to checking out more from this author in the future.

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LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife – Review by Erin Vosters

LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. (THE COOL THING SERIES)LAB SPILL: A Dark Comedy. Maybe. by Robert Rife
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is definitely a unique book!

The story is very well written and you get to follow the timeline through various characters so when you get done, it’s almost like reading 4 different stories. The characters are defined very well and although this is sci-fi, it feels like it could actually happen.

The dark humor was a wonderful touch.

This is a book that I would keep on my shelf!

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Return to Gallanvaig (A Quirk of Destiny Book 2) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Sheri Schrader

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of DestinyReturn to Gallanvaig: Beyond A Quirk of Destiny by Catherine Greenall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to Gallanvaig: Beyond a Quirk of Destiny is the second book in the A Quirk of Destiny series. First, this book picks up two years after the first book. Second, read the first book before delving into this one. There is a lot packed in there that will make this book a better read. Third, this is a 500+ page book but be prepared to be taken into a detailed adventure.
I enjoyed learning more about the genies and their leader Balthazar. Things have gotten crazier than where we left off. There are more divides between the evil side and those who are GM-Free. The story is delightfully realistic with apocalyptic dystopian tones. It is full of action, paranormal, and more. I was left wanting more and look forward to reading the last book in this series.

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A Quirk of Destiny (A Quirk of Destiny Book 1) by Catherine Greenall – Review by Sheri Schrader

A Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et IgnorabimusA Quirk of Destiny: Ignoramus et Ignorabimus by Catherine Greenall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Quirk of Destiny is the first book in the A Quirk of Destiny series. This is my first book by this author, and I was not disappointed. She writes a realistic dystopian tale of what could quickly happen to our food supply using complex scientific explanations. The story is full of intrigue, twists, genies, and the effects of political and medical misinformation that plague our country. I was drawn in quickly and didn’t want to put it down. Also, it has left me rethinking what I eat daily. The characters were gripping, and the plot felt insane but realistic at times. I am curious about where the story will go and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in a realistic dystopian look at our future.

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Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Sheri Schrader

Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls, #2)Painter of the Damned by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Painter of the Damned is the second book in the Painted Souls series. Let me recommend reading the first book in this series before delving into this one. Nick and Julia are back and trying to get out of Italy but get waylaid. This is a fantastic book that kept me up late into the night. There is a dual timeline between the current day and the 16th century. I enjoyed the story and how it continued developing from the first book. I won’t say more about the plot because I do not want to take anything away from anyone else reading the book. If you enjoy historical fiction, art, thrills, and chills this is a great read to grab. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

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Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Sheri Schrader

Knight In The Museum ( Jorja Knight Mystery -Book 5)Knight In The Museum by Alice Bienia
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Knight in The Museum is the fifth book in the Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series. The cover and title pulled me in without realizing this was the fifth book in the series. Don’t let this stop you from grabbing this book. It was easy to read as a standalone without feeling lost or out of touch with the characters and the story. Jorja (not Georgia) Knight is a fantastic PI who gets herself into some interesting situations. I always liked stories with art or antiquities built into the story, and this one kept me intrigued. I will not give any plot points because I do not want to wreck the story for anyone else. After reading this book, I can’t wait to dig into the other books in the series. It is always great to discover a new series and author.

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Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Sheri Schrader

Murder on oak streetMurder on oak street by I. M. Foster
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Murder on Oak Street is the first book in A South Shore Mystery Book series. I was intrigued by the blurb about the book and that I had not read this author before. I am excited to have read this book and look forward to more from this series. Daniel O’Halleran is frustrated by the politics and red tape he faces in his job as the coroner’s physician. When he changes to a new city, an old case is brought to his attention. Will he finally get closure on the case? Also, is it related to a recent murder?
The characters are great and leave me wanting to learn more about them. I also enjoyed the twists of not only the old case but the new one as well. If you enjoy historical fiction with mystery and suspense, this is a great book to get your hands on.

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