Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Like second book it kept me enthralled. It’s also fast paced and easy read like previous book is serious. I highly recommend. It’s like history repeats itself with a different murder but similar case. I highly recommend you won’t be disappointed.
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
You know that feeling when you open a book and you just get lost !? When retelling the story you talk a mile a minute so you can say as much as you can !? You get so involved that you want to tell anyone who will listen about it !? When you tell people about it they want to know how you know these people because you’re so involved !? Well this is Finding Starlight ❣️📕
I just loved the cover ! I love that there was a bookstore involved and the characters become friends and family 🥰📕
Ellawyn ( what a beautiful name) is on the run from her abusive boyfriend and leaves everyone and everything behind and starts her healing in the quaint town of Quimby Grove .
She discovers Finding Starlight , a bookstore owned by Benji ,who is such a sweetheart and it serves the most delectable treats . Ellawyn is there everyday from open to close and always on the same spot , Benji leaves her to paint and heal . It’s all her fault I started craving grilled cheese sandwiches and vanilla lattes 🤷♀️😂
Benji receives life altering news and his grandson Beckett comes home and when he shares the news I just have a meltdown and my heart breaks into a million pieces but this little family draws close and face it head on but a man obsessed with Ellawyn intervenes in an evil and unkind way and I will not give his name as he doesn’t deserve any acknowledgment and his ticket to the first pits of hell is booked !
While Ellawyn , Beckett , Benji and Max were my people there were other folks that warmed my heart like the kind nurse that helped our Benji and Becketts dear secrestary 🌸
Love is light and Beckett and Ellawyn overcome the darkness and these two people are deserving of every ounce of love and while I didn’t want their story to end I was happy to let them go to live their HEA because I want to see what happens in Max’s life , he’s a catch and the lady who wins his heart is one blessed lady 😍
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Okay I don’t know what this author puts in their books but I am obsessed! This Benoit and Dayne mystery has you thrown into the story from the very first page! When a murder resembles one from 25 years earlier, old suspicions are brought back to life. With Lila being an outsider with no previous knowledge of the earlier murder, can she help solve this one?
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book grabbed me from the very beginning, and I read it all in one sitting! It was so captivating and I was absolutely engrossed the entire time. I didn’t realize this was a series so I am very glad to be able to go back and read them all in order. Even without reading the first two, I feel like I was able to follow along well and didn’t take away from the amazing storyline. I feel that I pick up on clues and can guess what happens next in mysteries, but this one had me puzzled and clueless the entire time! I highly recommend picking this fast-paced book up and I’m headed to start at the beginning of the series now!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had not read the previous books in the series, as it stated this was a standalone story, but I will absolutely be reading the first 3 books immediately. This was a fantastic story about Tripp and Soleil in the Red Cage series. The author did an amazing job of setting up the history between the two characters, as well as their individual backgrounds. Being his little sister’s best friend, Soleil has always had a crush on Tripp, but he always made it clear that he found her annoying. The steamy slow burn between them, in the background of the danger and mystery, created a pager turner I couldn’t put down. The story had excellent pacing and each time you thought everything was resolved, the author threw another twist. I also adored the secondary characters and I can’t wait to see Tillie get her own story and discover the mystery X. I highly recommend this story and can’t wait to see what else the author has in store for this series.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A girl turns up dead and takes everyone back to two friends who died 25 years ago. A killer seems to have struck again. As the investigation goes on, it seems this is larger than anyone in this small town would have ever dreamed.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I do like it. Throws you right in the first page. Love how blunt the author writes. It did take me a bit to get the groove of the book since I’m jumping in at book 3. I did put everything together still a great book.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A gripping and suspenseful crime thriller which kept me hooked from start to finish. Having read and enjoyed the previous books in this series, I am familiar with the main characters, Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne. I was looking forward to reading about their next case, and I was not disappointed. When a young woman is killed in the same circumstances as a death from twenty five years earlier, it’s more than a case of Déjà vu for Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit. The previous victim was Elizabeth’s best friend and Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s older sister, and Elizabeth has never stopped trying to catch her killer. Elizabeth is convinced that the crooked ex-Sheriff was involved in the crime, but although she has a thick file on him she knows she needs irrefutable proof.
Due to the legal consequences of Elizabeth being too close to the case, Deputy Detective Lila Dayne takes charge. However, she can’t seem to pin down their main suspect despite using all her investigative skills. When prominent members of the community begin to disappear, Elizabeth is back on the case, but things turn personal when her sister then goes missing. Benoit and Dayne must catch the killer, and end up in a showdown that’s been brewing for decades in Eckardt County. The storyline had me turning the pages well into the night, and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the story. The descriptive narrative brought both the setting and characters vividly to life, making me feel immersed in the story. This was a real page turner of a novel, and one which I recommend.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first Mystery I have read in a long time and OMG I am so glad I did! I was totally hooked from the very first sentence right to the very last word. This is a totally captivating read filled with interesting characters and a fantastic storyline that will keep you hooked and on the edge of your seat the whole way. Elizabeth and Lila are such strong determined women who will let nothing stop them from getting to the truth! You will be on their side every step of the way. I found myself wanting to know more about some of the other characters as well, Rafe and Kyle for example, so I will definitely be finding the rest of the books in this series. This is the 3rd book of this series and I do think that it can be read as a standalone because I totally enjoyed it and followed along with no issue even though I had not read the previous books. I will however be going back and reading the previous books because of how much I truly enjoyed this one. This amazingly talented author definitely has a new fan in me! I just can’t wait to read more!!
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Straight for the Kill is book number 3 in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. In this installment, Sheriff Benoit’s past comes back to haunt her when a body is found that shows strong similarities to previous murders. One previous murder was someone close to Benoit which motivates the sheriff even further. As more members of the community disappear, Deputy Dayne and Sheriff Benoit must use all of their abilities to find the killer. Then, Sheriff Benoit’s own sister goes missing. Can Benoit and Dayne find the killer in time to save Benoit’s sister, or does the killer get away? Find out in Straight for the Kill.
Just like the previous books, the characters are relatable with very realistic feelings. The reader can feel the emotions of the characters. This book is a gripping read full of twists and turns. I did not want to put the book down and it left me wanting more from Winter Austin.
The series just keeps getting better and better. Each book could be read as a standalone as Winter Austin does a fantastic job of ensuring the reader knows the important aspects in each backstory. It is a page turning, at the edge of your seat, police thriller. I highly suggest picking up a copy.
Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Book two in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series, Hush, My Darling can either be read by itself, or after the first book. Winter Austin does a fantastic job of filling the reader in with needed information from the first book. In this installment, Deputy Lila Dayne’s past comes to haunt her. She narrowly escaped from her prospective killer the first time, and now a new body turns up which makes Lila believe that her killer has found her in her new town. Her reaction to the find causes other members of the department to question her ability to continue being a deputy. Will Lila be able to prove that she is stable enough to continue with her job, or will the killer succeed in taking her down? Find out in Hush, My Darling.
Hush, My Darling is full of twists, turns, and relatable characters. The reader can feel right along with the characters. Lila’s fear is almost palpable through the pages. Winter Austin does an amazing job creating a visual of both the physical and emotional aspects of the story. This story is gripping and a page turner.
I absolutely loved every moment of this story. I did not want to put it down. It is full of mystery, tragedy, twists, and turns. If you do not pick up a copy, you are missing out.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 3 in a series. However, this could be read as a standalone. There will be bits and pieces that might be confusing so I do feel it best to read the books in order.
I read this book in just under 5 hours in one sitting. It’s gripping and will have it’s hooks in you from the start. Prepare accordingly with your favorite beveridge, a snack, and a blanket. You’re not going to want to put this book down.
Elizabeth Benoit is still a fairly new sheriff and, while she’s seen her share of things going on in her little county over the past couple of years, she was not prepared for a 25 year old bandaid to be ripped off. Elizabeth’s best friend, who is also Deputy Kyle Lundquist’s sister, was murdered 25 years ago. The case had essentially gone cold until recent events started looking a lot like what occurred back then. Deputy Detective Lila Dayne is on the case as an outsider, not really being privy to the previous event.
Is it possible that Elizabeth can finally put away the dirty, crooked former sheriff? His hands could be all over this but then there are new but old faces popping back up in town too.
I can’t say enough about this book but I also don’t want to spoil anything. Just do yourself a favor and carve out the time you need to read this one in one sitting!
This is book is seriously amazing. I literally hated when I had to put it down. Deputy Lila Dayne and Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit are two of the most amazing characters I have ever come across. In fact, Sheriff Ellie, reminds me of Alex Cross who is from James Patterson’s books. I felt every emotion that these two and the rest of the sheriffs office went through as they tried to figure out the murder that happened recently and how it connected to a murder that happened decades prior. I promise you that this book is hands down one of the best books I have read. I honestly believe that everyone needs to read this book. I am also going to read the other two books, since this is Book #3. I strongly recommend that everyone gets this book now.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book is seriously amazing. I literally hated when I had to put it down. Deputy Lila Dayne and Sheriff Elizabeth Benoit are two of the most amazing characters I have ever come across. In fact, Sheriff Ellie, reminds me of Alex Cross who is from James Patterson’s books. I felt every emotion that these two and the rest of the sheriffs office went through as they tried to figure out the murder that happened recently and how it connected to a murder that happened decades prior. I promise you that this book is hands down one of the best books I have read. I honestly believe that everyone needs to read this book. I am also going to read the other two books, since this is Book #3. I strongly recommend that everyone gets this book now.
The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 stars
The Golden Garza is the fourth book in the Red Cage series. After reading the other books it was a no brainer getting this one. I somehow started the series with the third book but went back and read the first two though and I loved them.
I love this series and the wonderful characters who are complex and fully realised. There is also a cast of secondary characters that you will like just as much.
This fantastic romance tale is intriguing, steamy, and has suspense, danger, drama, action and so much more to keep the pages turning.
This is Tripp and Sunny’s story and what a story it is. I was totally engaged throughout, and I loved the push pull between these two and the love hate, hate to love relationship with the sizzling chemistry. The two of them are passionate and stubborn.
When trouble comes calling can she rely on his help her out or is there deadly consequences?
I can’t wait to see what S Ann Cole does next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Straight for the Kill is the third book in the amazing Benoit and Dayne Mystery series. To say I really enjoyed the other books written by Winter is an understatement.
This is a chilling crime thriller series that is as intriguing as it is suspenseful. This gripping tale will have you on the edge of your seat. A tale of murder and mayhem, vengeance and power, mystery and obsession that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat. There is a cast of many characters that are fully realised and complex.
When a body shows up Sherriff Elizabeth Benoit is chilled to the bone. She knows that it is the same as her best friend’s murder years earlier. Between herself and Deputy Detective Lila Dayne catching the bastard is harder than it ought to be.
As the author writes “it’s a no-holds-barred race against time in the showdown that’s been brewing in Eckardt County for decades”.
I’ve said it before, and I will say it again that this is one series you don’t want to pass by. Prepare to be captivated by Winter’s writing skills.
After this book Winter is now cemented as one of my favourite authors.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Straight For the Kill is the third gripping instalment in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. It is another edgy and engrossing story full of all the twists and turns that I love about a great thriller. Again, Ms. Austin had had me on the edge of my seat, guessing the whole way through.
This is the third book in the series, and even though it could technically be read as a standalone as the author does touch on previous events, I really recommend reading the previous two book before starting on this one, as experiencing what has happened previously will definitely enhance your reading experience of this book, as well as the series as a whole.
This book has all the ingredients required to keep me completely immersed in this gripping crime thriller. With murder, mayhem, mystery, suspense, intrigue, tension, intensity, and drama really makes for a gritty read.
With buried secrets things take a complicated turn when skeletons start to come to light. Elizabeth Benoit and Lila Dayne will have their work cut out for them here, as they try to get to the bottom of it all.
Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Winter Austin!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Hush, My Darling by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
Hush My Darling is the second book in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery series by Winter Austin. It is an engrossing thriller that had me guessing the whole way through. It is gritty, gripping, suspenseful, intense, and entirely intriguing. This serial killer murder mystery is set in a small town, which gives it an added element of interest for me.
Elizabeth Benoit is the new sheriff in town, but settling in just got complicated as flooding devastates the area. When a decomposing body is discovered, things intensify, and it soon becomes apparent that there is a serial killer in their midst. What happens makes for a riveting read.
Bring on Book #3!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Winter Austin!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Fear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a good read! This can be read as a standalone, although there were a lot of characters that I am assuming are from the previous books that make appearances and so that was a little confusing. But it had really no bearing on the storyline of this book so it can still be read as a standalone in my opinion. This was book was spicy, and the main characters had all the tension. I really enjoyed the story and the characters and would enjoy reading the the other books and continuing this series.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Straight for the Kill is the third book in the Benoit and Dayne mystery series. It is a gripping mystery with a Halloween theme that I struggled to put down.
Dayne immediately notices when a new murder bears a strong resemblance to a couple of cold cases that have been haunting many of her colleagues and friends for decades. It’s vital that they catch the killer this time, before the trail runs cold, but it won’t be easy. Benoit is meant to be resting after an operation, but can’t sit this one out.
I particularly enjoyed how this book focused on siblings. The dynamic between Elizabeth and Marnie is particularly interesting, with Marnie’s involvement in the original case and Elizabeth balancing her professional and personal responsibilities.
This book gets five stars from me! Definitely a dark story but there are plenty of lighter character moments to provide balance. I’d recommend reading this series in order – there are a lot of characters to get to know. But they do fill you in on what you need to know as you go along so you can dive in here if you prefer!
Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I began my reading into this book very excited and open minded. It took a few chapters before I became hooked. The story was new and had many twists and turns that you would not expect. Is Troy gonna be like his father or his grandfather? Or will he be a better man? If you take the time you’ll find out the answer and be just as surprised as I was.
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Straight for the Kill
By: Winter Austin
Let me tell you, I have never been so grateful for a snowy day in my life. I don’t know how I would have survived if I had needed to be productive while I was reading this book. This definitely grabbed me from the first page and didn’t let me go until the very end. I loved the last book I read by Winter Austin, Hush my Darling, and I never imagined that her next book would be even better. This is filled with twists and turns and I definitely never saw the ending coming. I loved the development of the characters and their depth, with each book I read in the Benoit and Dayne series the characters become even more multilayered and complex. This time, I loved the aspect that the killer harkened back to a series of deaths when the major characters were children. I also loved that this book dealt with the ups and downs of small town life. The sheriff’s department definitely had a lot of skeletons that had been buried to deal with.
I definitely think this book is amazing – I read it in one day and almost in one complete sitting! I cannot wait to read more of these characters!
The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Golden Garza
By: S. Ann Cole
This book is the fourth installment in the Red Cage Series. This is my first book that I’ve read of it and it definitely stands alone. I am now going to go back to the beginning of the series to read the rest. Not because I was lost and confused, but rather because I really loved the characters and I want to read more about them. The Garza family definitely has interesting dynamics and it kept me wanting to learn more about them. I also love that this is a best friend’s brother story. I have really found myself enjoying these stories right now. I truly enjoyed learning about Tripp and Soleil and loved the development of each of them. This is definitely a steamy book and I totally recommend it!
Fear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I loveeeeeeeeeee all about Fear Inc! Book # 3 definitely did not disappointment and while I believe you can read this as a standalone…..I very very highly recommend reading this series in order to get to know each of the characters and their stories that lead up to this book.
Book 3 picks up where book 2 ends a bit…as this story you get to really know Kasper and Krysta.
Kasper and Krysta had this spark and love for each other years prior but due to circumstances….Kasper pushes Krysta away. Years later, they reunite, but under different reasons. Krysta wants stability, love and a family of her own. Kasper, being the playboy, ignites this flame and banter when it comes to Krysta.
Kasper and Krysta both need a second change and forgivness. Will that happen when Petrov Family is still lurking around…..or will it be to late?
I loved this story of Kasper and Krysta so much…the banter between them but also the love and spark that was truly undeniable. While they are complex with their past and secrets…the second chance is what they needed. I hope and pray for more from this series…..
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a well crafty thriller that certainly keeps you guessing from the start. As the third book in this series I would highly recommend reading it in order. There are a lot of details you would miss out on if you were to start from this book, although it would still be enjoyable.
I think the character development is done really well. This book builds on the character arcs we have seen in the previous books and made it feel like we were getting to knew them even more. I really enjoyed the overall story too. The author keeps you guessing, throwing in twists and turns. The book has been well written and has a fast pace to it. This is definitely a book worth reading and one that I would thoroughly enjoy.
Chatroom with a View by Glenn Maynard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great psychological thriller from the start. I do want to say; however, this book is very, very dark and that it may be too much for some people…please know this going in. I really liked how Maynard just threw us into the characters lives…we didn’t get a backstory, we were just submerged into the middle of a violent (but not particularly gruesome) episode between Tony and his father. I will say that in the beginning I felt sorry for Tony, but as the story goes on I really grew to not like him at all (which I think is the point). There are so many twists and turns throughout this book that sometimes you feel like your head is spinning, but Maynard does eventually get everything back on track 🙂 I would recommend this book, but with caution.
Reviewed by @meggs1717
Finding Starlight by Shannon Nikole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a wonderful story. I wanted to read this book in one sitting, but I also didn’t want it to end. Finding Starlight, brings Ellawyn Calloway finds herself in Quimby Grove, Pennsylvania starting a new life after leaving the old one behind.
Ellawyn finds solace at Starlight bookstore and café. She befriends Benji the store’s owner; who lets her work on her art. When Benji asks his grandson, Beckett to return to Quimby Grove to help out at Starlight, Ellawyn finds herself befriending Beckett. Through Benji, Beckett, Ellawyn lets down her guard, and opens up to friendship and love; but not everyone in Quimby Grove is honorable.
Have tissues ready, and enjoy Finding Starlight!
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a great gripping crime Thriller. I just couldn’t put it down. It is 3rd book in the Benoit and Dayne Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone however I get the feeling if you read the series you get better understanding of the characters which is what I plan on doing. The author has wrote a story that is full of twists and turns so you never know what’s coming. There are loads of secrets and shady characters to keep you guessing about who is commiting these crimes.
When a young woman is found murdered on Halloween that is bad enough but when the resemblance is uncanny to a murder that happened 25 years ago on that same date things take a sinister turn.
Is that killer still active? Is it a copycat? One thing that Deputy Dayne knows is they need to find this person fast. However things aren’t that simple. With it being a small town everyone knows everyone and with the current sherrif and another deputy having links to one of the previous victims it’s hard to find people who can look at this case with unbiased eyes. Add to this the deception and lies being told by people further up the chain of command and it makes this already tricky and dangerous case even harder.
Who can Deputy Dayne trust? Who can work on this case that doesn’t have some link to the previous case? Who is involved and how will they react when they realise that Dayne is on their trail?
This is definately a read you won’t be able to put down
Saving the Bellydancer by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book, the story was engaging and I liked reading about the characters. I think I might be a little bit in love with Cutter – he was so dreamy! I loved how he was so fiercely protective of Zarifah. They had such a genuine connection and I loved reading their story. There was a good mix of romance, suspense and acti0on – it’s definitely one of those stories that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole way through.
This book is quite short being a novella but I don’t think the story was lacking in anyway – I would have loved a longer read just because I loved the characters so much and would happily have read more about them!
Overall a great read with lovely characters! A definite must read!
Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you love murder stories, suspense, mystery…this book is for you! Trying to catch a killer, even YEARS later? Count me in! This book kept me on my toes and I loved the entire read. Kept me interested I didn’t realize how fast I made it through this book. The characters, the plot..all great. And I love a book with tons of dialogue and this book delivered that. Super quick read for me because I couldn’t put it down! I’ll be checking out more of this authors work!
The Golden Garza by S. Ann Cole
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After discovering that the life she remembers is a lie, Soleil decides to find the truth but it is not as easy as it seems. There are so many hidden players that don’t want her discovering her true origins. Deadly, powerful players that have the resources to prevent it from happening. But Soleil is quite stubborn and determined to find answers, any answers. When Soleil manages to convince Red Cage to help her, it opens an outside chamber to Pandora’s Box of secrets and death.
Tripp Garza has been secretly in love with his sister’s best friend since she was 19, at least he thought it was secretly. Apparently all of his brothers knew and have been betting on how long it would take Tripp to act on/admit his feelings. When Tripp accidently gets a taste of his forbidden fruit, he can’t stay away but doesn’t know how to be with her or how to be without her. Tripp has to battle a few of his own demons before he can slay Soleil’s.
Fan-damn-tastic!! The revelation of secrets and the pace of the book. The characters, the family, the love, the friendships are amazing. I luv that as you get updated on the characters from previous novels, they aren’t all sunshine and roses. Yes, they are still together but they are still facing challenges of everyday life together, like being together and making it work. I really hope the next book is Tillie’s because I have to know if Torin has known about her Mr. X all this time or when he found out. Looking forward to the next one!! Phenomenal series!!
