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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lucy Machard

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was definitely a well thought out book. Just like any first book, there’s a lot of world building it in and background to get the feel for the lore behind the series. It was detailed perfectly, well paced, and honestly very very creative. Definitely an original work of fantasy that isn’t generic fae, vampires, etc. the characters were well thought out and given a lot of depth. I did think it was a very slow start though, and for me it didn’t pick up until the last 15% of the book. But I did like it, and if you like pirates and magic, give it a shot!

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Brandy Vaughn

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a refreshing YA novel with an alternative family unit and a young lady who isn’t picture perfect. The dialogue between the mother and daughter feels as if a teenager is speaking through the text. The plot pulls you in as a reader to find out what happens next. The angst of going through teenage years will have you following Stas on an emotional roller coaster ride. Finding your mother murdered and having your father as the suspect would be enough to drive anyone over the edge. Death, grief, pain, and loss full this story but so does love.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Santana Hicks

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Camden’s mother died when he was young but before she succumbed to death, she made a pirate by the name of Resh promise her that he would keep Cam safe and away from his father who wanted him dead. Thus began the pirates life for Cam.

Years later, Cam accepts a dangerous job that ends up with the ship being burned along with most of his crew and with his captain Resh and his best friend Nathan being kidnapped. Cam went down with the ship. He comes back as a fire branded revenant. Camden is tasked by the same man who sent him on the first job to head to an island to get information on Lord Duskin and potentially find Resh and Nathan in the process. Plus revenge on the revenant that murdered him and his crew. After years of running away from his past, he once again takes on his original surname of Camden Callahan.

Annie, Lord Duskins adopted daughter, hates her job. She is tasked with researching patients with the rot and how the drug ‘pearl dust’ affects the people. She hates her life and her adopted family but obedience is better for survival. On top of that, she sees the ghosts of patients she has had a helping hand in sacrificing for research. When Annie meets Camden, she is quick to not trust him but when he offers her an out of this life, she accepts his partnership. The ghosts seem to become more corporeal as time goes on. Sometimes even helping her out. Is there something more to Annie than just being a mere mortal?

Camden is in over his head, there is much happening on this island and it’s hard to tell who is on which side. Who can he trust? Will his father catch wind of Cam resurfacing after all these years? Will they make it off the island?

This book was chalk full of adventure and had elements of magic, murder, ghosts,and pirates. It also delved into some darker themes like sacrifice, sexual assault, and suicidal thoughts. This book is not for the faint of heart. The characters have a lot of depth but are very relatable. I found myself connecting with Annie. She seems quiet and dark but she has a sweet side and wants to help those around her. Camden appears arrogant and full of himself but is actually full of self doubt and regret. I enjoyed getting to know these two.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries Series and is a wonderfully written YA that will pull you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go till the end. This was the perfect book to read as the weather is cooling down. The characters are developed, creative and relatable. The storyline flowed so well there’s even a few twists that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure it out. I breezed right through it in on afternoon. Gumshoe is back at it again but this time she’s trying to solve the mystery before the fifteen-year-olds birthday party is ruined. Can they solve the mystery before it’s to late? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Mary Espinoza

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries by Laura Hawks, and is the first book I have read by this author. I found it easy to read and it was a very entertaining story! It was a fun, cozy, mystery with a touch of paranormal activities that is a good read for the young adult genre. I found the dialogue between the main character and her buddy Gumshoe to be very entertaining! Mia (main character) keeps finding herself in the middle of an adventure and all she wanted to do was enjoy her friend’s quinceanera. One thing I was very impressed by was the ability by Laura Hawks to write a plot that keeps you engaged and guessing. I was impressed by the book and I look forward to going back and reading the first book in the series, as well as any other books by Laura Hawks! I hope you all will enjoy this book as much as I did! Happy reading!

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Mary Espinoza, October 2023

My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Angela Hayes

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3.5 Stars

 

My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale is a LGBTQ YA mystery with emotion, love, loss, murder, whodunnit, drama, angst, family dynamics, and romance.
Things had been looking pretty rosy for a while, with a family wedding in the works and a cute new guy in the scene- when suddenly Stas’s world is turned upside down when her mother is murdered- and her father becomes the prime suspect. Things get tense, and rather complicated- and Stas will need to navigate it all if she’s to have any hope of finding some sort of ‘normal’ again.
This is a mystery with a bit of a journey of discovery mixed in which made for an interesting, angsty, and emotional read. I felt it was a little slow to get going, and at times I felt like the story lagged a little and I had to keep forcing myself to stay focused. I also had trouble connecting with Stas to begin with, but she won me over a bit by the end.
If you love YA coming of ages stories, LGBTQ, mystery, romance, and emotion- then you will want to add this to your TBR.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Kate Larkindale!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Jenni Bishop

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author Kate Larkindale brings us an emotional YA LGBTQ tale, My Murder Year.
This contemporary romance is full of suspense, tension, angst and drama, family agenda’s, dilemmas and complications.
At seventeen Stas has experienced more than anyone her age should. She should be enjoying life and its new discoveries when going from a teenager to a YA. Dealing with the hardship of finding oneself during teenage years is enough but unfortunately, tragedy has struck, and she is in danger of losing it all.
It is an emotionally charged tale of loneliness, confusion and overcoming loss and staying with true family and the struggles place upon her. This tale is an emotional rollercoaster as it deals with the complexities of death and grief, pain and loss.
The adults in Sta’s life think they know best so she has to be careful about who she trusts and what they truly mean for her. What are their agenda’s?
Grab a copy to find out what happens to Stas.

 

Reviewed by @jennadb

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale – Review by Shelly Kittell

My Murder YearMy Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very interesting story with many twists and turns. I like that so the story had me right from the beginning. Stas has many choices and not many that she wants. It’s interesting to follow and see what happens and the outcome. I found the writing perfect for the teen/YA category. They’ll relate well. The characters kept me entertained and I think they’ll be relatable to the younger ones too. It’s a fun mystery to figure out.

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My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale

♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.* BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE *.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️
My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
Genre – YA, LGQBT
Page Count – 309
Cover Designer – Jay Aheer

Seventeen-year-old Stas Nonu has nothing more to worry about than looking like an oversized pumpkin in the bridesmaid dress her mother picked out for her wedding to her long-time partner, Mama K. Her father’s newfound religious beliefs are annoying and starting to cramp her style, but nothing to be really concerned about. Besides, Zane, the new guy she met at that party is way more interesting. 

When Stas finds her mothers dead body in a pool of blood, and evidence points to her father as the murderer, she realizes how uncomplicated things were before.

Especially when two aunts shes never met fly from her mothers native Russia and start talking about her coming to live with them. Then her fathers brother shows up with his own reasons for why Stas should live with him.

Unable to face the tug of war between her relatives, or the devastating effect its having on her beloved Mama K, Stas turns to Zane for comfort. But their increasing closeness is not enough to allow Stas to escape the reality of her fractured family.

If Stas cant figure out a way to prove Mama K is as much her mother as the woman who gave birth to her, she might find herself banished to Siberia. Or somewhere even worse.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale

Having spent a lifetime travelling the globe, Kate Larkindale settled in Wellington, New Zealand fifteen years ago.  An arts festival worker and mother to two sons, shes surprised she finds any time to write, but doesnt sleep much.  As a result, she can usually be found hanging out by the nearest espresso machine.

She is the author of contemporary YA novels My Murder Year, Chasing the Taillights, The Sidewalks Regrets, An Unstill Life and Stumped along with several others that no one is allowed to see. Yet. She has also written one very bad historical romance, which will likely never see the light of day. She is working on several more YA novels that may or may not ever be finished.

Her short stories have appeared in Halfway Down The Stairs, A Fly in Amber, Daily Flash Anthology, The Barrier Islands Review, Everyday Fiction, Death Rattle, Drastic Measures, Cutlass and Musket and Residential Aliens, among others.

Author Interview with Kate Larkindale

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Carrie Reed

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wonderful book. I did not read the first book, and while I was able to follow along, I do recommend reading in order to meet all the characters. The relationship between Mia and Gumshoe is so fun to watch grow and the banter between them is entertaining. This is the first book I have read that even mentions a Quinceanera and I found that refreshing and a great way to introduce different customs and cultures to others. Following along with this duo to discover who the murderer is will leave you laughing, and anticipating what comes next. A truly fun and fast read for all.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Christine Baranek

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gumshoe goes to a Quinceanera
By: Laura Hawks

This is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries. I have read both and both are absolutely amazing. These are such a fun, cozy, YA mysteries that feature some paranormal activities. I definitely love that these books feature fantastic dialogue and a main character who is always finding herself in the middle of an adventure. One thing I will say is that Laura Hawks knows how to write a plot that keeps you guessing. I definitely loved the element of suspense that was found throughout. This was an absolutely fantastic book and I love how Laura Hawks has further developed both Mia and Gumshoe from the first book. I felt like there was more character depth in this book than in the first one. I definitely am looking forward to continuing this series!

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Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book a) by Laura Hawks – Review by Christine Baranek

Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries #1)Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gumshoe and the mysterious mushrooms
By: Laura Hawks
This is a fantastic start to a new teen mystery series. It features Mia who is an absolutely amazingly well written character. She is intelligent and gifted. Gumshoe is not exactly who you would expect – he is a cat – who has an incredibly complicated past and a really fun sense of humor. These two have fantastic dialogue that drives the plot. Even though this is a teen book I found myself deeply enjoying the story. It is a great mystery that keeps you guessing but with characters that keep you laughing. It is truly a fun read that I will be recommending to everyone I know. I definitely cannot wait to read the next book in the series!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Callie Luna

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot describe how amazing this book is! The beginning was the perfect setup to meet the main character Cam (a man of many names). He has been working under a pirate crew since his mom was killed. After taking a dangerous mission he instead finds himself waking up with new powers of flame. He must now try to save his crew from the hands of an evil doctor.

I absolutely love both Cam and Annie! Cam is a kick ass pirate that is trying to the best he can in his life. Annie has been forced to endure horrible acts by her adoptive father. The plot continues to thicken and comes to life with many twists and turns as we discover more about the key players on the island and their true intentions. Get ready to trust no one!

This book is full of suspense, mystery, and great world building! I am anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Elisha Johnson

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series) by Natalie Johanson – 4 out of 5 stars

This is the third book in this thrilling series. I highly suggest that you read the series from book one or you will most likely get confused on some parts too. All in all it is a wonderfully written dark fantasy. It has great characters with elements of magic. I recommend.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Desiree Ottinger

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rose Trewin finds herself as the newly appointed Chief of the magical Shademaker Clan while trying to control her magic. King Micah had set out to the south in order to capture Gerik, a powerful, evil mage; however, his plans are thwarted and Gerik escapes. When Rose finds out, she instantly knows that her top priority is to track down Gerik and put an end to his evil plans before he can destroy everything and everyone that she loves. As Rose leaves, the king returns to his kingdom only to find that a religious zealot group has turned his peaceful people into intolerant people. Both face their own struggles and trials. As they lean on each other for support, feelings begin to build between the two. Can they both conquer their different trials and find their way back to each other before it’s too late?

I enjoyed the continuation of this series. Rose has to find the courage to face her greatest tormentor and her greatest fear. Micah finds himself stuck between his heart and his duty to the crown. I feel like the author does an excellent job of describing their struggles and how they work through them. The storyline is still building, and I am looking forward to seeing how it all pans out. I am rooting for Rose and Micah!!

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Jennifer Reimer

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was the third book in the series, and I wish I could say you could read this without reading the first books but alas I can not. This book started right off from where the second book left off. Highly suggest that you should start this series from the beginning so that there is more understanding with what is going on and having a little bit more back story to everything. But other then that I was able to read this book and not be totally lost or confused. This book is filled with magic, romance, drama, action, mystery, and so much more that really made this story as amazing and made me not want to put it down. The world building and story telling makes you really feel like you are in this story along with everyone else. I absolutely love Rose in the story her determination and strong will makes her a really amazing girl boss, while King Micah kind of gets a rude awaking when he goes to go home, and no one likes him. The adventure set out between these two was captivating and filled with twists and turns that I really was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put it down till I finished it.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson is a great young adult fantasy

Rose Trewin looked for ruin but instead discovered a tribe of people she had no idea were still living. Rose, who has just been named the mystical Shademaker Clan’s new Chief, must learn what it means to be in charge while also attempting to harness her ability. She soon learns that the mighty magician Gerik has eluded the king’s arrest. Gerik is out to ruin the family Rose has found and all she loves. To find him, she must go to the mysterious southern region. to his death. to once more be an assassin.

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shadow’s Fall is Book Three in the Shadowstalker Series. Although it could possibly be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series first. I started with the third book not realizing there were two other books prior to this one. I will be going back to read those ones and then rereading this one because it will make more sense knowing the full backstory. It is a YA fantasy story with action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, magic, drama, and danger. The story centers around the character of Rose who has become the newly appointed Chief of her clan. She is trying to deal with a lot of issues at once but at the top of her list is finding Gerik and stopping him from hurting anyone that she cares about. If anyone can possibly stop him, Rose can because she is smart, strong, fierce, and determined. As Rose sets off on her adventure King Micah returns to a world full of chaos and anger. He must try to find a way to turn things around and keep everyone happy. The two characters have their work cut out for them. The author creates a great story full of secrets, sacrifices, lies, magic, and adventure that keep you riveted until the end. Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Ashley Sugar

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Magical fantasy isn’t something I’d normally choose but I really enjoyed this one. I’m a sucker for twists and turns and this one had me on the edge! I haven’t read the first 2 books of this series but I’ll definitely be going back and reading those ASAP. And cliffhangers just make me want to pick up the next one! Thanks to the author for making me a new fan of fantasy books!!

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Shadows Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rose Trewin is a Shadowstalker, a person with magic who can walk within and speak to the shadows, as well as those who dwell within them, she has a past which haunts her and a future which is full of responsibility she doesn’t know if she can handle, all she wanted to do was find the ruins she knew existed within the forest, but what she found instead was a clan of people like her, the Shademaker Clan. This clan of people have remained hidden from the outside world since the hunting of those who wielded magic, but now they have been found and are looking to the first Shadowstalker in years to become their Chief and although she is reluctant, Rose is determined to try and work with the Council, even if she doesn’t exactly trust them. King Micah Ellsworth has been trying to subdue an uprising in the southern part of his Kingdom, a group of chieftains who were led astray by a powerful mage, claiming to be a god, but now he has disappeared and the King is looking for answers, he wants to know where the mage Gerik is, but he knows that he has to shed blood to find this out.

When he has the information he is looking for, he agrees to return and try to negotiate something that will work for both parties, but until then, he has to return to his home and ensure that things are running smoothly, however, he also knows that he has to visit Rose on the way, he feels that their blossoming bond needs it and he realises that so does he, but he also needs to update Rose on the whereabouts of Gerik. As soon as they are near, Rose and Micah can sense their bond relaxing and so they welcome the others return, even if it is short lived, they both have news they need to share with the other and have time just to be in one another’s company again, as well as speaking to the Council. While Rose was waiting to Micah to arrive, strange things have been happening to the clan and the shadows hold the answers, but they are not the ones she hoped for and neither is the news that Micah brings about Gerik escaping because she knows that can only spell danger to herself and those she has just found, her family and the people who are now depending on her.

When the sojourn is over and King Micah returns home, it isn’t as welcoming as he expected, things have been happening while he was away in the south and not good things either, it seems that the idea of uprisings has started here as well, but this time it is a religious group who are stirring up trouble and the people are listening. The group are using the famine and other occurrences in the Kingdom as evidence that something is coming and this is making the King’s people uneasy, not to mention that they hate anyone with even an ounce of magic within them, the prejudices of old are returning and it is causing a divide, even the fact that King Micah is still unmarried is being used to this groups advantage, so he has to request Rose’s help to find Gerik while he tries to hold his kingdom together, but will this return to her past destroy the tenuous bonds she has built with those around her and will this cause her to lose what she feels is most precious to her? This is a fantasy adventure with magic, rebellion and shadows all around as one woman tries to save herself and those she loves without being consumed by darkness and losing herself in the process as you follow along her journey through a harsh environment until the end.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Alison Risher

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has everything. It is a young adult book, so teens are the main characters, aside from the title character. There is a quinceanera, so readers learn a bit about this special tradition for young Latina women. There are some serious issues that teens (and even adults, too) deal with. I really liked how the author handled this sensitive subject matter.

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Rayne East

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Action adventure
A wonderful fantasy adventure that takes the reader into a multilayered world of mad scientists, elemental powers, pirates, twists and high emotions. With intrigue that builds steadily throughout the book the author executes an original storyline. Recommend.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Jenni Bishop

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries series. This YA story is fun and is an original storyline. The crazy talking cat with attitude is back and just as with the first book made the story it is a refreshing change of character that had me laughing out loud.

Mia attends her friends Quinceanera but nothing ever goes as it should. One murder turns into more and Mia and her familiar Gumshoe are drawn into a dark world where corruption and betrayal are the name of the game.

Once again Gumshoe the cat takes to the fore with his wicked sense of humour and crazy ways to help Mia uncover the plot of the murders taking place and unravel the mystery surrounding them.

I really enjoyed this fast-paced twisty action filled mystery and absolutely love Gumshoe as a character and his trusty partner Mia.

No matter your age Laura is a fantastic storyteller and definitely one author that should be on everyone’s TBR list.

I can’t wait to see what comes next in the series!

This series is a must read you WILL NOT be disappointed. Make sure to start with the first book Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms.

This is a story that is entertaining from start to finish. Read it to find out what happens.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Jennifer Ramos

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve had quite positive experiences with the series in jumping in out of number and we are able to follow the story with minimal knowledge from the previous. I struggled a bit to get certain parts of this novel so it is advisable to start from the beginning of the series so you can gain the experience of it. The book has magic, drama, romance, etc. Main character, Rose, is a quest not knowing who to trust along the way. She must travel south to kill Gerick, a powerful mage who has escaped from the King. Rose really comes into her own as she starts with many unknowns and becomes determined in obstacles that lie in front of her. Great characters and elements of magic!

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Shadow Falls ( Shadowstalker Series Book 3 ) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Caralee Loonat

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been enjoying reading some YA fantasy books recently and this was yet another good one. The author is able to really create such a unique world and bring the characters to life. I was really drawn into the world and felt as though I was just so eager to see how things would progress. I really like how the characters have such an amazing chemistry. There is so just the right amount of drama and adventure. The book really draws one in and keeps the attention as the story evolves. I like how the author brings two different kinds of magical people and puts them at odds with each other and is able to evolve the story and keep the reader’s imagination flowing. I look forward to reading more from this author and this series in the future.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Tonya Merritt

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first book by Brittany Tucker and I was mildly impressed by her writing style. Such a fun adventurous book. It was definitely something I never expected to enjoy reading but I did. Brittany does a great job explaining Camden and the others and just pulling you into this awesome story.

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Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2)Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceneara is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries series. It is a YA cozy mystery that continues with the adventures of Mia and her sidekick Gumshoe. If you have not yet read the first book, I highly recommend that you do. It introduces the characters of Mia and Gumshoe, gives their backstory, and how they met. This time around the two are trying to find a murderer before he ruins her friend Tiffany’s quinceneara. Mia and Gumshoe come face to face with the sinister world of corruption as they track the clues.

This was another great book in this series with a fast-paced and intriguing storyline. I fell in love with the characters of Mia and Gumshoe in the first book. I love the relationship that Mia and Gumshoe have and got a chuckle out of the banter between them. This book had action, mystery, murder, mayhem, magic, suspense, drama, and twists and turns that hook you until the end. I highly recommend this book!

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Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1) by Laura Hawks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries #1)Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms by Laura Hawks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gumshoe and the Mysterious Mushrooms is the first book in the Gumshoe Mysteries series. It is a YA cozy mystery for thirteen- to eighteen-year-olds. The story centers around the character of a young girl named Mia who discovers at the age of fifteen that not only is she a witch but that the stray cat she has been feeding behind her family restaurant is her familiar. The cat likes to be called Gumshoe because he recalls a former life where he was a Private Investigator, referred to as gumshoes in those days. Mia has always known that she can sense things before they happen but it all suddenly makes sense when she learns that she is a witch. When customers who ate at her parent’s restaurant suddenly become violently ill, Mia and Gumshoe set out to solve the mystery of the mushrooms that are reportedly the culprit. Danger lurks around every corner as Mia and Gumshoe start to unravel the mystery of who is responsible for the poisonings.

I loved this storyline and adored the characters of Mia and Gumshoe. Mia is smart, sweet, kind, and talented. She is a talented up and coming chef and loves cooking. Gumshoe makes for a perfect sidekick for Mia. He is clever, funny, wise-cracking, and as one would expect from a PI, he loves to drink and smoke. Together the two are unstoppable and able to crack the clues to solve the mystery. This book is a quick read and takes some twists and turns along the way. It has action, suspense, mystery, magic, familiars, and witty banter. I really enjoyed the ending where Mia helps Gumshoe remember more about his past. The recipes included at the end were a fantastic touch, thank you. I look forward to reading more by this author!

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♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.* PREORDER *.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️ My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale

♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.* PREORDER *.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️*.¸.*♦️
My Murder Year by Kate Larkindale
Genre – YA, LGQBT
Page Count – 309
Cover Designer – Jay Aheer

Seventeen-year-old Stas Nonu has nothing more to worry about than looking like an oversized pumpkin in the bridesmaid dress her mother picked out for her wedding to her long-time partner, Mama K. Her father’s newfound religious beliefs are annoying and starting to cramp her style, but nothing to be really concerned about. Besides, Zane, the new guy she met at that party is way more interesting. 

When Stas finds her mothers dead body in a pool of blood, and evidence points to her father as the murderer, she realizes how uncomplicated things were before.

Especially when two aunts shes never met fly from her mothers native Russia and start talking about her coming to live with them. Then her fathers brother shows up with his own reasons for why Stas should live with him.

Unable to face the tug of war between her relatives, or the devastating effect its having on her beloved Mama K, Stas turns to Zane for comfort. But their increasing closeness is not enough to allow Stas to escape the reality of her fractured family.

If Stas cant figure out a way to prove Mama K is as much her mother as the woman who gave birth to her, she might find herself banished to Siberia. Or somewhere even worse.

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Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Betsy Melano

Shadow's Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3)Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Shadowstalker Series. The author does a wonderful job of describing the world and the characters are well written. The book has some darker moments, drama, magic, and so,e surprises! As a reader of many years, I always enjoy finding a new author or series that brings me the joy of connecting with the main characters, when it’s a series, we get to learn so much more of that world. This is a young adult series and I know I would have loved reading it back when I was a teen.

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