Murder Never Misses by Faith Martin

May 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Murder Never Misses by Faith Martin
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Three missing young women. One evil stalker. But Hillary doesn’t think it all adds up.

Hillary is recovering from the vicious attack by her stalker. It appears that he is also behind the disappearance and murder of three women. Her bosses want these unsolved cases closed, but Hillary has a theory that will shock everyone.

However, as the truth comes to light, Hillary and the team are faced with a dire emergency — can they prevent an imminent murder?

Hillary Greene has returned to Thames Valley Police HQ, acting as a cold-case consultant for the Crime Review Team, looking into murders which the police have never been able to solve.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to go back. But solving crimes is irresistible for Hillary Greene. And it doesn’t hurt that her new boss is devastatingly handsome.

Hillary Greene and her team are searching for three missing young women and the connection these ladies have to her stalker. With the cases closing in, can Hillary keep on top of everything?

While this book definitely had it’s own trilogy of linked cold cases, I feel it should be noted these directly relate to the previous book (Murder of a lover) and Hillary’s stalker. The cases and resolution of Hillary’s circumstances are all well contained in this book, I do feel it’s likely readers might find a deeper emotional connection and understanding of the stakes if they’ve read the previous book in this series.

I thought the pace of the cold cases – and especially the way they unfurled – was really well written and interesting. This plot wasn’t there just for padding or show, I really enjoyed how it wasn’t quite as you might expect and while I admit I had correctly guessed some of it, parts still took me delightfully by surprise. I think this should definitely keep most readers on their toes and I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

With solid plotting and a strong cast of well written secondary characters I feel this has been a great series and I am eager for the next installment and to see where it leads Hillary next. Recommended.

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Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams

April 30, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Murder in the Locked Library by Ellery Adams
Publisher: Kensington Cozies
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

Welcome to Storyton Hall, Virginia, where book lovers travel from near and far to enjoy the singular comforts of the Agatha Christie Tea Room, where they can discuss the merits of their favorite authors no matter how deadly the topic . . .

With her twins, Fitzgerald and Hemingway, back in school, Jane Steward can finally focus on her work again—managing Storyton Hall, and breaking ground on the resort’s latest attraction: a luxurious, relaxing spa named in honor of Walt Whitman. But when the earth is dug up to start laying the spa’s foundation, something else comes to the surface—a collection of unusual bones and the ragged remnants of a very old book. The attendees of the Rare Book Conference are eager to assist Jane with this unexpected historical mystery—until a visitor meets an untimely end in the Henry James Library. As the questions—and suspects—start stacking up, Jane will have to uncover a killer before more unhappy endings ensue . . .

To begin with, I love this Ellery Adams series, Book Retreat Mystery. This special weekend at Storyton Hall involves rare books and everything associated with them. One attendee is the book doctor and can bring many ill-treated books back to good health. Another attendee knows how to make paper, while others are collectors. They are all interesting, and they all have their quirks.

Although I think Ellery Adams writes good plots, I must say that Storyton Hall itself, full of much history and mention of so many recognizable books, is so fascinating that I’m lost in it every time. However, with Jane’s young children, there is always some humor and definitely some talk about good food too. Maybe a better way to explain it is that while these stories are definitely for biblionuts, oops bibliophiles, every part of Storyton Hall and its characters steep you in bookish things. I wish I could go there. No, wish I could live there.

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The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly

April 27, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Dark Hours by Michael Connelly
Publisher: Orion (Hachette UK)
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

There’s chaos in Hollywood at the end of the New Year’s Eve countdown. Working her graveyard shift, LAPD detective Renée Ballard waits out the traditional rain of lead as hundreds of revelers shoot their guns into the air. Only minutes after midnight, Ballard is called to a scene where a hardworking auto shop owner has been fatally hit by a bullet in the middle of a crowded street party.

Ballard quickly concludes that the deadly bullet could not have fallen from the sky and that it is linked to another unsolved murder—a case at one time worked by Detective Harry Bosch. At the same time, Ballard hunts a fiendish pair of serial rapists, the Midnight Men, who have been terrorizing women and leaving no trace.

Determined to solve both cases, Ballard feels like she is constantly running uphill in a police department indelibly changed by the pandemic and recent social unrest. It is a department so hampered by inertia and low morale that Ballard must go outside to the one detective she can count on: Harry Bosch. But as the two inexorable detectives work together to find out where old and new cases intersect, they must constantly look over their shoulders. The brutal predators they are tracking are ready to kill to keep their secrets hidden.

It’s mid-pandemic and detective Renee Ballard has noticed the department is going through quite a change. Called out to a murder on New Years Eve and also helping out on what appears to be a serial rapist with the Sex Crimes unit, Renee doesn’t want to lose the murder when she finds her case links back to a much older case – an open case – from Harry Bosch’s time. Can they work together again to solve both their cases?

I’m a longtime fan of Bosch (more than twenty years now) and love seeing him retired but still in action with Ballard. I feel Connelly manages to really blend the old and the new with this book and I also admit I enjoy the dynamic now between Bosch and Ballard – they’ve really found a good groove to give them both their independence but also a trust and working relationship that works for them both. I found it a joy to read.

I also enjoyed the reality and Covid additions. It felt there was enough there to be real and truthful without delving too deeply or harping on about the pandemic years. I feel Connelly did a really good job with this balance and reality too.

Readers looking for a modern and realistic police murder mystery with an excellent plot and relatable characters should absolutely give this a try. While I feel the book can absolutely be read as a standalone I do think more emotional attachment might be felt for readers who have at least a few of the previous books under their belts.

A solid and well written mystery. Recommended.

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One Less Snake by Rhys Dylan

April 23, 2026 By Leave a Comment


One Less Snake by Rhys Dylan
Publisher: Wyrmwood Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Even sleepy, picturesque coastal towns have their secrets.

Welcome to Solva, where a burned-out car, a corpse, and a hauntingly precise execution greets a morning walker.

DCI Evan Warlow faces a case steeped in fear and the worst of modern crimes.

As clues lead him down twisting trails, Warlow must confront not only the killer’s identity but also the lingering echoes of a community’s darkest sins and the intersection of power, revenge, and justice.

DCI Warlow and his team are called in to investigate when a body is found in a burned out car at the bottom of a quarry. Suspecting the body is that of a local politician Warlow and his team soon discover there are any number of murky possibilities. Can they unravel the truth?

I have been greatly enjoying this Welsh police procedural mystery series and found this book to be a solid addition to the ongoing storylines. While the main murder mystery was the primary focus of the book I was really interested that various sub plots around the police team had a good amount of time too. Gina’s visiting brother and some of Jess’ Italian relatives and a bit more of her back story. While this book can absolutely be read as a stand alone I admit I do think readers who have read at least a few of the previous installments – and therefore have a strong emotional attachment to the team – might find this books hits a bit deeper and the enjoyment might be a little more than someone just picking this up fresh. I also really appreciated that we had a good update and a few scenes with Catrin as well. I’m looking forward to her return soon.

Readers looking for a well plotted, primarily police procedural style of mystery should find this really works for them. I admit I enjoy the fact this is based in Wales. I do find this gives a slightly different atmosphere – a little grittier or harder sometimes – than the usual British mystery storylines. I enjoyed the pacing and the conflict – I also am wondering if down the line there might be a bit more trouble from a new character – a female reporter who struck me very much as not a finished plotline in this book.

With a solid cast of strong secondary characters and an enjoyable mystery I can easily recommend both this book and the series as a whole. Highly enjoyable.

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Edwin Steelside: Searching Out the Devil by Bradford Bennett

April 21, 2026 By 1 Comment


Edwin Steelside: Searching Out the Devil by Bradford Bennett
Publisher: Tellwell Publishing
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

Unsolvable murders, and innocent suspects. It’s time to bring in Steelside.

The Final Scene
Two talented performers take center stage for a heart-wrenching love song. Their soaring voices deliver a dramatic aria for a scene that will never be surpassed. Or will it?

The Marathon Murder
Great human sports achievements fill our history books with superhuman feats. Then comes one runner to break all the records, plus anyone else in his way.

The Pharmacy Incident
Advancing the science of medicine gives us miracle cures for life-saving treatments. Now Ed is hired to look into their dark closets and finds—do we trust them too much?

There’s Death in Texas
A deadly killer stalks the state of Texas, and no one knows he’s coming except for fate and a crack detective. Now, Ed must find the path to stop one of the most deadly killers in North American history.

These four stories hit the spot for this overly-busy, mystery-lovin’ reader! Each of the stories were short enough to read in a short setting, but still full of mystery, intrigue, and good old fashioned detecting. They were all good, but my favorite one by far was The Marathon Murder.

It was good to see recurring characters in the stories as well…and Ed really depends on his team to help him solve the mysteries. He depends on his friends and associates to really find out a lot of information that leads him to solve the cases. Plus, he has quite a bit of luck several times.

I really enjoyed his relationship with his old partner… it was good to see a private investigator and the police working so well together. Very refreshing.

My favorite extra character, though, has to be Molly. And, I have to admit, Ed drove me crazy with his wishy-washy ways towards her. I wish she had had a bigger role in the stories.

I’m hoping to see more of Ed Steelside….thanks, Mr. Bennett. I would love to see this character and his crew all fleshed out in a full length book!

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Dead Ground by M.W. Craven

April 20, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Dead Ground by M.W. Craven
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Detective Sergeant Washington Poe is in court, fighting eviction from his beloved and isolated croft, when he is summoned to a backstreet brothel in Carlisle where a man has been beaten to death with a baseball bat. Poe is confused – he hunts serial killers and this appears to be a straightforward murder-by-pimp – but his attendance was requested personally, by the kind of people who prefer to remain in the shadows.

As Poe and the socially awkward programmer Tilly Bradshaw delve deeper into the case, they are faced with seemingly unanswerable questions: despite being heavily vetted for a high-profile job, why does nothing in the victim’s background check out? Why was a small ornament left at the murder scene – and why did someone on the investigation team steal it? And what is the connection to a flawlessly executed bank heist three years earlier, a heist where nothing was taken . . .

DS Washington Poe and analyst Tilly Bradshaw are in court, fighting his eviction from Poe’s beloved croft home. Before the verdict can be made, they are both whisked away in a flurry of secrecy to a brothel where a murder with important ramifications has occurred. Can Poe and Tilly work out the complexities of what’s happened without stepping on too many feet?

I have been greatly enjoying this series and absolutely loved this book. Poe and Tilly are both very different characters but I adore how well they work together and their skills mesh and compliment one another. I also particularly love how there is a great working and friendship chemistry between them – bot no hint of sexual tension or “more” which is rare in this sort of dynamic and I really love it.

There is a good cast of strong secondary characters that I also find enjoyable – but the plot and complexities revolving around the various moving parts here is where I really feel the author shines. I found it clear from the beginning that there were multiple layers to everything and watching both Poe and Tilly connect everything and unveil the next layer down was just a pleasure. Nothing came too easy for them but – equally important to my mind – nothing felt beyond reach or like there would need to be a bending of realistic to make something occur. I thought the plot and author walked a good line between complex but realistic.

Readers who enjoy mysteries and in particular British based police procedural style settings should absolutely enjoy this book. While I personally love them all and would happily start back at the beginning of the series I feel the plot and story is well encapsulated within this book and it’s not strictly necessary to have read any of the previous books – but why deny yourself? This is an exceptional series and one of my absolute current favourites, do yourself a favour and go back to the beginning and enjoy the full ride. Highly recommended.

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Murder Of A Lover by Faith Martin

April 15, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Murder Of A Lover by Faith Martin
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Ten years ago, Rowan Thompson was found stabbed to death with a pair of scissors in his student house. It turns out that Rowan was quite a lover, with many disgruntled partners left in his wake.

But did any of them have a strong enough motive to murder him?

Meanwhile. Hillary’s stalker is getting more aggressive with his messages and flowers. And it looks like he may be much, much worse than she thought.

Has Hillary finally bitten off more than she can chew?

Hillary Greene has returned to Thames Valley Police HQ, acting as a cold-case consultant for the Crime Review Team, looking into murders which the police have never been able to solve.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to go back. But solving crimes is irresistible for Hillary Greene. And it doesn’t hurt that her new boss is devastatingly handsome.

This is a crime mystery full of well-observed characters, which will have you gripped from start to the absolutely thrilling conclusion.

Hillary Greene has settled into being a civilian officer quite well. With the successful closing of her first cold case she’s eager to begin her second. But with her personal and professional lives crossing over can she keep her streak going?

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series and am quite happy with the slightly new trajectory the author has taken these books. Hillary and her case solving skills remain top notch, but she’s having to learn to trust her team more than ever. I’m curious as to where the blossoming new romance might lead, and I find the sub-plot of the stalker is also coming along very well.

With some longer running story arcs as well as an interesting and well contained cold case mystery I thought this was a very well written book and an excellent addition to the series. Recommended.

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Close To Home by LT Ryan

April 8, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Close To Home by LT Ryan
Publisher: Liquid Mind Media
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

For years, Bear Logan served alongside Jack Noble. A top hitman. A top operator. When his chance at a simpler life came, he took it. But freedom is meant for the free, and that’s a luxury Bear might never have.

Bear Logan escaped a life of espionage, severing ties with all but his adopted teen daughter, Mandy. But Mandy isn’t a regular teen. Her family dead or estranged, raised with Bear and Jack Noble. She knows how to survive.

Relocated to a sleepy town in upstate New York, Bear and Mandy try to blend in. But when Bear unearths human remains in their backyard, unwanted attention is soon thrust upon him.

Working with the local sheriff, Josephine McKinnon, they discover there’s more going on in the town than anyone realized. A long history of families falling sick and dying plagues the area. As the mystery unfolds, Bear, Mandy, and McKinnon find themselves in the middle of a decades old conspiracy and cover up. And Bear is their number one target.

Now, facing a corporate giant trying to correct the sins of its past, Bear must step out of the shadows to deliver justice for the town, even if it means his life.

Riley Logan and his teenage daughter Mandy have just moved into a small town in New York. Their only goal is to lead a quiet, private life and set down some roots. When digging in their yard to begin a vegetable patch, Riley (Bear) uncovers the old septic system, and inside is the remains of a long-dead teenage girl. Bear and Mandy are soon drawn in to the dark underbelly of this seemingly idyllic small town and their peace is forever shattered.

This is the first book in the Bear and Mandy father/daughter series and I found it an interesting and well plotted book. I found the plot moved at a good pace – not hectic or breakneck but a lot faster than many mystery books tend to be. The mysteries surrounding Bear and Mandy’s past as well as the nefarious villains led this book to have a bit of a thriller style of edge to me.

I found it quite clear that some big conspiracy was deeply rooted in this small town, but the book was written in such a way that it wasn’t clear for quite some time exactly who (or what conglomerate) was at the tip of the apex. I enjoyed that quite a bit of the menacing in this book came from the nebulous manner of the conspiracy and it added a lot of tension to my mind. Readers who like small town mysteries – or conspiracy tales – should find this an excellent book.

Readers should be aware there is a strong tie to the teenagers in this book. Mandy is not a shrinking violet nor will she sit back and let the grown ups handle things. I found her character a little bit unrealistic in this book but have to admit the teasers and hints of her unusual childhood and upbringing helped me understand a little of why Mandy’s character didn’t act like any fourteen year old that I know of. I did also greatly enjoy how snippets of Mandy’s high school life made a stark contrast to all the other – far more grown up – mess surrounding her in the story. It was a good contrast and helped make the book feel a little more realistic.

I enjoyed this new-to-me series and am interested enough to pick up the next in the series. Readers who like mysteries set in small towns with a good plot and pacing should find this highly enjoyable.

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The Quantum Revelations by Stuart Heinrich

April 6, 2026 By 1 Comment

The Quantum Revelations by Stuart Heinrich
Publisher: Endless Tree Books
Genre: Science Fiction, Mystery/Thriller
Rated: 4 stars
Review by Rose

The world is on the brink of an apocalyptic climate crisis and quickly spiraling out of control into a dystopian nightmare. As everything collapses around them, two scientists struggle for relevance in their quest to build the world’s first practical quantum computer. They discover so much more. A mystery of physics that goes deeper than they could have ever imagined…

Set in the relatively near future, The Quantum Revelations is not only a page turning thriller, but a very real warning about what could actually happen to us as a world if things don’t change. The very first scene grabbed my attention (I could SO see this as the beginning of a movie!), and I couldn’t wait to find out where everything was going.

The characters of Zara and Skyler were wonderfully well drawn…and I really enjoyed their interactions, as well as others’ interactions with Skyler later in the book. Skyler truly stood in for everyman in this book…. seeking the truth no matter where that truth led.

There was an interesting juxatapostion with science and religion in the book that was perhaps one of my favorite parts of the book.

I have to admit, some of the science was over my head, but it didn’t stop me from enjoying the book. I was able to grasp some of it, however, due to Mr. Heinrich’s explanations (my science teachers would be surprised, so thank you, sir, for explaining complex material in a way that a nonscientific person could gleam some understanding from it).

I believe this book could make a great movie if it was based on the active part of the book. Parts of it reminded me of the old disaster movies that were so prevalent (and that I loved so much).

Thank you for such a riveting look on where we might be headed if we don’t change things now.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , , ,

A Body in the Brewery by Victoria Chatham

April 6, 2026 By 1 Comment


A Body in the Brewery by Victoria Chatham
Publisher: BWL Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cholla

The village of Sixpenny Cross hosts a weekend-long Medieval Fayre, but Winnie Hatherall is relieved when the knights, their companies, vendors, and visitors pack up and head home.

All notions of chivalry are shattered when Langston Oldrieve, owner of the Black Knight Brewing Company and winner of the Fayre’s jousting tournament, is found dead in his brewery. A frantic phone call from his wife when she is accused of his murder has amateur sleuth Winnie racing to Virginia’s aid. Who else might have wanted Langston dead? Local rumours suggest the brewery is struggling financially. Was that the reason for the growing resentment between Langston and his brewmaster and rival jouster, Peter Eversleigh?

Winnie and her sister, Amy, ask questions of people who are unwilling to answer, but then Wizard Lothar Goodwynne reads the Runes for Winnie. What they reveal leads her and Amy along an unexpected path.

All is quiet in Sixpenny Cross now that the Medieval Fayre has ended. Or is it? Winnie Hatherall thinks she’s going to get some time to relax and recover from the Fayre, right up until she gets a panicked phone call. Now, all bets are off.

Winnie is a fun character. As a former schoolteacher, she doesn’t take much guff from anybody, not even the local police. She’s smart and compassionate and refuses to let anything get between her and the truth. At times, she is a bit overbearing, but never to the point where you start to dislike here. She’s definitely the kind of person you want to have your back if you’re being accused of murder.

I also really enjoy her interactions with Detective Inspector Anthony Wallace. He had been one of her former students, one that she helped guide and move in a better direction than he’d been headed. Their relationship is fun and is a switch from the usual cozy mystery trope of the sleuth dating the local law enforcement. Anthony also deserves a medal for putting up with all her meddling and never giving her more than an eye roll.

The mystery had me guessing, never quite sure who was guilty. With the addition of the Fayre and the jousting, I was invested. I haven’t run into many cozies that involve this kind of setting, which only made me more interested in reading it. While at times, the dialogue was stilted, overall, the writing was good and the characters engaging. I can see myself going back to Sixpenny Cross again in the future. Without a doubt, whatever happens next, Winnie is going to be front and center, giving her all to get to the truth.

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