The Seekers by Heather Graham

October 14, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Seekers by Heather Graham
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Heat rating: Spicy
Length: Full length (332 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

THE TRUTH IS SCARIER THAN FICTION
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Keri Wolf has joined the crew of The Seekers, a show that searches for paranormal phenomena, as they explore a supposedly haunted old inn on the road between Philadelphia and Harrisburg. The place is famous for its warm welcome—and infamous for being the site of an ax murder rampage in the 1920s. They’ve barely begun when a very real dead body is discovered in the basement. As a nonfiction author, Keri is supposed to be the rational one, but she can’t explain a terrifying apparition that seems to be both a threat and a warning.

Former detective Joe Dunhill knows what she’s going through—the strange gift of being able to see and talk to the dead is a struggle he shares. A new member of the FBI’s Krewe of Hunters, he’s on the team investigating the disturbing death. The town is steeped in old-fashioned superstition, and the deeper Joe and Keri plunge into the dark secrets of the inn, the closer they get to a devastating truth. Will a bloody history be repeated? Or can the spirits of the past reach out to stop a killer?

A great cast of characters and the exciting premise of the story start things off in the right direction. Adding in a murder mystery with a bit of the paranormal provides for an unpredictable ride.

The backdrop, an historic inn, known for its spooky past, is the perfect setting and adds a spot-on mood to this tale. Elements of creepiness flavor the story giving the reader goose bumps at times. It’s engaging how the author ties a mystery from the past to the mystery the police and the FBI are currently trying to solve. A researcher of historical crimes is on the scene, knowing in her gut that if she unlocks the keys to the past, she might be able to add valuable information to the investigation happening now. Not only are two parallel investigations unrolling, which are fun for the reader to follow, but when ghosts appear with a message, one has to wonder what part they ultimately will play. There is a dash of love-story blended into the mix, for fans of romance, but it is not the focus. It, like the other elements in this eclectic tale, is well done.

Though this is a part of a series, it is a stand-alone story and is completely understandable if one has never read any of the other books. It’s an entertaining read, and I would definitely seek out other books by this author because she does a good job with characterization, plots, and setting.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Rival’s Break by Carla Neggers

October 11, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Rival’s Break by Carla Neggers
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Snowdrop

Emma Sharpe is recovering from a shattering loss while her husband, Colin Donovan, is deep into his latest undercover mission. So they’re grateful to enjoy a peaceful autumn weekend together on the southern Maine coast to celebrate Colin’s brother Andy’s wedding.

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Emma and Colin discover they are up against a deadly foe who plans to strike again. With the help of HIT, their small, elite Boston-based FBI team, they must foil an attack that will have devastating effects. It’s a case that will alter their lives beyond anything they’ve ever imagined…

This was my first book involving the characters Sharpe and Donovan. Rival’s Break is the 10th book in the series, however, I don’t think not having read the previous books took anything away from the story. To begin with the setting is in Maine and involves boats and/or yachts. Add a mystery and suspense and you have me hooked.

I will admit it seemed there were a lot of characters in this book and sometimes that can make a confusing read. I liked all of their personalities, I just wasn’t sure who was “who” now and then. However, I got the impression that some characters were known in previous books which would help immensely with character recognition. So, maybe this book is not totally a stand-alone, but rather should be read in series order.

I have obviously been remiss in not reading Carla Neggers books. If the other previous 9 books are like this, that means I will have 9 more books in a series to read. It’s not often you know you have so much reading ahead of you that you enjoy.

In looking up the books in this series, I noticed Carla Neggers is quite prolific. She has several series as well as some stand-alones. I also noticed there wasn’t one book that didn’t have an average of at least 4 stars. Great reading.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Other, Reviews, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath

October 10, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Duchess in His Bed by Lorraine Heath
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Heat: Hot
Rated: 4 stars
Reviewed by Snapdragon

For a duchess with practical desires, falling in love is an inconceivable part of her plan…

As owner of the Elysium Club which caters to women’s fantasies, Aiden Trewlove is accustomed to introducing adventurous ladies to sin and vice. But he is uncharacteristically intrigued by the mysterious beauty who visits his club one night, yearning to indulge in the forbidden—with him. Drawn to her indomitable spirit, he breaks his rule of never becoming personally involved with his clientele and is determined to fully awaken her desires.

A recent widow, Selena Sheffield, Duchess of Lushing, has never known passion, not until Aiden’s slow, sensual seduction leads her on a journey of discovery and incredible pleasure. But her reasons for visiting the notorious club are not all that they seem.
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As Selena’s motives become complicated by love, she finds herself with a most unexpected choice: forge ahead with a secret plan that could secure her future—or follow her heart which could prove ruinous.

Wow. This books kicks off in the most ugly way imaginable…far from what one imagines from the jacket; yet, it sets the scene for us to understand the duchess’ motivation.

The Duchess in His Bed seems like it should be a cheery and titillating story. After all, we’re given to understand that the most risque ‘ladies’ club and physical passion are absolutely central. And, though expectations are met in that regard, the real surprise is the Duchess herself. In fact, the depth and quality of all the characters keep this story riveting.

We meet Adien, as he meets the beautiful and previously, shall we say “undervalued”, Duchess of Lashing. Selena is not what she seems and she has some pretty specific goals, as well. Aiden thinks he knows those goals. He is confident in his assessment of women and what might bring them to his services. His surety is undoing.

Lena has a very specific desire but, almost immediately she discovers a conflict. And though she was prepared to pursue her own desires single-mindedly, suddenly, she trips over something like respect. Or is it more? The developing emotions stir the plot quite thoroughly!

Ms. Heath’s historical romance brings together incredibly realistic characters in an unusual and very unpredictable situation. We hardly know what to hope for, never mind expect, as the story charges forward.

Very worth reading; fun and intriguing.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , ,

I Was a Gay Teenage Zombie by Alison Cybe

October 10, 2019 By Leave a Comment


I Was a Gay Teenage Zombie by Alison Cybe
Publisher: Deep Hearts YA
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Horror, Paranormal, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (164 pages)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

“Y’know, if I was a sexy type of undead, like a vampire or something, I’m sure I’d have some kind of supernatural power to bring any guy I liked under my charismatic control. Best I can hope for is to not decompose over someone’s shoes. How romantic.”

And you thought it was hard coming out as gay… Jay was a perfectly normal teenager, like any other awkward, antisocial, gay teenager. Until he was bitten by a mysterious zombie boy.
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Now, Jay has far more on his mind than he can handle. Not only is he struggling to keep his troubled family together and deal with his unfulfilled love for the hottest guy in school, he also needs to keep in check his urge to devour human flesh. All the while making sure his decomposition doesn’t show. As if he wasn’t already enough of an outsider…

This unique story offers a fresh and exciting new twist on the young adult LGBT coming-of-age comedy horror tale. Shockingly aware and witty, this thrilling tale by acclaimed horror and dark fantasy author Alison Cybe dishes up side-splitting laughter, stomach-churning horror, heart-rending drama and everything you’ll need to know about growing up when you just don’t fit in.

Some zombies are full of surprises.

Jay’s character development was marvelous. Like many teenagers, he dealt with moods that sometimes changed rapidly and often felt like no one in the world understood him. Ms. Cybe captured what it’s like to be a teenager perfectly. If that wasn’t enough, Jay also changed in all sorts of delightful ways as his body continued to look less like the person he’d been before he was bitten. He felt real to me, and that’s always something to praise.

There were some parts of the storyline that weren’t well developed. This was especially true when it came to some of the things the protagonist did to hide his injury, illness, death, resurrection, and undead afterlife from the people closest to him. I was surprised by how oblivious his parents were to all of these developments, and it would have been nice to have more reasons for them missing such blatant signs that something had dramatically changed in their son’s life. If they’d been included, I would have given this book a much higher rating. Everything else about it was great.

The descriptions of what it felt like to be zombie were well done. Every universe has their own rules about how this process works and how long it takes. This was definitely one of the longest transformations I’ve ever read about, so I was fascinated by how slowly Jay changed after he was bitten. It was also interesting to see all of the ways he didn’t conform to the typical stereotypes of this monster. Sharing specific details about them would give away too many spoilers, but the author did a great job of putting her own twist on traditional zombie lore.

I Was a Gay Teenage Zombie should be read by fans of the young adult and horror genres alike.

Filed Under: Horror, Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Seacity Rising: A Tale of Unwatery Adventures by Elika Ansari

October 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Seacity Rising: A Tale of Unwatery Adventures by Elika Ansari
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Genre: Middle Grade, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Action/Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (232 pages)
Age Recommendation: 10+
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

When the underwater animals of Seacity pond learn that their home is in danger, they decide to investigate further by doing something no one has ever done before – go up to land to seek the answers they need. An unlikely team of two royal turtles, a genius goldfish and a timorous frog are then assembled to embark on a series of adventures. Whether they are racing the fastest tortoise on earth, falling in love with travelling mice theatre, or bringing peace to warring ant colonies, each unique experience is taking the group of friends closer to the heart of what is really going on. But will they make it back in time to save Seacity before the Winter’s Slumber?

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This book was filled with plot twists. I was impressed with how imaginative they were, especially as Babak the Frog and his friends went further into their journey to discover why their home is in danger and what they should do to try to keep it safe. It was fun to be surprised by all of the wonderful and sometimes frightening things they learned along the way.

There were pacing issues in the beginning. While I liked getting to know all of the pond inhabitants so well, this didn’t leave as much room as I would have liked to see for plot development. I had trouble remaining interested in what would happen next because of that. The pacing did eventually pick up, but I do wish the beginning had been easier to get into.

One of the things I enjoyed the most about this tale was how much empathy the characters had for each other. Life wasn’t always easy in the pond or the land that surrounded it, but so many of the creatures who lived there were committed to helping each other when they had troubles. I’m always interested in reading about characters who are that compassionate and kind. Luckily, there were plenty of them to be found here!

I’d recommend Seacity Rising: A Tale of Unwatery Adventures to anyone who cares about animals.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy, YA/Middle Grade/Children's Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

A Fist or a Heart by Kristin Eiriksdottir

October 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment


A Fist or a Heart by Kristin Eiriksdottir
Publisher: Amazon Crossing
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (188 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Elín Jónsdóttir lives an isolated existence in Reykjavík, Iceland, making props and prosthetics for theatrical productions and Nordic crime flicks. In her early seventies, she has recently become fascinated with another loner, Ellen Álfsdóttir, a sensitive young playwright and illegitimate daughter of a famous writer. The girl has aroused maternal feelings in Elín, but she has also stirred discomfiting memories long packed away. Because their paths have crossed before. One doesn’t remember. The other is about to forget.

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This story brings things down to a nitty-gritty level, with a stream-of-consciousness quality about it. It allows a reader to experience the unfolding of an entertaining story up close, providing a more acute feeling than one might have in a more distant recalling of events.

It is also fun to see into the life of a woman with an unusual career. Readers go along on her journey, watching the protagonist do her creative work and reflect upon her life and interactions with other unique characters. She is an older lady who creates props for the theater and is slowly losing her cognitive abilities. Watching as her world grows increasingly confusing is sad. One must really pay attention to follow what’s going on, but it’s worth it.

The other protagonist is a young woman in her late teens who writes a play and has it performed at the local theater. She has a rough life. We get to experience her pain through her eyes and through the perspective of the prop-developer.

Sometimes their lives link, and it’s not always pleasant. This is an intelligent story not really meant as escapist reading, but rather to give readers an experience. The writing style is unique and quite apt for its purposes. It’s enjoyable to read about an exotic locale as well.

If you’re in the mood for a different type of story with interesting characters, why not give this one a try?

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Science Fiction/Fantasy Tagged With: , , , ,

The Rebound Effect by Linda Griffin

October 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment


The Rebound Effect by Linda Griffin
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Mistflower
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In the small town of Cougar, struggling single mother and veterinary assistant Teresa Lansing is still bruised from a failed relationship when Frank McAllister sweeps her off her feet. Frank is a big-city SWAT officer who moved to Cougar only four months ago. He’s handsome, charming, forceful, very sexy, and a bit mysterious. He had his eye on Teresa even before they met and is pushing for a serious relationship right away. Teresa finds his intense courtship flattering, and the sex is fabulous, but she doesn’t want her deaf six-year-old son to be hurt again. Her former fiancé cheated on her when he got drunk after being unjustly fired, but he loves her and her son, and the whirlwind romance is complicated by his efforts to win Teresa back. And then there’s the matter of the bodies buried at Big Devil Creek…

There is no way in a million years that I would have guessed how this story was going to end. For that reason alone this book is worth the time to read. It is more of a psychological thriller romance than a suspense/mystery romance.
The synopsis does a really good job giving you an idea what this book is about. What it doesn’t tell you is that the reader isn’t left with a typical happily ever after. There is a twist that left me feeling like a pretzel with no book boyfriend to dream about. However, the story was uniquely refreshing.

The story was a well written attention-gripping page turner from beginning to end. Given the circumstances I will say that the heroine, Teresa, was really the only character that I related to with out giving away spoilers. She was the one consistent character through out the book.

I can say that this book is like no other that I’ve read. I’m pretty sure this is the shortest review that I’ve ever written but I’m limited to what I can say because I don’t want to spoil anything. Just go pick up a copy and find out for yourself why this book is one of a kind.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Copper and Goldie by Rosemary and Larry Mild

October 4, 2019 By Leave a Comment


Copper and Goldie: 13 Tails of Mystery and Suspense in Hawaii by Rosemary and Larry Mild
Publisher: Magic Island Literary Works
Genre: Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Full length (184 pages)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Poinsettia

Homicide detective Sam Nahoe takes a bullet in his spine in the line of duty. Disabled, his career with the Honolulu Police Department shattered, what now?

Jobless, lonely, and unwillingly divorced, Sam becomes a Checker Cab driver. Seeking a partner, he adopts a rescue golden retriever—with a touch of Doberman, and trains her to perform neat tricks like growling at a fare who doesn’t tip. He and Goldie cruise O‘ahu for kidnappers, and vengeful wives. Even killers, compelling Sam to get his private investigator license.

His Sunday visitations with his daughter, Peggy, can turn a magical park day into a hair-raising crime scene, but his shrewd little kid becomes a miniature sleuth in her own right.
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Sam’s Hawai‘ian heritage provides him with spunk and street smarts. He hobbles around on two canes, named Cane and Able, as he orders Goldie to chase bad guys. His favorite snitch, card-sharp Sophie, asks him: “You still walkin’ with them giant chopsticks?”

Thirteen individual and complete Hawai‘ian detective mysteries featuring a disabled ex-cop turned cab driver, who, with his golden retriever sidekick, takes on the criminal side of Honolulu.

Sam’s adventures are only beginning.

In just a few pages, Sam and Goldie completely won me over! Sam was a good officer with a promising career cut short by a tragedy. When his personal life also falls apart, he’s forced to make some tough choices. Sam works hard to get his life back on track, but trouble still manages to find him. It only seems natural that Sam become a private investigator. Since I love mysteries and dogs, I couldn’t wait to dive into this collection of stories and see what each “tail” would bring.

Sam and Goldie make a great team. Sam is smart, resourceful, and deeply cares for his daughter. He’s also still clearly in love with his ex-wife. He’s the kind of man who doesn’t hesitate to help those in need, and I really liked getting to know him and watching him rebuild his life. Goldie is such a sweet dog! She stole my heart, and every scene she is in. Her personality shines through each page. The pictures of the golden retriever that inspired Goldie’s character are absolutely adorable and truly furthered my enjoyment of the story. I couldn’t help but smile every time I opened the book!

This collection is quick and easy to read. All the stories are less than 20 pages long and each can be read in less than fifteen minutes. This is perfect for when time is short and you don’t want to start a full-length book, but still want something entertaining to read. The mysteries are fairly light with just a dash of suspense, and the violence is minimal and never graphic. While each story contains a stand-alone mystery, I recommend reading them in order to follow the progression of Sam’s life after leaving the police force.

I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read Copper and Goldie. The stories are fun, the characters likable, and the final “tail” is the perfect ending to this heartwarming collection. Fans of cozy mysteries would do well to pick up a copy today.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw

October 3, 2019 By 2 Comments


Songs of America by Jon Meacham and Tim McGraw
Patriotism, Protest, and the Music That Made a Nation
Publisher: Random House
Genre: Non-Fiction, Historical, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rating: 3.5 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

Through all the years of strife and triumph, America has been shaped not just by our elected leaders and our formal politics but also by our music—by the lyrics, performers, and instrumentals that have helped to carry us through the dark days and to celebrate the bright ones.

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Beginning with the battle hymns of the revolution, and taking us through songs from the defining events of the Civil War, the fight for women’s suffrage, the two world wars, the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War, and into the twenty-first century, Meacham and McGraw explore the songs that defined generations, and the cultural and political climates that produced them. Readers will discover the power of music in the lives of figures such as Harriet Tubman, Franklin Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Martin Luther King, Jr., and will learn more about some of our most beloved musicians and performers, including Marian Anderson, Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Duke Ellington, Carole King, Bruce Springsteen, and more.

Songs of America explores both famous songs and lesser-known ones, expanding our understanding of the scope of American music and lending deeper meaning to the historical context of such songs as “My Country, ’Tis of Thee,” “God Bless America,” “Over There,” “We Shall Overcome,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” As Quincy Jones says, Meacham and McGraw have “convened a concert in Songs of America,” one that reminds us of who we are, where we’ve been, and what we, at our best, can be.

Songs of protest, songs of freedom. Songs that made our lives.

I picked up this book for two reasons. I like the writings of Jon Meacham. I know, someone should tell the author that. He has a very humble way about him and his writing. I enjoy it. The writing flowed well and pulled me right into the collection of stories. The other reason I picked up this book has to be that it’s about music. Not just any music, but music of the United States. Meacham and McGraw (in little bubbles, versus the larger prose used by Meacham), don’t just touch on songs that are popular or songs that are positive. Oh, no. They touch on songs of all American peoples. There needed to be a larger section on the native peoples, but that’s my quibble.

The writing flowed well, as I said, and worked with the format used. It was like reading a collection of essays with songs added. I liked the variety and learned a few things. If you’re at all interested in protest music, then this might be the one for you. Pick it up.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
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