Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman

October 5, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Liar’s Creek by Matt Goldman
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Riverwood, Minnesota is a scenic town threaded with trout streams carving their way through limestone bluffs. But beneath its picturesque facade, danger runs rampant.

Clay Hawkins isn’t a stranger to the secrets of his hometown. After twenty years away, Clay has recently returned home from abroad with his twelve-year-old son, and his relationship with his father, the recently replaced sheriff, is as strained as ever.

But when Clay’s beloved uncle disappears, the three generations of Hawkinses must overturn every stone in Riverwood and confront deep familial wounds to find the one person who brings them together. As danger looms, Clay worries that it might be too late to save his uncle―and that the rest of the family might be next.

In “Liar’s Creek,” the author creates a vivid atmosphere in Riverwood, Minnesota, where the limestone bluffs and trout streams feel like characters themselves. If you enjoy mysteries with a strong sense of place, the beautiful scenery is a standout feature.

At its heart, the novel is a raw exploration of multi-generational friction and the deep-seated wounds that define the Hawkins family. The strained relationships between Clay Hawkins, his 12-year-old son Braedon, and Clay’s father, former sheriff Judd Hawkins, feel real and emotional. As they search for their missing uncle, Teddy, they confront past wounds, adding depth to the suspense.

Clay’s relationship with his father is especially complex. They join forces to find Teddy, a charming but unreliable man who has gone missing before. This time, however, he hasn’t reached out to his wife or Judd. As the plot unfolds, Judd is hesitant to involve the new sheriff, Chief Zoey Jensen. Clay has his own secrets, which Judd suspects and Zoey will soon discover, but for now, their priority is finding Teddy. Braedon is an intelligent and intuitive boy who shares a close bond with his Grandpa Judd, as readers will find out, a connection Clay never had. Judd seems to be trying to make up for his past shortcomings as a father by nurturing his relationship with Braedon. Will the connection with his grandson help bridge the gap between him and Clay?

The backstory reveals that Clay and Judd’s relationship has always been troubled. After Clay’s mother passed away from breast cancer when he was young, Judd blamed Clay for her death. As they confront their shared past, Clay realizes he wants to break the cycle of dysfunction, especially since Braedon’s mother left when he was just a baby, never to be heard from again.

Overall, “Liar’s Creek” presents a captivating, easy-to-read storyline, even if some sections feel slow. The transition from a mystery to a heartfelt story about forgiveness and redemption is satisfying, even if the interpersonal drama sometimes overshadows the plot of finding Uncle Teddy.

Ultimately, “Liar’s Creek” masterfully blends slow-burn mystery with family dynamics. It goes beyond tackling the darkness of the past and offers a hopeful vision for the future, making it a rewarding read for those who appreciate stories filled with suspense, redemption, and the complex bonds of family.

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

Blood Rising by Markus Redmond

October 2, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Blood Rising by Markus Redmond
Blood Slaves Series, Book 2
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Horror, Paranormal, Action/Adventure
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.

But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose, however, pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies to free his people.

But the gravest threat comes from within: Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.

In Carolina and beyond, a reckoning is coming that will change the colonies forever.

Blood Rising is a brilliantly terrifying blend of supernatural horror and alternate history. In this second installment, a vengeful Ramanga vampire tribe, formed of formerly enslaved Africans, wages war across the Southern colonies in an ultimate battle for land, freedom, and rights. This book focuses on the liberated Ramangans and local Native tribes as they try to establish a new society while facing violent, relentless backlash from surrounding white plantation owners.

While it wasn’t quite as action-packed or exciting as the first book, I did struggle with some parts. However, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the aftermath of the rebellion and observing how life progressed after the initial emancipation of the enslaved. Following Kwadzo Okoro as he leads the new Ramanga Tribe, now established at the reclaimed Crimson Plantation alongside allied Native tribes, provides a compelling continuation of the story.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was seeing Gertie’s maturity since book one and her support for Kwadzo. The introduction of new, highly influential slaveholders Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree added a layer of anxiety to the plot. They were incredibly easy to dislike and constantly made me wonder if Kwadzo and his people would be able to continue their fight against such evil opposition. Another new character introduced is Jenue, whose relevance I’m unsure of. They seem to follow a similar path as Rafazi, showing less concern for the freedom of the people or the fight for it, focusing instead on their own happiness and pleasures.

What I appreciate most about Redmond’s writing is his commitment to historical accuracy. He addresses the brutal mistreatment of enslaved people and Native tribes with honesty, which adds significant weight to the story. This alternate history is driven by passion and justified anger, transforming a dark chapter of pre-colonial America into an empowering narrative. I particularly admire that it serves as a fascinating study of power, achieved through a brilliant reimagining of both history and vampire lore.

The suspense surrounding Penelope Knudsen was another highlight. Driven by hatred and fueled by Ramangan blood, her ability to survive sunlight creates a massive threat to Kwadzo. Watching her character unfold leaves me guessing whether she will choose to maintain her malevolent spirit or ultimately work for the greater good. With the dire threat of the blood-father Rafazi making deadly deals with the Crabtrees, the stakes are incredibly high. I’m anxiously waiting for the next installment in the book series to see how this reckoning in the colonies concludes!

Filed Under: Horror, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Kin by Tayari Jones

October 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Kin by Tayari Jones
Publisher: Knopf
Genre: Historical, Fiction
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Vernice and Annie, two motherless daughters raised in Honeysuckle, Louisiana, have been best friends and neighbors since earliest childhood but are fated to live starkly different lives. Raised by a fierce aunt determined to give her a stable home in the wake of her mother’s death, Vernice leaves Honeysuckle at eighteen for Spelman College, where she joins a sisterhood of powerfully connected Black women and discovers a world of affluence, manners, aspiration, and inequality. Annie, abandoned by her mother as a child and fixated on the idea of finding her and filling the bottomless hole left by her absence, sets off on a journey that will take her into a world of peril and adversity, as well as love and adventure, culminating in a battle for her life.

“Kin” is a heart-wrenching exploration of what it means to find “kin” when growing up without a mother. Tayari Jones’s writing is both descriptive and soulful, particularly in how she handles the different ways Annie and Niecy deal with their shared grief. The characters, Annie and Niecy, are unforgettable. Their desperation for connection is very evident. I fell in love with these two young women as they navigated different paths toward adulthood, searching for belonging. Their bond, maintained through letters, felt incredibly authentic, and Jones’s well-crafted, lyrical writing made them come alive as real people.

The themes in the book, focusing on motherhood, surrogate mothers, and the unique experiences of being a black woman in the South, are handled with immense care. Jones’s writing style is simply gorgeous, enriching the narrative with depth and emotion. However, I found some aspects that held it back. The pacing felt uneven, and it took me a long time to finish the book. Despite the quality of the writing, my engagement wasn’t consistent, and I struggled to stay invested.

The ending felt rushed and somewhat choppy. I understood the message about how different choices lead to varied outcomes, but the conclusion needed more room to breathe to truly resonate. Overall, “Kin” is a beautiful rendering of friendship and hardship that left me with heavy thoughts to ponder. It’s a very good read, and I’m grateful for the experience.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

A Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolfe

September 24, 2026 By 1 Comment


A Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolfe
Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Her husband killed someone. She’s the only witness.

Amanda Davis has it all: a beautiful home, a thriving career, and a charismatic husband who is the darling of television news. But when Paul kills someone in a disturbing accident, Amanda’s perfect world shatters. Pulled into a web of manipulation, deceit, and dark secrets, she becomes his unwilling accomplice, trapped in a twisted, dangerous existence that tests the limits of love and loyalty.

As the weight of the secret bears down, Amanda begins to see a side of Paul she’s never known—cold, manipulative, and dangerously unpredictable. His charm fades, replaced by a chilling determination to keep their secret at any cost. The walls are closing in: the police are investigating, strange events unsettle her, and Paul’s behavior grows more menacing by the day.

Trapped and isolated, Amanda realizes she’s not just covering up an accident—she’s become a prisoner in her own life. With her sanity and safety on the line, she must decide: How far will she go to escape the web of lies? And who can she trust when the one person she thought she knew best becomes a threat?

I really enjoyed A Beautiful Couple by Leslie Wolfe. One of the strengths of this book is the author’s descriptive writing style. The use of first-person narration made it easy to get inside the characters’ heads and understand their motivations, fears, and suspicions. It added an extra layer of tension as the story unfolded. The suspense kept me turning the pages because I was constantly wondering how everything would work out and whether one character would eventually turn on the other. The pacing was steady throughout, and I appreciated that the dialogue and internal thoughts felt believable, at times, I felt like I was eavesdropping on a real married couple.

Paul, the husband, was especially easy to dislike. As a charismatic and eye-catching television news personality, his polished public charm stood in stark contrast to his cold, manipulative private behavior, creating a major driving force for the book’s tension and making the character dynamics fascinating to watch unfold. The story also delivered a twist that I definitely didn’t see coming. It was very unusual, but in a good way making the ending truly memorable.

After finishing the last page, I found myself puzzled: in my haste to see how the author would wrap up this snowball of drama, had I somehow missed the explanation of who committed one of the murders, or whether there would be any consequences from the self-defense incident? Those unanswered details left me wanting a bit more closure.

Overall, this was an entertaining psychological thriller that kept me engaged from beginning to end. I would definitely recommend it to fans of suspenseful domestic thrillers, and I’m interested in reading more books by Leslie Wolfe after finishing this one.

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

The Price of Borrowed Coffee by Richard Price

September 22, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Price of Borrowed Coffee by Richard Price
Publisher: Indigo River Publishing
Genre: Historical, Non-fiction
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

In the summer of 1945, the law in Cooktown, Georgia, didn’t seek the truth-it sought a scapegoat.

When “Mae” Cook was found murdered, the town’s rage fell onto Charlie Lee Price, a young Black man whose speech disorder left him defenseless against a mob. He was accused, hunted, and killed without trial after already enduring a lifetime of abuse.

This is his story, decades later. His family refuses to let his name be forgotten.

Inside The Price of Borrowed Coffee, join his family in shattering the silence with a blend of oral history, archival research, and personal testimony. The true events of the murder behind “Mae” Cook unravel within the pages in more than just a true crime story.

Uncover and confront the legacy of Jim Crow, explore the effects of generational and racial trauma, and give honor to the man who was unable to speak for himself.

The Price of Borrowed Coffee wasn’t quite what I expected, though I understand and appreciate the author’s commitment to making sure the horrific events surrounding Charlie Lee Price are known and not forgotten. The book brings long‑overdue attention to the injustice he suffered and honors a life taken far too soon. It also acknowledges the tragedy experienced by both the Price family and the still‑unsolved murder of Mae Cook, showing how deeply unfair the situation was for everyone involved.

Hearing directly from the family and those who lived through that time added real value and emotional weight. Their voices help illuminate the generational trauma and racism that shaped the Jim Crow South.

However, the book felt repetitive at times, which made the reading experience less engaging than I hoped. Even so, it shines a necessary light on the legacy of racism and preserves the memory of a man who never had the chance to speak for himself.

A meaningful story, important in purpose, but uneven in execution.

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

The Fox Creek Plantation Trilogy by M. E. Torrey

October 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Fox Creek Plantation Trilogy by M. E. Torrey
Fox Creek: Book 1
Publisher: Sly Fox Publishing, LLC
Genre: Historical
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Ginger

The year is 1843 when six-year-old Monette, the pampered and beloved daughter of a French Creole sugar planter, is taken to New Orleans and sold into slavery. Sold along with her is Cyrus, a boy big for his age, torn from his mother without a chance to say goodbye.

Together they go to Fox Creek Plantation in “English” Louisiana, home to the Jensey family. While Cyrus is sent to the fields, Monette becomes the childhood playmate of Kate, the planter’s daughter, and catches the eye of Breck, the planter’s son. It’s easier and safer for Monette to pretend life is normal. That she belongs. To forget her past, even to forget Cyrus, whom she’d loved. But as the years pass, it becomes clear that children of color do not belong in the world of the white elite—at least, not as equals. The brutality and powerlessness of slavery begin to take their toll upon Monette.

Who is she now? Who will protect her? And who is that big boy from the fields who keeps pestering her?

Fox Creek is a powerful novel set in 1843 Louisiana, during one of the most turbulent times in American history. The story follows six-year-old Monette, a French Creole sugar planter’s daughter, and Cyrus, who is a little older, after they are sold into slavery and sent to Fox Creek Plantation. While Cyrus is sent to the fields, Monette becomes a playmate for the planter’s seven-year-old daughter, Kate, and forms a bond with the planter’s son, Breck.

While the novel’s subject matter is compelling, I found its narrative flow to be challenging at times. The story jumps between multiple perspectives and over several years, making it difficult to identify the central plot and a clear main character. For a book of its length, I felt the plot lacked focus, and I was often left waiting for a significant event to occur. This untraditional narrative style made it hard to connect with the characters on a deeper level, as many were introduced and then given little attention. For example, Cyrus, a significant character at the beginning, is barely mentioned again.

I understand that plantation life wasn’t always exciting, but for the sake of fiction, I was hoping for more. The book was unnecessarily long, with a lot of slow-paced and less interesting details—such as the in-home schooling from Mr. Gilbert, singing and dance lessons, social gatherings that introduced additional characters, and every detail of Sarah’s pregnancies was very slow-paced and not that interesting. What I assumed would be the heart of the story—the bond between Monette and Cyrus—never developed. Instead, the focus shifted to Monette and Breck, and my excitement for a climactic taboo romance was short-lived.

Despite these issues, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to show the complexities of life on a plantation from various perspectives. The author provides a glimpse into the bonds between Kate and Monette and the relationship between Breck and Monette. The character of William Jensey, the father, is particularly complex. He is shown to be a “kind master,” yet his actions reveal a more ruthless, less compassionate side. I wanted Monette to have a happy ending, but the author’s uncomfortable portrayal of reality ultimately felt more true to the time period.

Overall, M. E. Torrey’s writing captures the pain and complexity of the era, providing insight into the characters and events. Although the narrative structure could be improved, the book succeeds in exploring the painful legacy of slavery and the difficult truths of that time.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond

September 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond
Publisher: Dafina
Genre: Historical, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Paranormal
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

What if nobody ever freed the slaves…because they freed themselves – 150 years before the Civil War?

In the Province of Carolina, 1710, freedom seems unattainable for Willie, for his beloved Gertie, and for their unborn child. They live, suffer, and toil under their brutal master, James “Big Jim” Barrow, whose grand plantation was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the enslaved. To flee this hell on earth is be hunted and killed. Until one strange night Willie is offered a dark hope by Rafazi, an enigmatic slave with an irresistible and blood-chilling path to liberation.

Hailing from the Kingdom of Ghana, Rafazi is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an African vampire tribe rendered nearly extinct by plague. Rafazi has roamed the world for centuries with an undying desire to replenish the power that once defined his heritage. In Willie, Rafazi has found his first biddable subject to be turned and to help in a hungry revolt. And Willie desires nothing more than to free his people from malicious bondage. Whatever it takes.

One by one, as an army of blood slaves thirsting for revenge is gathered, the headstrong Gertie fears that no good can come from the vampiric legacy that courses through Rafazi’s veins. Willie knows that only evil can fight evil. And when the woman he loves stands between the reemergence of the Ramanga and the justified slaughter of the oppressors, Willie must make an irreversible decision. Only one thing is certain: on the Barrow plantation, and beyond, blood will spill.

Part historical drama, part supernatural horror, and part alternate history, Blood Slaves is an ingenuous and defiant new creation myth of the vampire, one rooted in both justice and the sometimes-violent means necessary to achieve it.

If given the chance to fight for freedom from slavery, what would you be willing to sacrifice to achieve it?

Markus Redmond’s exceptional storytelling seamlessly blends American history with supernatural horror in a deeply satisfying fight for freedom. I kept telling everyone they had to get a copy of this book the moment it released. I am convinced this would be incredible as either a movie or a TV series. It has everything: love, betrayal, plenty of action, and a classic good-versus-evil theme.

Blood Slaves is a tough read at times, but a necessary one. It’s much more than just a book about vampires and slaves; it’s thought-provoking and opens up vital discussions. I appreciated the way Redmond explores the differing opinions among slave owners and the complex arguments among the enslaved. Even though Robert Callowhill, James Barrow’s (Big Jim) house guest, owned slaves, he didn’t share Big Jim’s particularly vicious justifications for slavery. The novel delves into the difficult question of violence versus non-violence, and the multifaceted nature of freedom and its cost. Gertie’s verbal stance, weighing enslavement by white men against enslavement to blood, and questioning if being undead equates to true freedom, is particularly compelling. If you had the opportunity to fight for freedom from slavery, would you do so, and to what extent?

I also appreciated Redmond’s portrayal of Rafazi, who admitted his fear and acknowledged that, while not a natural leader himself, he recognizes and respects Willie/Kwadzo’s leadership. I like Redmond’s inclusion of how the enslaved people honored and shared the land with the Indigenous people. I felt that the violence and revenge in this story were not portrayed as the actions of heartless killers, but of a need to survive and change the narrative of the mistreatment of humans for the color of their skin.

Redmond also raises important points about the significance of identity and heritage, and how profoundly the loss of one’s birth name, as experienced by Willie and the other enslaved, can impact a person.

Redmond successfully built the Barrow Plantation, vividly depicting the plantation, the lives of the slaves, and the characters. I found it interesting how little Big Jim valued his chief overseer, Monroe Washington, almost less than his slaves, and how that dynamic fueled Monroe’s hatred for Willie. Redmond also provides a rich history of the Ramanga Tribe, and through Rafazi, we learn about the nature of their blood and how humans respond to it.

From every angle, the story maintains a compelling and intriguing pace, building towards the action and rebellion. Readers seeking a traditional vampire story may not find this book to their taste. But those who enjoy historical fiction with an alternative blend of supernatural horror will find Blood Slaves full of depth, entertainment, and characters that readers will both love and hate.

This novel receives my highest recommendation for readers willing to engage with challenging themes presented without sugar-coating. Potential readers should be aware that the story is set in 1710 in the province of Carolina. It contains triggers and content warnings, including violence, blood/gore, murder, abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse, racism, hate speech, racial slurs, and systemic racism.

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

Orion’s Masquerade by M.E. Rose

March 28, 2025 By Leave a Comment


Orion’s Masquerade by M.E. Rose
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

Years ago, Chancellor Talia Steele’s husband vanished on an exploratory mission, leaving her to lead their aging generation ship alone. Now, with New Horizon’s life support failing, Talia must attend Orion’s Masquerade—a rare gathering where leaders from across the galaxy forge alliances through marriage. This is her last hope to secure a future for her people and her unborn daughter, who lies in stasis, awaiting a chance at life.

But Ryker Steele survived. He crash-landed on an uncharted planet—one that could be the perfect new home for New Horizon’s colony. After years of survival and rebuilding his ship from scrap, he’s finally on his way back to Talia . . . only to find that she’s left.

With time running out, Ryker must race to reunite with Talia and save their family and people from being scattered across the galaxy. Will love be enough to bring them back together, or will he lose her to Orion’s Masquerade?

M.E. Rose’s Orion’s Masquerade offers a compelling blend of contemporary issues, science fiction elements, and a touch of romance. The story centers around Talia, appointed Chancellor of New Horizon, a strong and committed woman striving for the survival of her people while dealing with heartbreak. Rose creates an intriguing political landscape where people depend heavily on Talia, adding a layer of complexity to her character and motivations. The plot is concise and engaging, quickly capturing my interest in the characters and their world. While I occasionally struggled to discern which character was speaking, the overall narrative flow kept me invested.

Rose clearly possesses a talent for writing science fiction, crafting a world that, despite my limited experience in the genre, was easy to follow and enjoy. The dynamic between Ryker Steele and his wife, Talia was particularly admirable, highlighting the power of love amidst conflict. I enjoyed the clashes between Talia and Vice Chancellor, Jules Strickland, over what was best for New Horizon. I found Jules’s personal biases about why Talia should marry Chancellor Abernath added an interesting dimension to the story. I am curious about the characters’ lives beyond the masquerade and would eagerly read a sequel to see their stories further developed. Despite the minor confusion with dialogue, I would read more from this author.

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

At the Island’s Edge by C. I. Jerez

March 18, 2025 By Leave a Comment


At the Island’s Edge by C. I. Jerez
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

An Iraq War veteran returns to Puerto Rico to reconnect with―and confront―the past in a heart-wrenching novel about duty, motherhood, and the healing power of home.

As a combat medic, Lina LaSalle went to Iraq to save the lives of fellow soldiers. But when her convoy is attacked, she must set aside her identity as a healer and take a life herself.

Although she is honored as a hero when she returns to the US, Lina cannot find her footing. She is stricken with PTSD and unsure of how to support her young son, Teó, a little boy with Tourette’s. As her attempts to self-medicate become harder to hide, Lina realizes she must do the toughest thing yet: ask for help.

She retreats to her parents’ house in Puerto Rico, where Teó thrives under her family’s care. Lina finds kinship, too―with a cousin whose dreams were also shattered by the war and with a handsome and caring veteran who sought refuge on the island and runs a neighborhood bar.

But amid the magic of the island are secrets and years of misunderstandings that could erode the very stability she’s fighting for. Hope lies on the horizon, but can she keep her gaze steady?

Combat medic Sergeant Catalina (Lina) LaSalle-Rivera returns from Iraq a hero but struggles with the moral implications of having taken a life during an attack. Lina moves back to Puerto Rico with her son, Matteo (Teó), who has Tourette’s syndrome, to be with her family. However, hidden family secrets and past misunderstandings threaten to further drive her into a downward spiral, leaving her to question whether she can truly find healing and hope.

The early parts of the novel are engaging and emotional, particularly as Lina navigates the growing tension between her personal turmoil and her family. Lina’s journey is compelling and heart-wrenching, but it seems her life has always been overshadowed by sadness. She has faced pressure from her family, feeling inadequate as a female. She later grappled with feelings of disappointment after becoming pregnant and joining the Army. The family dynamic, which aimed to ensure that Lina had a better life, is understandable; however, after her return, it seems the pressure then turned to her being a good parent. Lina holds in a lot of her emotions, yet her family remains unaware of her struggles. Though I empathize with Lina, I believe she needed counseling long before the incident in Iraq.

**Warning**: For readers struggling with depression or low self-esteem, Lina’s story may be triggering.

I enjoyed the author’s story; the pacing was consistent, and there were a few twists that I did not see coming. I appreciated the cultural history and visual details of Puerto Rico, and I especially liked the inclusion of Spanish phrases throughout the book. Since I can read Spanish better than I can speak it, this was a real treat.

Lina’s story is one that many military and medical professionals can relate to. They take an oath to heal and treat those in medical need, but it can be traumatic for them if they are involved in causing someone to lose their life. Processing that experience can be heavy and difficult.

Lina was very shut off from others, trapped in her own thoughts, which were overwhelming her. Her despair led her to seek escape in alcohol. I was glad to see her courage to recognize that her drinking was problematic and to accept therapy—not only for her own well-being but also for Teo’s sake.

Although I was captivated by the story, it felt like some phrases were repeated several times throughout the book. The supporting characters, especially Tia Lisandra and Papi, often seemed one-dimensional. Tia Lisandra was very vocal and took charge of the family, but I did not fully understand her motivations. I was hoping for more details and closure between Lina and her Tia, as well as between Tia Lisandra and her daughter Dolores. It appeared that Tia Lisandra was alone and bitter, driven by pride rather than love and compassion. Papi had chauvinistic opinions, but there were conversations with Lina that revealed a loving and softer side to him. I was grateful that Lina found support from her niece Dolores and a fellow veteran, Elijah Montgomery, who helped Lina through her healing process.

The shocking revelation regarding the misunderstanding with Leonardo, Teo’s dad, seemed to indicate that the author did not want to portray Leonardo as a villain, but rather this created a family secret. Nevertheless, I was pleased that things were resolved in the end. The resolution and Lina’s redemption brought her back to feeling like a healer, enabling her to serve her country again.

The author wrote from a sensitive perspective, and I appreciated that. At the Island’s Edge is a touching exploration of trauma, healing, and the enduring power of family. Jerez crafts a compelling narrative that resonates with raw emotion, inviting readers to connect with Lina’s struggles and celebrate her resilience. This is a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page.

Filed Under: Mainstream Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

February 14, 2025 By Leave a Comment


The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia
Publisher: St. Martin’s Publishing Group
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by Ginger

THE BUSINESS TRIP is the gripping, page-turning debut from author Jessie Garcia.

Stephanie and Jasmine have nothing and everything in common. The two women don’t know each other but are on the same plane. Stephanie is on a business trip and Jasmine is fleeing an abusive relationship. After a few days, they text their friends the same exact messages about the same man—the messages becoming stranger and more erratic.

And then the two women vanish. The texts go silent, the red flags go up, and the panic sets in. When Stephanie and Jasmine are each declared missing and in danger, it begs the questions: Who is Trent McCarthy? What did he do to these women— or what did they do to him?

Twist upon twist, layer upon layer, where nothing is as it seems, The Business Trip takes you on a descent into the depths of a mastermind manipulator. But who is playing who?

This is an entertaining read. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of various characters, instead of one or two main characters, and it adds an intriguing layer of mystery and tension in the whereabouts of Jasmine and Stephanie. I was so drawn into the narrative that I did not concern myself with whether the methods used were believable; the author made them sound plausible, so I just went with the flow without questioning anything. My focus was solely on what was happening in the story.

Jasmine has deep issues, which I found sad, and I felt compassion for her. She had a difficult upbringing and tried to attend beauty school to improve her life. Her abusive relationship with Glenn was leading her nowhere, and I admire her for taking charge and leaving him. I wanted her to have something good in her life; however, as we learn from Jasmine, envy can be deadly. Jasmine’s troubled past and her desperation to have more and better evoke a side of her that can be very costly.

There are themes of jealousy, identity theft, and suspense, along with a host of memorable characters who are genuinely concerned for Jasmine and Stephanie’s well-being. Several times, I found myself frustrated with Stephanie’s assistant news director, Bruce, because he was so naïve, while I cheered for Lucy, who was perceptive enough to realize something was wrong. I enjoyed the relationship between Stephanie and her neighbor, Robert; it felt genuine and had a best-friend vibe. I cannot forget to mention Trent J. McCarthy. His character is so true to life, even if he was a nuisance to be around.

I appreciated how the different points of view came together to maintain suspense, and the second half of the book revealed what had happened. I did not expect the surprising ending which, while a bit far-fetched, was a creative addition from the author that I appreciated.

The novel’s suspenseful pacing and unexpected twists make it a thrilling read. I highly recommend to readers that enjoy suspense, and an intriguing puzzle where the characters lay down their own piece and then later all the pieces start to connect.

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