Author Archives: Barb

The Reaper Follows by Heather Graham – a Review

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The Reaper Follows by Heather Graham – a Review

 

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Description:
Death comes for everyone.

Deep in the Florida Everglades, the body of a woman is discovered in pieces, presumably ravaged by an alligator. Upon closer inspection, it’s determined no animal could make such perfectly precise cuts. Only a blade could do that. Wielded by a human. Soon, dozens of oil drums emerge amid the river of grass. Each one packed to the brim with body parts.

FDLE special agent Amy Larson and her partner, FBI special agent Hunter Forrest, share a bad feeling that extends beyond the horrifying nature of the grim discovery. They’ve seen this kind of sadistic killing before, and when a small beige horse is discovered at the bottom of one of the barrels, they know exactly what it means. The fourth horseman of the apocalypse rides a pale horse—and his name is Death.

With so many bodies to identify, connecting one victim to the next is easier said than done. But finding a pattern in the chaos might be the only way Amy and Hunter can zero in on the killer, testing their skills as agents—and their relationship—like never before. And when the disturbing trail of clues signals these slayings are just the beginning, the agents will have to return to where it all started before it’s too late. The apocalypse is coming, and Hunter and Amy have only one chance to stop it, even if it means sacrificing each other.

 

 

Review:

The Reaper Follows by Heather Graham is the 4th book in her Amy Larson & Hunter Forest FBI series. When bodies start turning up in the Florida Everglades, dozens of oil drums emerge filled with body parts.  They have seen this kind of killing before, and when a small beige horse is found in one of the barrels: they know what it means. Both continue their investigation into a series of crimes linked to the four horsemen in the Book of Revelations; the 4th one meaning death. FDLE special agent Amy Larson and her partner, FBI special agent Hunter Forrest, with both of them on this case since the beginning. This final book brings us to the final horseman and mastermind; who rides a pale horse. Amy and Hunter know they are close to finding the mastermind, who is killing so many people, especially in the Everglades.

Though we do not know who is the killer until near the end, we know he considers himself the archangel, and brainwashes his followers; then when they are no longer needed, he kills them.  The mastermind (archangel) is a manipulator who manages to sway people to his cause. Sadly, many of these deluded cult followers take their own lives.  I will say that half way through the I did suspect who the killer was.

I really liked the duo of Amy and Hunter, as in this 4th book, they are both planning to marry, once this case is solved.   Amy is an amazing tough and fearless detective, who pushes herself to exhaustion, even when her superiors force her to get sleep and rest.  Hunter being FBI, and closely working with all the agents that have gathered where the bodies have been found; he is also determined to protect Amy at any cost.  As noted previously, they both made a great team.  The romance between Amy and Hunter was sweet, as it was spread throughout the book. I really liked so many of the agents and secondary characters, who all played major parts in this conclusion; Aiden, Sabrina, Mickey, Jimmy, and so many wonderful team members. They all made a great team, working hard together to solve the case.  

The Reaper Follows was an intense, suspenseful, haunting, dangerous story that kept us unable to put the book down; especially in the last quarter of the book when Amy’s life was in danger and she knew who the killer was.  The story was a great plot, fantastic characters, and the murders were gruesome.  The Reaper Follows was so very well written by Heather Graham, who once again gives us a fabulous murder mystery.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz – a Review

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An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz – a Review

 

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Description:
When a fortieth birthday celebration leads to a ghostly visitor, four friends find themselves navigating surprising mysteries and spiritual hijinks, in this clever debut from Melissa Holtz.

Alyssa Mann isn’t adventurous, not since her husband died and she found herself the single mom of a teenage daughter. But there’s no way to avoid celebrating the big 4-0, so when her best friends drag her out for drinks and a tarot reading, she throws caution to the wind and decides to see what the spirits have to say. It’s all fun and games, until she wakes up the next morning with a wicked hangover—and a ghost perched on the edge of her bed.

Sheer panic sends her running to get help from Nick West, the (very attractive) detective who lives next door. When he finds no one inside, Alyssa has to accept that she really did see a ghost. As the dearly departed keep appearing, Alyssa and her friends do their best to learn how to control her newfound power. Trading insults with ghosts, tracking down family heirlooms, and getting closer to the skeptical but helpful Nick is more fun than Alyssa imagined. But when looking into one ghost’s past reveals unexpected—and unwelcome—facts about Alyssa’s late husband’s death, she discovers she just may be in over her head.

 

 

Review:

An Enchanting Case of Spirits by Melissa Holtz is an enchanting debut with a mystery and romantic story. We meet Alyssa Mann, our heroine, who has just turn 40, with a teenage daughter; and still grieves over the accidental death of her husband.  Her two best friends (Lanie and Nina) drag her out for drinks, and they end up visiting a psychic medium for fun. They are all shocked when a ghostly event occurs, connecting Alyssa and the medium, Collette. The following morning, Alyssa wakes up with a hangover and a ghost sitting on the edge of her bed. At first, she is scared and upset, but she quickly realizes that whatever happened the night before, she now has the ability to see and talk to ghosts.

Alyssa realizes she now can see ghosts, who come to her to help them move on; and in a short time, she knows that the ghosts are in limbo and need help to cross over to the other side.  So, Lanie and Nina, as well as Collette work together with Alyssa to solve why the ghosts cannot move on. With the first ghost still hanging around, two more ghosts will eventually appear; especially with ladies working hard to discover how the three deaths (which could include her husband’s accident) are connected.

Alyssa tries to explain to her neighbor, Nick West, who is a detective (and a hunk), about some clues the ladies have discovered, with help from the ghosts.   Nick, who is attracted to Alyssa, refuses to listen to her suggestions, as he doesn’t believe that she knows something.   But after he gets some facts about those deaths, Nick will slowly begin his own investigations, which will lead him to realize that she does see the dead.  Nick will get his partner to research the deaths of four people locally, which will include the mayor.

What follows is Alyssa, Collette and even Lanie/Nina have a new purpose in their lives, in helping those to move on.  Alyssa and Collette learn to control their power, and their interactions with ghosts were lots of fun; with lots of witty banter with the mischievous spirits. There was a number of intriguing twists and turns, which will also have her discover the truths that also include her husband’s death. To say too much more, would ruin the fun, which you need to read.

An Enchanting Case of Spirits was a fun, delightful, humorous, emotional mystery, with a paranormal element. I also enjoyed the romantic slow build relationship between Alyssa and Nick.  I loved her friends, Lanie, Nina and Collette.  An Enchanting Case of Spirits was so very well written by Melissa Holt.  I really enjoyed reading this book, as it was fun, easy to read and entertaining.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

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A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
A prophecy of death. A weapon of hope. A sacrifice of love.

Arwen Valondale is sailing for the mysterious Kingdom of Citrine after the battle of Siren’s Bay. Reeling from shocking revelations and her newfound powers, Arwen directs all of her pain and rage toward the man who betrayed her: King Kane Ravenwood.

Kane’s presence is unavoidable as he travels with Arwen and her friends to seek the Blade of the Sun, a legendary weapon inextricably tied to her fate and the future of the realm. Even an uneasy truce proves difficult as Arwen fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane, who is willing to become darkness itself to protect her.

As Arwen faces creatures, foes, and magic beyond her wildest imaginings, she must discover the secrets of her past to defeat the monstrous Fae king Lazarus. But finding the light within might mean the death of her and everyone she loves.

 

 

Review:

A Promise of Peridot by Kate Golden is the 2nd book in her The Sacred Stones series. After the climatic ending from A Dawn of Onyx, Arwen, Kane, Griffin, Mari and the rest of their group escape to find a sanctuary, which leads them to Citrine, in hope of finding some allies to defeat the Fae King Lazarus.  Arwen and Kane are both emotionally destroyed, after shocking revelations with Arwen discovering her new found powers, and her angry at Kane’s betrayal.  Arwen (the last full fae blooded born) who is destined to kill Lazarus, accepting her fate in a prophecy meant to be her doom.

Arwen has no choice to travel with Kane, since she is with the remaining group; Kane continues to protect Arwen, always able to handle her anxiety and keeping her calm. They do have an uneasy truce, with the prophecy on the horizon, and the group determined to find the Blade of the Sun; which is a weapon that would be able to use to kill King Lazarus.

The truce between Arwen and Kane is difficult for both of them, as Kane still has strong feelings for Arwen, including protecting her; she fights against her unresolved feelings for Kane.  In a short time, with the danger escalating when they cannot find the Blade, the chemistry and heat between them eventually opens their true feelings of love.  The side characters were very good, equally as good as Kane and Arwen. I did love Kane and Arwen together, but I also like Griffin and Mari together.

What follows is intense, non- stop action, as they travel through other kingdoms in the hunt for the Blade; including the journey through the cave and island. The last third of the book was full of adventure, danger, intrigue, fast-paced, twists and turns.  I was unable to put the book down, as it kept my attention throughout. It was also emotional, as well as steamy; with Kane and Arwen finally being together.

As we reach the last ¼ of the book, Arwen and Kane’s last battle was epic, with another betrayal that changes things.  The epilogue was wild and crazy, with a cliffhanger that was complex and an ending that threw us for a loop.   A Promise of Peridot is an exciting, non-stop action filled, with twists that had me unable to put the book down.  A Promise of Peridot was so very well written by Kate Golden. With that intense and wild ending, I can’t wait to read the final book in this trilogy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

The Reading Cafe is offering a paper copy of A PROMISE OF PERIDOT to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence – a Review

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The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence – a Review

 

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Description:
We fight for the people we love. We fight for the ideas we want to be true.

Evar and Livira stand side by side and yet far beyond each other’s reach. Evar is forced to flee the library, driven before an implacable foe. Livira, trapped in a ghost world, has to recover her book if she’s to return to her life. While Evar’s journey leads him outside into the vastness of a world he’s never seen, Livira’s destination lies deep inside her own writing, where she must wrestle with her stories in order to reclaim the volume in which they were written.

And all the while, the library quietly weaves thread to thread, bringing the scattered elements of Livira’s old life – friends and foe alike – back together beneath new skies.

Long ago, a lie was told, and with the passing years it has grown and spread, a small push leading to a chain of desperate consequences. Now, as one edifice topples into the next with ever-growing violence, it threatens to break the world. The secret war that defines the library has chosen its champions and set them on the board. The time has come when they must fight for what they believe, or lose everything.

The Library Trilogy is about many things: adventure, discovery, and romance, but it’s also a love letter to books and the places where they live. The focus is on one vast and timeless library, but the love expands to encompass smaller more personal collections, and bookshops of all shades too.

 

 

Review:

The Book That Broke the World by Mark Lawrence is the 2nd book in his The Library Trilogy. The Library Trilogy revolves around the Athenaeum, the legendary timeless library, such as; adventure, discovery, romance; also who controls access to knowledge or if information should be revealed.  The first half of the book was slow, with not a lot happening; however, the last half perked up a lot. It was a journey across various dimensions along the way. Though there were many characters in the book, the leads still revolved around Livira and Evar. 

Livira, who is a librarian, is now trying to find her way home to her family, as well find Evar again.  The relationship between Livira and Evan began in the first book, with both feeling love between them, but fear they will lose connections to each other in this multiversal time jump fantasy. Livera is also trying to find a book she wrote, which could possibly be a true threat to the library’s existence.  Evar, who was trapped with his adopted siblings for a very long time, being raised by the Assistant and Soldier.  He is determined to find Livira, and together with Evar’s sister, Clovis, who was an amazing and tough warrior, and his brother, as they manage to move forward; meeting up with other people in the huge library, with different walls. 

There were a number of new characters that played a part in this story.   Celcha, was born into slavery with her brother Hellet, as they both were part of a dig, finding lost books. A librarian manages to save them, and take both of them with her as they head into the Library world. Celcha was very good, as she was intelligent, tough, unyielding, and willing to fight. Hellet manages to create something that could destroy the library.  I really liked Arpix, who is a librarian, who also tutored Livira, and found himself falling for Clovis; with her being protective of him. Yute, deputy head librarian, also returns closer to the end.  I loved Wentworth (huge cat, who can find anyone), who was a terrific addition to the book.

I do not want to give spoilers, because you need to concentrate on what is happening, as we get closer to the end. This is a difficult review to write, as the whole concept was about books to reveal secrets, knowledge, freedom, as noted previously, as noted previously, the first half of the book was very slow.  The last half was exciting, with everyone coming together to make decisions on what to do.  The time will come when they will all decide if they will fight for what they believe or loose it all.

The Book That Broke the World was a different kind of fantasy, set in a huge immense library, with many chambers, with those who were trapped inside. The library had its own mechanism, with protectors of history, and the power of knowledge from those special books. The overall theme is knowledge, power, responsibility and war.  The Book that Broke the World was a complex and intriguing story line that was well written by Mark Lawrence. However, I will note that I have loved a number of series by Lawrence, and this book continues to be bit slow for most of the first half, but it was an exciting end.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Lightningborn by Julie Kagawa – a Review

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Lightningborn by Julie Kagawa – a Review

 

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Description:
In a world in the clouds where only the rich own dragons, a poor boy named Remy finds a wild baby dragon—believed to be extinct—and becomes the focus of an evil pirate’s vengeance.

REMY spends his days trying to survive the mean streets of Cutthroat Wedge—one of the many islands floating in the gravitational pull of the magical Maelstrom raging below. But his life changes forever when a violent storm brings a baby dragon to his doorstep, and he feels a bond he has never felt with anyone. Remy names the dragon Storm and vows to protect this new friend, no matter the cost. 

GEM longs for the day when she call herself a true mage. That is, if she can convince her teachers and peers that just because she’s a princess doesn’t mean she’s lazy and spoiled. But when Gem learns that the floating islands that make up her kingdom are rapidly sinking into the Maelstrom, she makes it her mission to save her world. Against the king’s wishes, she accesses forbidden research and discovers the secret to saving humanity may lie in a True Dragon—a dragon capable of intelligent thought and able to cast and use magic. But True Dragons are extinct . . . aren’t they?

Remy’s and Gem’s lives will never be the same when their fates collide, thanks to Storm. With an evil pirate mage named Jhaeros determined to claim the rare dragon for himself, the two must learn to trust in each other as they team up with a shifty pirate captain and her crew, stand together against impossible odds, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

 

 

Review:

Lightningborn by Julie Kagawa is the first book in her new Storm Dragons series. The story revolves around two main characters; Remy, a street urchin who survives the dangerous streets of Cutthroat Wedge and Gem, a princess, who lives a life of privilege.

We meet young Remy, who has no family left, living in the family’s small poor house, and finding ways to to survive. He often hangs out at the local pub and talks to Bart, an old storyteller who shares his stories about dragons. Remy’s life will change forever, when a powerful magical storm will drop a baby dragon by his doorstep. He names the baby dragon, Storm, and quicky he feels a bond and will do everything to protect the dragon.  But Remy needs to hide Storm, as an evil pirate, Jhaeros is turning the town upside down to find the dragon.

Gem, is a princess, who attends the College of Magic, hoping to become a true mage. She overhears that the floating islands that make up her kingdom are slowly sinking. While in the library, Gem finds some details about Ancient Ones, which could help restore the magic. Determined to get more information, Gem, without her father’s approval goes in search to find Sir Bartello, the last person who had contact with a True Dragon. Can Sir Bartello help fix the storm crystals to save the kingdom? Gem takes her white dragon, Cloud on an adventure to seek help.

Remy does his best to help hide Storm, and his constantly finding food for him. Bart will find Remy and Storm, and decide to help them, bringing them to his home, which has caves to hide Storm.  But with the pirate Jhaeros offering large sums of money, the danger escalates, and when Remy learns that the pirate is going after Bart, he knows he has to save him, which would mean giving up Storm.

Gem is heading for Cutthroat Wedge with Cloud, and when a terrible storm hits, a pirate ship beckons her to come to safety, where she will meet Captain Cutlass.  The Captain (a lady pirate) is very fair, and is willing to help Gem find Sir Bertello, knowing who Gem is (princess) and her help will get her some gifts, after this adventure is over.   When they get to the island, they learn that Jhaeros has captured the baby dragon as well as Bart (Sir Bertello), as they just left. Gem begs Captain Cutlass to follow the ship, Windshark, and Remy who is nearby, offers his help, as his bond can help find Storm.

What follows is an exciting, intense and wild ride to rescue Storm and Bart.  Gem and Remy will slowly trust each other, to save Storm as well as Bart.  Together with Gem discussing with Captain Cutlass a plan for Remy and her to get on the ship, while the Captain finds ways to distract those on the Windstark.  It was a wild ride, that had us holding our breath.  To say too much more would be spoilers, as you need to read this book to see what happens.

Lighningborn was an exciting start to the first book in the Storm Dragons series; it was fast paced action and suspense throughout.  I did like Remy; but I liked Gem even more; she was not only brave, determined with a strong personality.  I loved Storm. Lighntingborn was so very well written by Julie Kawaga. I look forward the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

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An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s not the heat…it’s the pixie dust.

The day her brother died, Gwendolyn Moonsoar fled from her veil of pixies. Grief drove her away, but a broken heart made her stay gone for good. Lucky for Gwen, Brimstone Inc. was there to break her fall. Now, as a special courier transporting the most valuable and dangerous items of the supernatural world, Gwen is good at her job. Damn good. After all, disappearing is her specialty.

Dragon shifter Asher Kato will always be haunted by his best friend Goran’s death. Although a promise he made gave him no choice, Asher will never forgive himself for the role he played…or the fallout it caused with Goran’s younger sister, Gwen. Burying himself in his role as second-in-command of the blue dragons is his only escape. Unfortunately, the peace they fought so hard for isn’t meant for a warrior like him. So, when a courier transporting a rare basilisk egg goes missing, Asher volunteers to track her down.

Except Asher’s mission leads him straight into the arms of the one pixie who would rather vanish forever than spend a single second with him…

 

 

Review:

An Accident Waiting to Dragon by Abigail Owen is the 3rd book in her Brimstone Inc. series. I’ve read most of this authors works. And I’m slowly reading her older books. But I couldn’t download this fast enough. I loved her Brimstone Inc. series and devoured both her Fire’s Edge and Rising Inferno series. You don’t have to read the three previous series to enjoy this one, but for fans it’s a great addition, and for new readers to her books it will have to wanting to read the backlog 😉 

So….. 

Asher is second in command to the blue dragon King Ladon (Ladon, who we met in his book The Blood King) he is a dragon of action and all this sitting around is making him and his dragon restless. 

Gwen is a Moonlight Pixie (but no ordinary one, she can transport rare, dangerous and hard to obtain objects to the Green Dragon Queen’s kingdoms.) So this new task is just right for her.

These two have a previous relationship, they’ve known each other for years (Asher’s best friend was Gwen’s brother) but an unfortunate incident split the friends apart…Asher didn’t think he would see Gwen again, after the death of her brother (by Asher’s own dragon fire!) Gwen avoided him and then fled her home and world! 

Gwen has no idea what she was flying into with her latest mission, but she would complete it as was her reputation on the line… And when Asher is sent on a mission to rescue her, his dragon makes it clear it wants Gwen(I think they must have meant a little more than friends to each other as Gwen is resistant to Asher and his rescue attempt!) 

As always this author has you on the edge of your seat. The action is fast paced and full of drama. The world in which this is based is rich in description and the authors imagination is a thing of wonder and beauty. 

So can Asher convince Gwen that he only wants to help? Can Gwen move past the fact the friend she knew from her childhood has grown into an honourable dragon and the past was something he couldn’t change?  And when Asher tries to do the right thing, will Gwen run again, or will she stay by his side to fight? 

Another highly recommended read from me. Give it a go if you love this author/dragons/action and adventure. You won’t be sorry. 

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Copy Supplied for review

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The Good The Bad and The Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto – a Review

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The Good The Bad and The Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto – a Review

 

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Description:
After an ultra-romantic honeymoon across Europe, Meddy Chan and her husband Nathan have landed in Jakarta to spend Chinese New Year with her entire extended family. Chinese New Year, already the biggest celebration of the Lunar calendar, gets even more festive when a former beau of Second Aunt’s shows up at the Chan residence bearing extravagant gifts—he’s determined to rekindle his romance with Second Aunt and the gifts are his way of announcing his courtship.
 
His grand gesture goes awry however, when it’s discovered that not all the gifts were meant for Second Aunt and the Chans—one particular gift was intended for a business rival to cement their alliance and included by accident. Of course the Aunties agree that it’s only right to return the gift—after all, anyone would forgive an honest mistake, right? But what should have been a simple retrieval turns disastrous and suddenly Meddy and the Aunties are helpless pawns in a decades-long war between Jakarta’s most powerful business factions. The fighting turns personal, however, when Nathan and the Aunties are endangered and it’s up to Meddy to come up with a plan to save them all.  Determined to rescue her loved ones, Meddy embarks on an impossible mission—but with the Aunties by her side, nothing is truly impossible…

 

 

Review:

The Good, The Bad, and the Aunties is the 3rd third and final book in the Aunties series.  Meddy Chan and her husband, Nathan finished their romantic honeymoon across Europe, and decide to spend the Chinese New Year with their family in Jakarta. They are happily greeted by Meddy’s mom and aunties, as well as so many of their Jakarta relatives. During the celebration, a surprise visitor shows up at the party, bringing gifts for the children. Abraham Lincoln is a former beau of Second Aunt, and is determined to rekindle their romance, with the gifts his way of resuming his courtship.

Things will take a nasty turn, on the day after the party, when Abraham realizes that one of the gifts was erroneously given out. He explains that one of the gifts that was handed out was actually a deed to some property that he had promised to Julia Child. Meddy and the aunties learn that Abraham is one of the three crime lords, with Julia and Kristofer Kolumbes being the other two in Jakarta.  Now they are desperate to find the gift, in order for Abraham to make peace with Julia.

This leads Meddy and her meddling aunties to being caught up eventually with all three crime lords, in their decades-long war. There was a lot of hilarious action throughout, especially with the aunties their sass and constant meddling.  The fourth aunt was always the strongest one, always meddling, but all of them were totally a riot. To get out of this mess, Meddy would be the one to save the day. 

What follows is a wild, hilarious, roller coaster ride, with the aunts totally over the top with their crazy antics. Meddy was a great heroine, and I loved Nathan.  The aunts/mom (sisters) were always entertaining and humorous, though at times a bit ridiculous. The Good, the Bad and the Aunties was a fun story, that was also weird and insane.  The Good the Bad and The Aunties was well written by Jesse Q Sutanto, which was entertaining and humorous.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin – a Review

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How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin – a Review

 

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Description:
It’s 1965 and teenage Frances Adams is at an English country fair with her two best friends. But Frances’s night takes a hairpin turn when a fortune-teller makes a bone-chilling prediction: One day, Frances will be murdered. Frances spends a lifetime trying to solve a crime that hasn’t happened yet, compiling dirt on every person who crosses her path in an effort to prevent her own demise. For decades, no one takes Frances seriously, until nearly sixty years later, when Frances is found murdered, like she always said she would be.
 
In the present day, Annie Adams has been summoned to a meeting at the sprawling country estate of her wealthy and reclusive great-aunt Frances. But by the time Annie arrives in the quaint English village of Castle Knoll, Frances is already dead. Annie is determined to catch the killer, but thanks to Frances’s lifelong habit of digging up secrets and lies, it seems every endearing and eccentric villager might just have a motive for her murder. Can Annie safely unravel the dark mystery at the heart of Castle Knoll, or will dredging up the past throw her into the path of a killer?
 
As Annie gets closer to the truth, and closer to the danger, she starts to fear she might inherit her aunt’s fate instead of her fortune.

 

 

Review:

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin is the 1st book in her new Castle Knoll Files series.  The story starts off in 1965 when 3 teenage friends visit a fortune teller at the Castle Knoll Country Fair, when Francis is given a bad prediction that she will be murdered.  Francis spent most of her life fixated on that message, always trying to avoid her death.  The story revolves around two POV’s 1965 with a teenage Frances and present time (60 years later), with the perspective of Annie, Frances’s great niece.  Frances is now making a will, and summons her niece, Annie, as well as other family/friends. Annie, who writes mystery stories, heads to Castle Knoll, to discuss changes to her aunt’s will, and meets Frances’ lawyer, Walter Gordon, his son, Oliver, and Saxton and his wife, Elva. Others working within the lands and mansion are also in attendance.   When they arrive at the mansion to meet with Francis to review the will, she is found dead. Was the prophecy true? Was she murdered?

During the reading of the actual will, everyone learns that both her and Saxton will have to compete to uncover the truth about her murder with the person who resolves it, receiving the entire estate.  If neither solves the crime, the house will be sold and broken down. Detective Crane notifies everyone that further examination proves that Francis was indeed murdered.

Annie is determined to find the killer and with an old diary belonging to Frances, she learns more about the past.  Francis, Rose and Emily were best friends back in the 60’s. The past POV has a lot of information about their friendship, and the mysterious disappearance of Emily. The diary gives Annie an immediate connection the past, and how it effects the present.  We switch seamlessly between Annie’s perspective in the present and Frances’ diary entries from the past, creating intrigue and suspense.  Someone in the past knows the secrets, which will put Annie possibly threaten by a dangerous killer.

What follows is a captivating and intriguing small-town mystery, with a number of suspects, including the one who disappeared 60 years ago. I really liked most of the characters, with Annie being the lead.  To say too much more, will ruin it for you. You need to read this book from start to finish.

How to Solve Your Own Murder turns into a wild gripping ride that will have you unable to put the book down. The plot was extremely well done, with a number of surprising twists.  This was a very exciting masterpiece of a thriller.  How to Solve Your Own Murder was very well written by Kristen Perrin.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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