Author Archives: Barb

The Accidental Newlywed Game by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

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The Accidental Newlywed Game by Jaci Burton – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Wedding planner Honor Bellini is in Las Vegas for a work convention when she runs into her sister’s ex-fianc�, Owen Stone, who’s also in town for his craft brewery business. They’re both glad to see a familiar face from home…until a night of drinking leads to waking up in bed together–and a marriage certificate from a wedding that neither of them can recall.

Horrified, Owen suggests an immediate annulment. Honor agrees, but when they spend the day together, their chemistry is overwhelming. Plus, Honor has a flash of memory of their steamy wedding night, and she definitely likes what she remembers. They decide to wait before cancelling the whole marriage thing, though they both head back to Oklahoma determined not to tell anyone at home what happened in Vegas.

The problem is, Honor and Owen can’t seem to stay away from each other–or keep their hands off one another. The longer they keep their secret, the harder it gets to deny how they really feel. Even worse, this huge secret has the potential to hurt someone they both care about. They need to get an annulment before this accidental marriage turns into love.

 

 

Review:

The Accidental Newlywed Game by Jaci Burton is the 3rd book in her wonderful Boots and Bouguets series.  The story revolves around the Bellini family’s winery, the three sisters (Erin, Brenna, Honor), who also run a wedding planning business. 

Honor Bellini, our heroine, is the wedding planner for the family, with her attending a convention in Vegas.  She encounters her sister Erin’s ex fiancée, Owen, who is also in Vegas for his craft brewery business.  Since the family has forgiven Owen (he walked away a few days before the wedding), after learning why he left (cancer, chemo, et). Honor was happy to see Owen, a familiar face and together they spent the evening drinking at the bar; until they wake up in a hotel room together, with no recollection of what happened. Then they discover a wedding certificate showing they are married. At first, they decide to get an annulment, but Honor convinces Owen that they need to wait, since they have no idea if they had sex, and if she could be pregnant; so, they agree to go back home, and not tell anyone.

Both Honor and Owen began to spent a lot of time together, and the chemistry between them escalated, as they can’t seem to keep their hands off one another. Honor had a hard time keeping the secret from her family, especially as her relationship with Owen continued to bring them even closer.  Will they get the annulment/divorce or stay together?  How will Erin handle their relationship when she finds out?

What follows is a slow build romance, with a couple that was unexpected, especially with Owen. What I loved about this series is all three sisters, the wonderful Bellini family, wedding/winery business; and the great group of friends we have met throughout the series.  I rooted for Owen and Honor, as they really made a cute couple; and loved the dog, Bette.  I also liked Mae, and loved seeing all of the family again. 

The Accidental Newlywed Game was an enjoyable story, especially seeing everyone. Jaci Burton has created a wonderful group of characters that are so much fun and enjoyable; with wonderful couples and family.  The Accidental Newlywed Game is a wonderful romance that was fun, entertaining and sexy.  If you enjoy wonderful romances, then look no further than Jaci Burton.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jaci’s publisher is offering a paper copy of THE ACCIDENTAL NEWLYWED GAME to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE:  If you are having difficulty commenting after logging-in, please refresh the page at the top of your computer.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Jaci Burton on Facebook

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

5. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

6. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

7. Giveaway open to USA only.

8. Giveaway runs from June 27- 30, 2022

 

 

 

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The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem – a Review

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The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem – a Review

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Description:
The death of her cruel husband means freedom at last for Lucretia Tifton—until she learns that the guardian he chose for her longed-for baby is the latest in a line of earls known for separating their children from unfaithful wives. The elusive new earl is certain to hear the gossip about Lucretia. Will he believe it and prove to be as heartless as his ancestors? 

Giles, the Earl of Netherbroke, wants nothing more than to work in his London shop, building furniture with beautiful marquetry finishes. If unexpectedly inheriting the earldom isn’t bad enough, now he’s saddled with an unwanted guardianship. What’s worse, the baby’s mother is the loveliest woman he’s ever seen.

Giles is almost certain Lucretia is an adulteress—and the more he learns about her, the more he understands why she might have betrayed her husband. Nevertheless, he is determined not to succumb, like his ancestors, to the Infidelity Curse.

But then Lucretia is suddenly in danger, and the only way to protect her is to make her his.

 

 

Review:

The Infidelity Curse by Barbara Monajem is the 3rd book in her Perilous Secrets series.  Historical romance at its best. Lots of drama, action and twists. I’ve not read this author before, and this is the third book in this series. I’ve not read the previous books, but I’m sure to rectify that at some point. 

Lucretia wants only to raise her child with loving and caring parents, but she’s running for her life and the life of her child! Her husband believes her to be unfaithful and the child isn’t his! She needs to escape, and find a safe place to raise her child…..

Giles wants to build furniture and live a quiet life. But with the death of a family member, Giles has suddenly been saddled with not only a title, but also responsibilities of guardianship! He doesn’t want a baby in his life, and he certainly doesn’t want the mother around either! Even if she is captivating. 

I throughly enjoyed the adventure that Lucretia had with Giles. How she fought for her independence and her unborn child. She’s a resourceful person and wouldn’t give in too easily. 

Giles took me a while to warm too, he seemed really cold and aloof, and reading the blurb he was suppose to judge the faithless wife, and if found guilty, take away her child! 

But I did like the way he eventually falls under her spell ? But someone isn’t happy that Lucretia is finding happiness. They plan to ruin her life by spreading rumours and making sure Giles gets rid of her once and for all! 

Will they succeed? And can you guess who is behind it? (I sort of had a clue, but hints will lead you to the culprit soon enough) 

I do love a good historical romance, and this one hits all my buttons. I’d happily recommend this one. 

Reviewed by Julie ?

Copy supplied for review

 

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The Missed Connection by Denise Williams – a Review

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The Missed Connection by Denise Williams – a Review

 

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Description:
Gia loves her job as a professor, even when it means dealing with an elusive rival academic who’s made it his mission to criticize her work. When she meets him for the first time, she’s shocked to learn they’ve met before. Months earlier, they shared a perfect New Year’s Eve together in an airport during a weather delay.

After months of working together, Felix still can’t believe the person whose research he’s been challenging is the same captivating woman he kissed that night. The two couldn’t be more different. Gia is bubbly, friendly, and extroverted and drives ordered, serious Felix nuts.

Now the two have been assigned to embark on a five-school tour for work. Gia and Felix can’t imagine a travel partner they’d enjoy less until they feel the sparks fly over their shared armrests, security mishaps, and a shared hotel room. They’ll need to decide if they can manage their professional tension, or risk missing the connection of a lifetime.

 

 

Review:

The Missed Connection by Denise Willams is the 2nd book in her Airport Novellas series.  Gia, our heroine, is at the airport, on her way home on New Year’s Eve; she is coming off of a break-up with her girlfriend.  She meets Felix at the bar, and they spent the evening talking, which ended with a kiss.  A few months later, she recognizes the man she met at the airport, who happens to be a rival academic who always criticized her work, and now he is her new coworker. 

Gia is very outgoing, fun, friendly, and Felix is the complete opposite; he doesn’t like associating with others, keeps to himself and comes across as very stuffy. Though they both are very good at their jobs, they do things differently.  When both are sent to visit academic schools across the country, slowly the sparks ignite between them; as they succumbed to their feelings. 

When the trip is over, Gia surprises Felix, by claiming that perhaps they need to separate, as they are colleagues, and it will not go over well.   I really liked Gia, and she was so much fun.  I also liked Felix, once he opened up and fell hard for Gia.  Will they be able to find a way to stay together or go their separate ways? 

The Missed Connection was a short story, that was very well written by Denise Williams.  I did enjoy the entire opposites attract romance, which was so very well done.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager – a Review

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The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager – a Review

 

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Description:
Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress trying to escape a streak of bad press, has retreated to the peace and quiet of her family’s lake house in Vermont. Armed with a pair of binoculars and several bottles of liquor, she passes the time watching Tom and Katherine Royce, the glamorous couple who live in the house across the lake. They make for good viewing—a tech innovator, Tom is rich; and a former model, Katherine is gorgeous.

One day on the lake, Casey saves Katherine from drowning, and the two strike up a budding friendship. But the more they get to know each other—and the longer Casey watches—it becomes clear that Katherine and Tom’s marriage is not as perfect and placid as it appears. When Katherine suddenly vanishes, Casey becomes consumed with finding out what happened to her. In the process, she uncovers eerie, darker truths that turn a tale of voyeurism and suspicion into a story of guilt, obsession and how looks can be very deceiving.

 

Review:

The House Across the Lake is another fantastic novel by Riley Sager. I have read a number of books by Sager, and in each book, he continues to surprise and shock us with many twists we never expect. 

Casey Fletcher, our heroine, is a well-known actress, who in the past year lost her husband to drowning.  She hides out from the press, at the family lake house in Vermont, spending her time constantly drinking a number of bottles of liquor a day; as she continues to grieve.  Casey uses her binoculars daily to look at other houses around Lake Green, and becomes obsessed with watching a famous couple, former model Katherine Royce and her husband, Tom, who have recently purchased the house across the lake. 

One day, Casey sees Katherine struggling in the lake, and she comes to her rescue; with both of them becoming fast friends.  Both Katherine and Tom visit Casey, to thank her for saving Katherine.  During the evenings, Casey continues to overdo her drinking and spy on the Royce’s, until she continues to notice that something is not right in their marriage. 

When Katherine suddenly disappears, Casey is obsessed with finding out what happened to her; as she suspects the husband.  Casey will confide in a friend living next door, who has a police detective friend; but there is no evidence of wrong doing; in her determination, she uncovers strange and darker truths.  Will the police investigate or ignore her claims due to her excessive drinking?

The House Across the Lake was an amazing exciting thriller, that had me on the edge of my seat throughout; with a journey that is filled with many shocking twists and turns.  To say anything more would be spoilers, and this is a story that needs to be read to the end.   Riley Sager once again gives us another wild, crazy and surprising, not to mention entertaining ending.  If you love intense and exciting thrillers, you can do no wrong reading Riley Sager.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

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Gilt by Jamie Brenner – a Review

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Gilt by Jamie Brenner – a Review

 

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Description:
One perfect diamond is all it takes to divide a family. Could one summer be enough to fix it?

The Pavlin family built an empire on love. As the first jewelers to sell diamond rings exclusively for proposals, they started a tradition that has defined engagements ever since. But when an ill-fated publicity stunt pits the three Pavlin sisters against one another for a famous family jewel, their bond is broken. No ordinary diamond ring, the Electric Rose splinters the sisters, leaving one unlucky in love, one escaping to the shores of Cape Cod, and the other, ultimately, dead.

Now, over a decade later, Gemma Maybrook is still reconciling the reality of her mother’s death. Left orphaned and cast out by her family after the tragic accident, Gemma is ready to reclaim what should have been hers: the Electric Rose. And, as a budding jewelry designer in her own right, Gemma isn’t just planning on recovering her mother’s lost memento, she’s coming back for everything.

From Manhattan’s tony Fifth Avenue to the vibrant sands of Provincetown, Gilt follows the Pavlin women as they are forced to confront the mistakes of the past if they have any hope of finding love and happiness of their own.

 

 

Review:

Gilt by Jamie Brenner was a wonderful standalone novel.  Gilt is told in two timelines (90’s and present day), revolving around the Pavlin family, who built a jewelry empire, famous for their magnificent diamond rings for proposals/weddings; including the illustrious Electric Rose.  This famous family jewel, divided the three sisters, with one eventually taking control, another moving away, and the other dead; with the family broken for over 10 years.

Gemma Maybrook, has just graduated, having won the prestigious award for Jewelry design. Gemma is the daughter of Paulina, who died and was sent to live with her grandmother on her father’s side; she has not had any contact with the Pavlin family, since the death of her mother.   Gemma has had success in selling special jewelry that she has designed, but even though she is low on money, she is determined to find the Electric Rose engagement ring, and reclaim what should have been hers.   Gemma decides to reconnect with her two aunts, in the quest to find the ring, and possibly repair the rift in the family. 

In the past and the present, we learn more about the Pavlin family, the mother and father, and the three sisters, Paulina, Celeste and Elodie.  The sisters became divided, over jealousy and love; and upon the accidental death of Paulina, 8-year-old Gemma was sent away, Celeste wanted nothing to do with the business and moved to Providencetown, and Elodie was the heir apparent to the business.  In the present time, Gemma will eventually meet her estranged aunts, when Elodie needs Celeste and Gemma’s signature to auction off some jewelry, as the financial situation at Pavlin has dropped.  This will give Gemma a chance to meet Celeste in Provincetown, and eventually Elodie.   

The three of them spend the summer at Providencetown, with Gemma helping Celeste at her antique store, and Elodie determined to get what she wants, until she meets someone who changes her.  Gemma will find herself becoming close to Celeste, and beginning to feel part of the family.  Will the three of them be able to confront the past mistakes, and come together as a family.

Gilt was a wonderful, uplifting and engaging story, with a fantastic group of characters, and so very well written by Jamie Brenner.  I suggest you read Gilt, as I loved it.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

Amazon

 

 

Description:
A boyfriend who’s missing. Or was. . . Or is. . . A boat full of old bones. A community ice cream social. A friend in trouble, a spiteful witch, and an angry villain. The mysteries and fun abound in Destiny Falls. Hayden, Latifa, and their family and friends are up for the excitement and adventure.

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones follows the series format of combining two stories that blend into one. A murder mystery and the island mystery.

The Island Mystery: Hayden’s boyfriend Han is missing. But she swears she saw him zoom by in his car. She’d thought it was a surprise, and that he was home early from his secret service case. She was wrong. The surprise is that his signal isn’t pinging, and no one knows where he is. There appears to be black magic behind his disappearance. Can they learn who’s responsible and bring Han safely home?

The Murder Mystery: A pile of old bones is found in an ancient fishing boat. They could be tied to the disappearance of two young women years ago, back when many of the Destiny Falls people where in high school. Many of the citizens had bad history with the students. Do the bones belong to them, and what happened? Were they murdered? And could the murderer be living among them?

Hayden and Latifa’s many adventures in Destiny Falls will keep you guessing with each book in this fun and intriguing series.

 

 

Review:

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones by Elizabeth Pantley is the 6th book in her fun Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series.  Refresher: Hayden, who now fully lives in Destiny Falls with her talking cat, Latifa, and is happy in her new magical world, being a member of her powerful Caldwell family, as well as many new friends, and boyfriend, Han. 

Hayden’s boyfriend, Han is missing at the start, and she calls in her friends to help find him; he suddenly reappears, not remembering where he had been.  Hayden and family recognize that Han’s disappearance was the work of black magic, especially with his appearance having changed, making him stronger and built. When Han continues to disappear and reappear, Hayden learns he has been cursed by the evil Lazarus, and she must find a way to save Han.

There is another mystery that revolves around a pile of old bones found on an ancient boat. During the investigation, it is confirmed that it ties to the disappearance of two young girls thirty years ago.  Hayden is in the middle of both investigations, as she uncovers dark secrets of the past, as well as her friends and family helping support her in finding how to pull Han from control of the evil Lazarus; she learns what is necessary from both Gasper and Bob (the Olm).

Hayden and her brother Axel have settled into their role of being conduits on Destiny Falls.  I love Hayden’s wonderful family and friends who are always there for her, and of course our wonderful Latifa (her cat) and the Secret Cat Society.  It is always fun to watch and listen to the cats, Latifa, Chanel, Marshmellow and Lola.  Cute.

Old Bones and Ice Cream Cones was another delightful lighthearted mystery, in the magical and charming enchanted realm, Destiny Falls. This is a fun cozy murder fantasy whodunit, that was intriguing and kept our attention from start to finish.  The characters are all interesting and unique, especially the cats who help solve the crimes. I look forward to the next book by Elizabeth Pantley, that is always fun to read.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

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The Fortress/The Temple by M.A. Abraham – Reviews

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 The Fortress/The Temple  by M.A. Abraham – Reviews

 

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The Temple Description:
Ele is a powerful goddess in her own right, so she doesn’t worry about her safety as her sisters think she should. She is beautiful in ways that catches the wrong type attention. In order to keep her safe, her sisters blackmail a god from another world to take Ele into his care.
Sagan is a warrior god on his planet and every bit as powerful as Ele. He is also the epitome of what every woman thinks a god should look like. Without seeing Ele, he promises to keep her safe and keep his distance. After seeing Ele, he doubts if he can keep his word.

 

The Temple Review:

The Temple by M.A. Abraham is a novella that is part of the Sinners and Saints Anthology. Above is the list of authors participating in this Anthology and a brief description.  Since I read all of M.A. Abraham’s work, this review is only on her novella The Temple.   Brief description: Ele is a powerful goddess in her own right, so she doesn’t worry about her safety as her sisters think she should. She is beautiful in ways that catches the wrong type attention. In order to keep her safe, her sisters blackmail a god from another world to take Ele into his care.  Sagan is a warrior god on his planet and every bit as powerful as Ele. He is also the epitome of what every woman thinks a god should look like. Without seeing Ele, he promises to keep her safe and keep his distance. After seeing Ele, he doubts if he can keep his word.

At the start we meet Ele, our heroine, and her sisters, who fear their sister in law is planning on doing something bad to Ele.  Normally, Ele could handle herself, as she is one of the most powerful goddesses, but the sisters decide to make sure she is safe.   They call upon a warrior god, Sagan, to protect her and after being convinced, he takes Ele to his planet. Even though she is surprised, Ele knows why she is on this planet, and takes it upon herself to womanize the planet which is bare everywhere.  Slowly, Sagan finds himself attracted to her, and tries to win her over.

When Sagan goes away for awhile to handle his bad brother, he returns to find that his home, and his warriors have totally changed, due to Ele’s influence.  When his brother returns, he decides to make Ele his own, and the two battle it out.

What follows is a battle that will involve Sagan, his brother Chase, and their father, whom Ele saved.  Sagan manages to be a step ahead of Chase, but learns that the danger sits with the father. Will Sagan survive? What happens to Ele when she manages to escape and return home?  You will need to read this short story to find out. 

I really enjoyed this quick read, and was happy with how the story concluded. M.A. Abraham once again gives us a fun story line, with great characters.

 

 

Fortress Description:
A slip of the tongue by Riel’s older brother, Tash, has sent him reeling. Riel is the god of the sun, and until now he didn’t know that he was related to Sagan, who is known as the god of the sky. It doesn’t take much prodding to get him to travel across the great distance so he can get to know his brother, a man who is his identical twin.
Tash is a god of chaos, and although he is content to let things develop as they will, up to a point, this soon comes to an end when they arrive in Sagan’s home to find Ele’s sisters also visiting. As Riel quickly falls for the one sister, Tash plots to destroy everything and everyone around him.

Satirea and Aslea, Ele’s sisters are also in residence. One is a goddess of battles, the other a goddess of justice. It is Aslea who finds out about Tash’s plans and moves to stop him. The question is, can she before it is too late?

 

 

Fortress Review:

The Fortress by M.A. Abraham is part of the multi authored Twist of Fate (Gods of War) anthology.  This review is solely on The Fortress, which is a novella.  We meet Riel, one of our heroes, who is the God of Sun, and his half-brother, Tash, who is the God of Chaos.  Reil learns that the God of the Sky is his twin brother, Sagan, whom he has never met.  He decides he wants to meet him and plans to travel to his land and The Fortress.

Tash, has always been a bad boy, but is close to Reil, which convinces him to go with him to meet Sagan.  When they arrive at The Fortress, Sagan welcomes his brother and Tash, and introduces his wife, Ele to them.  Tash acts brashly to Ele, who has her own powers, which she turns on him, with fire ants, much to Tash’s dislike.   Both Sagan and Ele recognize that Tash is dangerous and needs watching.  Ele’s two sisters also arrived for a visit, and Riel finds himself in competing with Satirea (who is the Goddess of Battles) and by the time they are finished, they both end up falling hard for each other. 

Tash is jealous, and plots to destroy his brother’s relationship with an evil plan, that will also possibly hurt Ele and the other sister, Aslea (Goddess of Justice).  As Tash puts together his plan, Aslea overhears his plan and works with another friend of Sagan, to stop Tash at any cost.

What follows is Aslea and Cort getting help to turn the tables on Tash, which will eventually bring him in front of Sagan, Ele, Reil, who realize what he was planning in destroying them.  Before Sagan can do anything, someone from the past will return to bring justice. I did like most of the characters, with the exception of Tash. The Fortress was a quick read, and a good story that was well written by M.A. Abraham. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copies supplied for review

 

 

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Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton – a Review

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Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton – a Review

 

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Description:
Elise King is a successful and ambitious detective–or she was before a medical leave left her unsure if she’d ever return to work. She now spends most days watching the growing tensions in her small seaside town of Ebbing–the weekenders renovating old bungalows into luxury homes, and the locals resentful of the changes.

Elise can only guess what really happens behind closed doors. But Dee Eastwood, her house cleaner, often knows. She’s an invisible presence in many of the houses in town, but she sees and hears everything.

The conflicts boil over when a newcomer wants to put the town on the map with a giant music festival, and two teenagers overdose on drugs. When a man disappears the first night of the festival, Elise is drawn back into her detective work and starts digging for answers. Ebbing is a small town, but it’s full of secrets and hidden connections that run deeper and darker than Elise could have ever imagined.

 

 

Review:

Local Gone Missing by Fiona Barton is another one of her standalone suspense novels.  I have read a few books by this author, which were very good.  I did like Local Gone Missing, but thought it was very slow in the beginning with the last third of the book exciting. 

Elise King, our heroine, is currently on medical leave from her job as a police detective (inspector) in Ebbing; planning on returning to work soon. Elise learns about the disappearance of a local man from the music festival, as well as two teenagers overdosing on drugs.  Elise, being bored, decides to investigate on her own, with her neighbor friend, Ronnie; she was a hoot (who loved being an amateur detective).  Elise will uncover many secrets revolving around the missing man, Charlie Perry, who had made a number of enemies in town, that not only goes back many years, but also in the present. Charlie’s body is found a few days later, and Elise will discover that a number of people were after him, as he owed a lot of money from his investment schemes. Halfway through the book, Elise is called back to work taking over the police investigation

There was so much going on, with a lot of suspects, that made more than half the book a bit slow and somewhat confusing, as well as being hard to keep track of everything; especially with all the subplots.  The time line did go back and forth from the past and the present. I really liked Elise, she was a great detective, as we got to see the inner workings of police procedurals (interviews & investigations).  The last third of the book was very exciting, with Elise in the forefront, with her staff and the many suspects.

Local Gone Missing was a cozy busy mystery that was interesting, and a very exciting at the end. Local Gone Missing may have started a slow, but was well written by Fiona Barton.   

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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