Tag Archives: Mystery

Last Seen Alive by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Last Seen Alive by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
The woman lies so still as her blood soaks into the soft bedcovers beneath her. A tear runs down her face as she looks at the wedding band on her finger. She had loved her husband so much…

When Detective Amanda Steele unexpectedly reconnects with an old boyfriend, the last thing she expects to see lying on his bed is the dead body of his wife, Claire, who walked out on him four years ago.

Logan begs Amanda to believe he’s innocent. But she doesn’t miss the gun on a nearby table, and she’s torn when forensics reveal that not only was this the murder weapon, but Logan’s fingerprints are all over it… Could he have been framed? Or is he using his connection to Amanda to get away with murder?

Determined to uncover the truth, Amanda retraces Claire’s last steps and finds that she visited her best friend the day before her death. But Amanda is devastated to discover that the friend died in a car accident just hours after meeting with Claire. What deadly secret connected them, and could more women be in danger?

But the killer is closer than Amanda realises, and when her beloved daughter, Zoe, is threatened, she’s suddenly in a race to find the final clue before the person she loves most pays the price…

 

 

Review:

Last Seen Alive by Carolyn Arnold is the 6th book in her Detective Amanda Steele series.  I have noted this many times, that I am a big fan of Arnold, having read most of her series, and I love this series, which continues with another great addition.  Last Seen Alive was fantastic, with me unable to put the book down.  Amanda Steele, our heroine, is a homicide detective in Dumfries, Virginia Police Department

The story starts off with Amanda, having been out with friends, ends up at her ex-boyfriend’s (Logan) house, when they find the body of a woman fatally shot: the woman happens to be Logan’s ex wife, whom he has not seen in 4 years. Amanda pushes Logan out of the room, calls for help, which will also bring her partner Trent.  Amanda’s nasty sergeant, pulls her off the case, since the police suspect Logan killed his wife. Amanda knows Logan is innocent, and together with Trent, they go all out to find the murderer, with her sargeant allowing her to get back on case. Amanda was determined to uncover Claire’s last steps, and learns that her previous boss also was killed the day before.  What is the connection, and who else could be in danger.

Amanda and Trent worked very well together, with Trent getting Amanda to go home at night to be with her daughter, Zoe.  I really liked how Trent became a better partner to Amanda, and enjoyed how well they worked together.  Amanda is a fabulous heroine, who goes beyond, as well as being emotional, with somewhat of a temper; but she is a master as solving crimes. They discover that Claire (Logans ex) was involved in stealing various paintings and artifacts over the years, and they go all out to find out who was working with Claire. 

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful, intriguing, tense mystery that kept me unable to put the book down, as this was a mind-blowing thriller. There were so many suspects, and even surprises at the end. To say too much more would be spoilers, and this was a great good story that needs to be read from start to finish, especially with so much going on that keeps us glued to the book. It is important to read this story from start to finish.

Last Seen Alive was a very good excellent crime thriller that was suspenseful, intense, and kept us guessing who was the murderer to the end. Amanda and Trent were so very good together.  Last Seen Alive was so very well written by Carolyn Arnold, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next. If you like mystery thrillers, police procedural, then you need to be reading this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

 

 

 


CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has several continuing fiction series and has many published books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from police procedurals, hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Her crime fiction series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining. This led to her adopting the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives near London, Ontario, Canada with her husband and two beagles.

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Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison – a Review

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Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison – a Review

 

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Description:
Rory Morris isn’t thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it is temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby’s father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she’d put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she’s attacked.

Rory survives, miraculously, but life begins to look and feel different. She’s unnaturally strong, with an aversion to silver–and suddenly the moon has her in its thrall. She’s changing into someone else–something else, maybe even a monster. But does that mean she’s putting those close to her in danger? Or is embracing the wildness inside of her the key to acceptance?

This darkly comedic love story is a brilliantly layered portrait of trauma, rage, and vulnerability

 

 

Review:

Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison is a standalone novel.  Rory Morris, our heroine, is not happy to return to her hometown, but her twin sister, Scarlett is pregnant and estranged from the baby’s father; and Rory needs to be there for her sister. She has bad memories, and has been distant with her mother, who is out of town.  When meeting friends at the local bar, she leaves early to drive back to the house, only to accidently hit an animal with her car; when she checks to see what she hit, Rory is attacked.

Rory survives, and is treated at the hospital, with scratches (why have her deep bruises disappeared?), not to mention she suddenly has extra strength, craves meat, angry and feels so very different.  After reading up, she begins to realize that she was bitten by a werewolf, and now she is changing into one. Rory tries to learn more about werewolves, and how to lock herself up during a full moon.

While Rory deals with her transformation, she meets an old flame, Ian, who still professes his love for Rory.  Rory must also deal with her mother, whom she resents, since she had a bad childhood experience with a former boyfriend of the mother.  Rory can’t forgive.

Most of the characters were flawed, which included Rory and Scarlett. Rory was a great heroine, doing everything she can to help her sister, and still deal with the change in her life being what she calls “a monster”. Despite that, Rory was cool, charismatic, sassy and quirky; Scarlett was even more unpredictable.  The relationship between Rory and Ian was nice, but what happens when Ian finds out about Rory?

Such Sharp Teeth was a wild ride of a book, that kept me entertained, as well as tense at times. I did like most of the secondary characters. The closer we got to the end, was very exciting, with a satisfying finale.  Such Sharp Teeth was very well written by Rachel Harrison.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly – a Review

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Whiskers and Lies by Sofie Kelly – a Review

 

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Description:
Baker Georgia Tepper has been hired to provide delicious and spooky cupcakes for the Reading Buddies Halloween Party at the library, and she and Kathleen are meeting to finalize the menu of festive confections. Unfortunately, once Georgia’s former mother-in-law ambushes her at the library and threatens Georgia with legal action, the afternoon of fun is soured.

When Georgia’s litigious in-law is later found dead and the friendly baker is implicated, Kathleen is eager to help prove her innocence. Luckily, Kathleen and her intrepid magical cats, Hercules and Owen, have solved their fair share of mysteries. As a result, she knows that in life as well as crime solving, it is all relative, but with hard work, she can make sure the right criminal is booked.

 

Review:

Whisker and Lies by Sofie Kelly is the 14th book in her wonderful Magical Cats Mystery series.  Our heroine in this series is Kathleen Paulson, the librarian of Mayville Heights, as well as her adorable two cats, Hercules and Owen, who have some strange magical abilities like walking through a door, or just disappearing.  It’s fun to see Hercules and Owen find ways to give Kathleen little hints to help solve crimes. 

Kathleen’s friend, Georgia, is a baker, and helps with the Halloween party.  Georgia went on the run, when her husband died, and his parents wanted to take full control of her young daughter, Emmy. Years later, they find her and threaten to take her daughter away. When the mother-in-law is found dead off a cliff, Georgia becomes the suspect. Kathleen is determined to find the real killer and prove Georgia’s innocence. 

There are so many wonderful secondary characters, and Kathleen will talk to the local people in trying to find clues. I loved Hercules and Owen, who were so much fun.  I also loved Kathleen and Marcus (her detective boyfriend) together, as they made a great couple.    

Whisker and Lies is a lighthearted, fun and comforting mystery, that was so very well written by Sofie Kelly.  Again, Hercules and Owen were delightful, as they always managed to get Kathleen’s attention ‘pawing’ out the clues. The story was fast paced, and kept me glued to my kindle.  If you want a fast cute fun mystery, I wholly suggest you read this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

 

 

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Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

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Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley – a Review

 

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Description:
Paige and her joyful Aunt Glo have learned that the home they inherited comes with a magical library. They put together a book club group of loveable kooks to explore the magic. They’ve recovered from their first book journey, and they all agree on their next book which takes place on a cruise ship bound for Hawaii. Problem is, they were so excited about the cruising idea that they didn’t read the entire blurb on the back of the book. (“It was entirely too long,” explains Zell.) Once on the ship, they meet a charming and likeable man who blends seamlessly into their motley group. Too bad they don’t know why he’s so scarce during the day but shows up to join them every evening for dinner, drinks, and a show. When a dead body shows up on board, their new friend is labeled a suspect. Can they help him out by finding the real murderer? Or is he the real murderer? The book club will need to solve the case to get off the ship, out of the book, and back to their home.

 

 

Review:

Vampires and Villains by Elizabeth Pantley is the 2nd book in her fun Magical Mystery Book Club series. Refresher: Paige and her Aunt Glo, inherited the grandmother’s country inn, which comes with a magical library. Upon arriving at the Inn, they meet the resident cat, Frank, who talks (love Frank). With Frank’s help, they discover a secret library in the locked basement, which is enchanted.  They learn that they need to continue the existing magical book club, and bring in 6 more members. 

In Vampires and Villains, Paige, Glo, and the eclectic and quirky members, pick a new book, which is a cruise to Hawaii; since they are short one member (from the previous book), a new member, “Million” joins.  This is a misfit group with each very different (talking cat, teenager, 80-year-old original member, etc) but they have become friends.

After boarding the ship, they meet intriguing new characters, including vampires.  Vincent, a vampire, who they immediately like, joins them often at dinner, and becomes their friend.  When a dead body is discovered, Vincent is considered a possible suspect, but the group is determined to find the real murderer, and help save Vincent.

The story was fun, with all of the members in the middle of this mystery, as they find a dead body at the casino; the ships security are mostly Vamps, and they take over. The team spends lots of time enjoying their cruise, and excursions, as well as trying to find new clues. As the mystery moves on to being solved, and the killer apprehended, the story winds down toward their return home.

Vampires and Villains was another enjoyable story, that was very well written by Elizabeth Pantley; which was totally different and unusual.  There were a number of surprises throughout, which was so much fun and a blast to read.  I loved the talking cat, Frank. Vampires and Villains was a wonderful lighthearted mystery and I look forward to the next book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for Review

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Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn – a Review

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Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn – a Review

 

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Description:
Older women often feel invisible, but sometimes that’s their secret weapon.

They’ve spent their lives as the deadliest assassins in a clandestine international organization, but now that they’re sixty years old, four women friends can’t just retire – it’s kill or be killed in this action-packed thriller by New York Times bestselling and Edgar Award-nominated author Deanna Raybourn.

Billie, Mary Alice, Helen, and Natalie have worked for the Museum, an elite network of assassins, for forty years. Now their talents are considered old-school and no one appreciates what they have to offer in an age that relies more on technology than people skills.

When the foursome is sent on an all-expenses paid vacation to mark their retirement, they are targeted by one of their own. Only the Board, the top-level members of the Museum, can order the termination of field agents, and the women realize they’ve been marked for death.

Now to get out alive they have to turn against their own organization, relying on experience and each other to get the job done, knowing that working together is the secret to their survival. They’re about to teach the Board what it really means to be a woman–and a killer–of a certain age.

 

 

Review:

Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn is a fun, exciting & and entertaining standalone novel.  I have not read Deanna Raybourn for many years, and was so pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. Our heroines, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie, have worked for the secret Museum, an elite private network of assassins for 40 years. We get to see them in action during their first assignment (after much training, becoming the first all-female group), and now 40 years later, they have retired, with the company sending them on a bon voyage cruise trip.  The story line is split between two time periods, the present and many of their past escapades.  In the early days of their unique career, they were assigned to kill as many Nazi’s as they can, with after the war and more to the present, their assignments become dangerous murderers, drug dealers, dictators, etc.

The ladies came from different backgrounds, remained friends, though many of their assignments were not together. While enjoying their cruise, they recognize someone who one of them knew from years ago, who worked for the Museum, and they realize that because of their knowledge, they are in danger of being targeted for death. The ladies manage to escape the ship, and begin the process of trying to get more information, as they know they are in a race for their lives.  When an old friend makes an attempt on their life, Billie, Mary Alice, Helen and Natalie, step up their game to eliminate the leaders who have targeted them.  These ladies were so much fun to watch, as they were not only smart, but tough and amazing.  To say too much more would be spoilers, and you really need to read and enjoy this book.

Killers of a Certain Age was fast pace, at times tense, entertaining, and a fantastic thriller; and very well written by Deanna Raybourn.  The banter (lots of humor) between the ladies was great, as this was so much fun to watch them, with us praying they will survive.  Great concept that at their age (60’s), that they can still fight and prove that they will not go down quietly.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and bravo to Deanna Raybourn for a wonderful story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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Desperation in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

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Desperation in Death by J.D. Robb – a Review

 

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Description:
New York, 2061: The place called the Pleasure Academy is a living nightmare where abducted girls are trapped, trained for a life of abject service while their souls are slowly but surely destroyed. Dorian, a thirteen-year-old runaway who’d been imprisoned there, might never have made it out if not for her fellow inmate Mina, who’d hatched the escape plan. Mina was the more daring of the two—but they’d been equally desperate.

Unfortunately, they didn’t get away fast enough. Now Dorian is injured, terrified, and wandering the streets of New York, and Mina lies dead near the waterfront while Lt. Eve Dallas looks over the scene.

Mina’s expensive, elegant clothes and beauty products convince Dallas that she was being groomed, literally and figuratively, for sex trafficking—and that whoever is investing in this high-overhead operation expects windfall profits. Her billionaire husband, Roarke, may be able to help, considering his ties to the city’s ultra-rich. But Roarke is also worried about the effect this case is having on Dallas, as it brings a rage to the surface she can barely control. No matter what, she must keep her head clear–because above all, she is desperate for justice and to take down those who prey on and torment the innocent.

 

 

Review:

Desperation In Death by J.D. Robb is the 55th book in her magnificent In Death/Eve Dallas series. I have noted this many times that I love this series, as I have read every single book, as well as all the novellas of this series. I also love Eve and Roarke, who I still consider the best literary couple. Desperation in Death is another very good addition to this series.  I will never have enough of this series, and marvel how Robb continues to give us fascinating stories at 55 books later; though this book is one of the darker books in this series, with lots of twists and turns.

Eve is called to a scene where a dead teenager is found; as she notices the clothes/undergarments on the dead girl, she begins to suspect that the girl was a victim of a sex trafficking organization. Eve and Peabody begin a search of another missing teen, who was injured and ran away; they are determined to find the missing girl, before the villains find her.  As the case continues to get darker, it causes Eve to remember her own past, as she is mentally and emotionally distraught; with Roarke and Peabody trying to keep her calm.  We learn more about the missing girl, Dorian, and her now dead friend, Mina; as they escaped the “Pleasure Academy”, only to have Mina push Dorian to safety, bringing her own death.

It was sad and dark, as we see how the young girls are being kidnapped at a young age, and forcefully trained to be a sex slave. Eve pulls everyone together, including other departments to help find the so-called academy and Dorian.  Roarke, who we know, always helps Eve on her cases, and this is no different; but he is concerned how this case is affecting Eve.

I always love to see all the many recurring characters, such as Peabody, Nadine, McNab, Mira, Mavis, Feeney, Reo, Summerset, Galahad, and Eve’s entire police team. Closer to the end, Dorian will eventually open up to Eve, and help find the villains and the Academy; giving her own justice, as well as all the girls rescued.

What follows is an intense, exciting, non-stop action filled race to find the people running the awful sex trafficking Academy. The story is grim and tragic, with the last third of the book being very tense and exciting, with edge of your seat suspense. 

With 55 books and many novellas, Eve has changed drastically from being alone to having so many friends and teammates she cares about.  J.D. Robb once again gives us another masterpiece to this wonderful series, which I hope keeps on rolling for many years to come. Desperation in Death is another masterpiece to this amazing series, which is always so very well written by J.D. Robb.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 1-4 by Kate Gable-reviews

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Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 1-4 by Kate Gable-reviews

 

WHAT SHE DID aka LAST BREATH
(Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 1)
by Kate Gable
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 1, 2022

She walks through the strangely familiar house, hardwood floors creaking under her feet. They are in bed: peaceful, except for the pool of blood spreading across the white sheets.

A couple expecting their first child is brutally murdered in their home. The prime suspect? The scorned ex-wife who supposedly has no knowledge of why she’s there or what happened.

When Detective Charlotte Pierce arrives at the scene, it’s up to her to unravel the mystery of newlyweds’ murder. It looks like an open and shut case, but certain things are not adding up.

Despite pressures from her FBI director father, Charlotte came to Mesquite County to escape the burdens of a big city police department. She has been through a lot and a quiet suburban community where nothing really happens is exactly what she is looking for.

Little does she know that this quiet community is filled with secrets of its own, including those within the police department. She could easily go with the flow, but she refuses to ignore even the smallest inconsistencies.

Was it the ex-wife or is the murderer still out there? Can Charlotte get to the truth before he kills again?.

•••••••••

REVIEW: WHAT SHE DID aka LAST BREATH is the first instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult CHARLOTTE FINN PIERCE mystery, suspense, thriller series focusing on Detective Charlotte Pierce.

Told from three first person perspectives (Charlotte, Will, Erin) WHAT SHE DID / LAST BREATH follows in the aftermath of the murder of attorney Derek Bryson and his pregnant wife Susannah. The only suspect is Derek’s ex-wife and former attorney Erin Lowry Bryson, a woman who cannot recall anything in the hours prior to the murders, having been found in the house, covered in blood. As the police struggled to make a case against Derek’s ex-wife, Erin discovers that everything about her own life with Derek has been predicated upon a number of lies, and there is a distinct possibility that she is the pawn in a much bigger game than she could have ever imagined. What ensues is the search for the truth, as Erin begins to interfere in the investigation, and her TSTL (too stupid to live ) actions threaten any possibIlity of a not guilty outcome.

As the story line progresses, we are introduced to Derek’s law partner Christopher Flynn, attorney Sandra Pullman, private investigator Shawn Nieves, Detective Charlotte Pierce and Detective William Torch. The story line focused more so on, and was told mostly from Erin Lowry Bryson’s point of view, and therefore, some of the information and evidence comes from a suspect, and not the police investigation. I think the author should tell more of the story from Charlotte’s point of view, as this is a series focusing, first and foremost, on Detective Charlotte Pierce, and the cases to which she will be assigned. I was a little confused thinking the series was about Erin Lowry.

Kate Gable pulls the reader into a story of suspense and mystery, murder and vengeance, betrayal and discovery. The premise is intriguing; the characters are energetic, real and charismatic.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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NAMELESS GIRL aka WHEN SHE LEFT
Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 2
by Kate Gable
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 17, 2022

When a 13-year-old girl vanished, her friends have kept certain details of that night a secret. Even though she was only a teenager, this mistake continues to haunt Detective Charlotte Pierce.

Twenty years later, Charlotte attends her middle school reunion and begins to investigate what happened to her friend that night.

Meanwhile, back home in Mesquite County, CA, another teenager reports her sister missing and comes home to discover that both of her parents have been brutally murdered.

Will Charlotte be able to locate the missing girl and find out who killed her parents and why?

Will Charlotte ever find out that truth about what happened to her friend that night?

••••••••

REVIEW: NAMELESS GIRL aka WHEN SHE LEFT is the second instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult DETECTIVE CHARLOTTE PIERCE LAST BREATH mystery suspense series focusing on Mesquite County Detective Charlotte Pierce.

NOTE: The series name has changed a couple of times; book two NAMELESS GIRL was original titled WHEN SHE LEFT, and continues to be so at several outlets- there may be some confusion for readers

Told from three first person perspectives (Charlotte, Franny, Madison) following several intersecting and separate paths NAMELESS GIRL focuses on the search for a missing nineteen year old young woman. Sixteen year old, Franny Dillard hasn’t seen her nineteen year old sister Madison in close to three weeks, and her parents appear unconcerned about their daughter’s whereabouts. In an effort to locate her sister, Franny speaks to Detective Charlotte Pierce, in the hopes the police will search for the truth but hours later, Franny arrives home to discover her parents have been murdered, and the mystery begins to spiral out of control.

Meanwhile, Charlotte has been invited to her grade eight reunion, a reunion that forces Charlotte and her friends to revisit the past when one of their own vanished without a trace.

Detective Charlotte Pierce and her partner Detective Will Torch had no idea a missing persons case would devolve so quickly but as the detectives begin a search for the truth, not all is well in Mesquite County, California as money laundering, fraud, murder for hire, extortion, arson and the Mob all coalesce into a mystery of who, what and why. As Charlotte and Will commiserate over dinner and drinks, Charlotte will be introduced to former police officer turned firefighter Dylan Ferreira.

NAMELESS GIRL is an intriguing story of suspense and mystery, murder and manipulation, secrets and lies. The premise is engaging, suspenseful and twisted; the characters are animated and passionate. If you are a fan of the author’s Detective Caitlyn Carr series, you will recognize many similarities and themes

Copy supplied for review

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LAKE OF LIES
Detectives Charlotte Pierce/ Kaitlyn Carr novella 2.5
by Kate Gable
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery thriller

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 11, 2022

When a young woman’s lifeless body is found with strangulation marks not far from her tent, Detective Charlotte Pierce heads to the small mountain town of Quail Lake to investigate.

Mesquite County Sheriff’s department is short staffed and the only other person working the case is an inexperienced deputy who has never investigated a murder.

Soon, Charlotte discovers that the twenty-year-old murder victim was living in a camper van with her boyfriend and documenting their life online as van life influencers.

But there’s more to it. Charlotte had actually met the couple while on a hike by a desert waterfall and intervened when their argument got intense.

Now, Charlotte is up against the clock to find the boyfriend, the person she suspects was the last one to see the woman alive.

The investigation leads her from the sleepy town of Quail Lake to the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles and the streets that she is all too familiar with having worked previously for the LAPD. It also brings her in contact with an old acquaintance, Detective Kaitlyn Carr who helps her with the mystery.

As Charlotte and Kaitlyn start to pieces of the puzzle together, they find out that appearances are deceiving. Quail Lake is a town where secrets don’t want to stay buried and the truth will put both of their lives in danger.

••••••••

REVIEW: LAKE OF LIES by Kate Gable is a cross over novella from the author’s DETECTIVE CHARLOTTE PIERCE and DETECTIVE KAITLYN CARR series.

Told from first person perspective (Charlotte Pierce) with a single chapter by Kaitlyn Carr LAKE OF LIES follows in the wake of a young woman, found dead at her campsite, a young woman whom Detective Charlotte Pierce had witnessed being abused by her boyfriend at another time. Days earlier Charlotte came across a young couple, Madison and Michael, who were filming and blogging their journey across the country when the young man became aggressive and abusive towards Madison. Offering to press charges, Charlotte is surprised when the young woman declines, contiuing on their journey together. Days later, a hiker stumbles across a body, the murder victim is none other than young woman Madison, the woman Charlotte met days before. With the boyfriend as the prime suspect, Charlotte begins an investigation but a staff shortage at the precinct forces Charlotte to call in help from Detective Kaitlyn Carr, who is tasked with interviewing the boyfriend’s parents. Suspecting all was not right with the parents, Kaitlyn quickly becomes suspicious when the young couple’s van is found parked outside, and the parents claim no idea as to the how and why. Brought in for questioning, Michael proclaims his innocence directing the detectives towards someone else. What ensues is the search for the truth, and the fall out when obsession leads to murder, prefaced by love.

LAKE OF LIES bares some but limited resemblance to a recent murder case that gained national attention when another couple filmed their trip across America, a trip that ended in the murder of the young woman. LAKE OF LIES is a novella length, fast paced, quick read that pulls together two tough but experienced Detectives as they search for a killer, to bring justice for a young woman who died long before her time. The premise is intriguing with a couple of twists and turns.

_________

MISSING LIVES aka HOW SHE DISAPPEARED
Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 3
by Kate Gable
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 26, 2022

When two young boys disappear while riding their bikes, Detective Charlotte Pierce must follow the clues to find their killer before he strikes again.

In the dusty outskirts of Mesquite County, California, two kids go missing, taken from outside their homes. The quiet desert community is devastated and it’s up to Charlotte to find out what happened.

The FBI is called in and a man who stalked and terrorized Charlotte comes back into her life. She kept his secret to protect her career, but is now being forced to work with him to solve the case.

What happens when she confronts him about what he has done? What happens when the killer start searching for another victim?

•••••••••

REVIEW: MISSING LIVES aka HOW SHE DISAPPEARED is the third instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary,adult DETECTIVE CHARLOTTE PIERCE MYSTERY (aka Detective Charlotte Pierce) mystery/suspense series focusing on Mesquite County, California Detective Charlotte Pierce. MISSING LIVES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order as there is an ongoing premise throughout.

NOTE: Once again, the author has changed book titles, and the series name such that the confusion is making it difficult to keep track of the books and series order. MISSING LIVES/ HOW SHE DISAPPEARED is part 3 of the Charlotte Pierce Mystery, yet the author has the same series aka Detective Charlotte Pierce with the first two books (different) titles with the same characters and premise, and that book 3 is a different premise all together. Confused..yep, so am I.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Charlotte and Kelsey) MISSING LIVES follows several paths including the truth behind Charlotte’s missing childhood friend Kelsey, the disappearance and murder of two young boys, Charlotte’s boyfriend’s dangerous and deadly work assignment, and a ghost from the past that refuses to let go.

Detective Charlotte Pierce and her partner Detective Will Torch are assigned to investigate the disappearance of a young boy who would later be found dead. As the duo begin their investigation into the first of three missing boys, Charlotte will be forced to work alongside the man who almost destroyed her life, an FBI Agent who continues to harass our story line heroine. When Charlotte reveals the truth to her partner, about what happened years before, she must consider her options going forward, options that may threaten our heroine’s career.

Meanwhile, Detective Will Torch’s personal and professional life are about to collide; and Charlotte’s boyfriend is injured on the job.

MISSING LIVES is a fast paced, intriguing, suspense filled story of secrets and lies, power and betrayal, family and friendships, obsession and murder. The premise is captivating, dramatic and intense; the characters are charismatic and determined. Detective Kaitlyn Carr from the author’s Kaitlyn Carr series crosses over with a cameo appearance in preparation for an upcoming cross-over novella.

Here’s hoping the series, the books, the stories and the covers eventually merge and release in a non-confusing manner.

Copy supplied for review

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GIRL IN THE LAKE
Detective Charlotte Pierce Mystery 4
by Kate Gable
Genre: adult, contemporary, mystery thriller

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 6, 2022

Hidden secrets and deadly lies…

Following the incident that nearly killed her boyfriend, Detective Charlotte Pierce needs a weekend away with him in the quaint mountain town of Quail Lake, California.

However, their trip is interrupted when a sixteen-year-old camp counselor goes missing. The girl’s body is later found by the lake shore with strangulation marks around her neck and bruises all over.

The sleepy town of Quail Lake has only one inexperienced deputy on call and Charlotte can’t say no when the sheriff asks her to help with the investigation.

When she begins to speak to the girl’s roommates and crush as well as other camp counselors, Charlotte’s instincts tell her that this wasn’t a drifter who had committed this terrible murder. This was someone who was close to her. But who would want such a nice girl dead?

As Charlotte continues to investigate, she discovers that Camp Quail Lake is full of secrets and lies. Nothing is what it seems and everyone has a reason to keep their stories to themselves.

From the exciting beginning to its various twists and turns, the novel will keep you guessing all the way to the end. Girl in the Lake is a stark reminder that summers don’t last forever, secrets can’t stay buried and but murderers kill for a reason.

••••

REVIEW GIRL IN THE LAKE is the fourth instalment in Kate Gable’s contemporary, adult DETECTIVE CHARLOTTE PIERCE MYSTERY THRILLER series focusing on former LAPD Detective Charlotte Pierce. GIRL IN THE LAKE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but I recommend reading the series in order for back story and cohesion as their is an ongoing premise throughout.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including talk of suicide and self harm, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from first person (Charlotte) and third person (Sarah) GIRL IN THE LAKE follows Detective Charlotte Pierce as she vacations with her boyfriend in Quail Lake, California. Charlotte’s boyfriend Dylan is recovering from an accident that nearly took his life, and our couple needed to spend some quiet time together in the mountains of Quail Lake but an early morning jog finds Charlotte at the scene where a young woman’s body has been located, a sixteen year old girl counsellor from Camp Quail Lake. Along with an overwhelmed local police officer Deputy Gavin Skeeter, Charlotte gets permission to lead an investigation where they begin to unravel the secrets and lies that lead to the person responsible for killing Sarah Dunn. From jealousy and rivalry of teenaged girls, Charlotte begins to piece together a possible motive for the killing of one of their own.

Meanwhile, Charlotte and Dylan’s relationship struggles with Charlotte’s need to see the investigation through to the end. Charlotte knows their time together is going to suffer but our heroine also knows that she is the only person with the ability to get the job done.

GIRL IN THE LAKE is a story of jealousy, first loves, friendships and heart break. The premise is intriguing and engaging; the characters are numerous, energetic, charismatic and young.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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New Jersey Noir: Barnegat Light by William Baer-a review

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New Jersey Noir: Barnegat (Jack Colt Murder Mysteries) Light by William Baer-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2, 2022

After Jack Colt is hired by a pretty FBI agent to solve a horrific murder case in Barnegat Light, he finds himself called upon by the daughter of a distinguished judge to another murder scene. Although Colt remembers that his uncle once warned him that “Only an idiot takes two cases at the same time,” he nonetheless takes up the challenge. Along the way, there is yet another case involving the family of the powerful state governor, which he turns down, and yet cannot resist casually working on in the background. The result is fast-paced, suspenseful action that propels Colt through the Garden State, New York City, and all the way to California and Arizona.

•••••••

REVIEW:  BARNEGAT LIGHT is the third instalment in William Baer’s contemporary, adult NEW JERSEY NOIR murder mystery series focusing on thirty-two year old, New Jersey private investigator and descendant of the inventor of the Colt revolver Jack Colt.

Told from third person perspective (Jack Colt) BARNEGAT LIGHT follows several paths as our hero, Jack Colt PI is tasked with investigating two unconnected local murders yet involving himself in a third, the victim our hero knew only too well. The first case involves the murder of a local judge, a case that takes a dark and ominous turn with a secret room and cell hidden in the basement where more bodies are found. The second murder finds our hero investigating the mutilation and murder of a young woman whose identical twin sister works the cybercrimes division of the FBI, and thirdly, the newly elected mayor is killed, the daughter of the state’s governor, a woman whose reputation in all things, is otherwise questionable including her connection to another series of disappearances and murders. As Jack Colt and FBI Special Agent Zoe Hathaway begin amassing the clues, our hero finds himself falling for a young woman who may be the next target of a serial killer.

BARNEGAT LIGHT: New Jersey Noir is a detailed, complex, and multi-layered story line of murder, mystery, obsession and revenge. Once again, with the help of his late uncle’s receptionist, Mrs. Doris Solerno aka Nonna, aka best friend and Detective Luca Solerno’s grandmother, and IT hacker Xander, the interpretive and analytical Jack Colt begins to unravel trails of deceit, madness, delusion and vengeance; dysfunctional family preoccupation, and a mob connected secret that demands to remain hidden behind the scenes. The premise is intricate but often meanders in other directions making it difficult to stay on track-some of the conflict resolution is off-page; the characters are numerous, energetic, and deceptive.

With reference to the intricacy and complexity of the story, I found myself having to take notes in an effort to keep track of the relationships, connections and the who, what, why and hows. There was an overwhelming and inordinate but entertaining amount of detail and information to digest.

Reading Order and Previous reviews
New Jersey Noir
New Jersey Noir: Cape May

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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William Baer, a recent Guggenheim fellow, is the award-winning author of twenty-two books, and his various plays have been produced at over thirty American theaters.  He grew up in the Bronx and Wayne, New Jersey, where his family was actively involved in “little theater.”  A graduate of Rutgers (B.A.) and New York University (M.A.), he completed his dissertation in creative writing at the University of South Carolina under the direction of James Dickey.  After attending the Johns Hopkins’ Writing Seminars (M.A.), he served as a Fulbright at the University of Coimbra in Portugal.  He then attended the University of Southern California’s Graduate School of Cinema (M.A.), where he received the Jack Nicholson Screenwriting Award.  The recipient of a Creative Writing Grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, he currently lives in North Jersey.

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