Tag Archives: Mystery

Stone Cold Heart by Laura Griffin – a Review

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Stone Cold Heart by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

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Description:
When local rock climbers stumble upon abandoned human bones in a remote Texas gorge, Sara Lockhart is the first to get the call. She has a reputation as one of the nation’s top forensic anthropologists, and police detective Nolan Hess knows she is just the expert he needs to help unravel this case. Although evidence is scarce, Nolan suspects the bones belong to a teenage climber who vanished last summer.

But as Sara unearths strange clues, she finds chilling similarities to a case from her past—a case that now threatens to rock Nolan’s community. While Sara digs deep for answers, the stakes rise higher as another young woman disappears without a trace. Investigators work against the clock as Sara races to discover the truth, even if her harrowing search brings her face to face with a stone-cold killer.

 

 

Review:

Cold Stone Heart by Laura Griffin is the 13th book in her fantastic Tracers series, which is one of the best romance suspense series.  Each of these books do read very well as standalones, but it is always better to start from the beginning and understand about the Tracers (Delphi Center- forensics, etc).  The heroes in this series are usually different members of the Delphi Center and a detective working on the case, though on occasion it is different, but its fun to get glimpses of some of the characters from previous books.    I love this series, and Laura Griffin continues to amaze me on her overall knowledge of forensics, and how well written the stories are.  I always look forward to reading each new book in this series.

In Cold Stone Heart, we meet Sara Lockhardt, our heroine, a forensic anthropologist for Delphi; and she is the one who goes to the scene of the crime.   Sara and some of her team, meet the lead detective, Nolan Hess, our hero, as he pushes to get fast results.  In a short time, Sara and Noah work together, bring them closer, as a slow built romance begins.  However, as is the norm for Laura Griffin, the story revolves around finding the killer; the romance elements are always part of the background, with the story fully in the forefront.  As the story progresses, it will be discovered that this is a serial murderer, and the case escalates as one victim is still alive.  There is also the case of a local girl missing for a few years, whom they suspect is dead and perhaps one of this murderer’s victims, but the family and local residents are desperate to help find closure for everyone.

Sara and her team manage to find clues on the bones they recovered, which also helped the police to look for more victims in the different parks. Sara was a very active participant in going to the scenes to try and find more evidence, which made Noah nervous; and rightfully so, as Sara did find herself in danger a couple of times.  I loved how informative and interesting how the different departments in Delphi Center were able to recover clues from almost anything.  We also got to see the POV of Grace, the most recent missing girl, who was kidnapped by the killer, with the race to find her before he kills her.

 The last half of the book was extremely tense and exciting, as I was on the edge of my seat and could not put the book down.  I do not want to give spoilers, as it would ruin it for you; since this was a thrilling and suspenseful mystery.

As I said before, I am a big fan of the Tracers series, which has a bit of everything; intricate mystery, murder, suspense, exciting,  great couple & secondary characters, as well as a sexy romance in the background.  Laura Griffin does such an amazing job detailing all the aspects of looking for various things found at a murder scene….truly awesome.   What follows is an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book.  What also makes this series so great is all wonderful dynamics of the Delphi Center (Tracers) that give us a look at the different ways to look for clues

Cold Stone Heart was an amazing intense mystery that has you on the edge throughout the entire book.   If you enjoy a true murder mystery, with lots of action, suspense, intense situations and a touch of romance, then you should be reading the Tracers series. Bravo to Laura Griffin for another fantastic story. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

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Smoky Mountains Ranger by Lena Diaz – a Review

 

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Description:
A dangerous mountain escape

Adam McKenzie’s protective instincts are on overdrive, but Jody Ingram is no helpless victim. She refuses to abandon the injured ranger who saved her life despite the mysterious gunmen hot on her trail. Adam must decide Jody is worth the risk to his life and his heart….

 

 

Review:

Smoky Mountains Ranger is the introductory novel in a new series, The Mighty McKenzies, by award-winning author, Lena Diaz. Jody is a young woman caught in a blackmail scheme and Adam is the law enforcement ranger whose intervention saves Jody, but uncovers a much more nefarious plot.

Adam stumbles upon Jody’s meet-and-greet-gone-horribly-wrong and his inadvertent involvement does little to improve the messy situation. Deciding Jody is in way over her head, “Tattoo Guy” has a gun on her, Adam overtakes the explosive situation and both are suddenly on the run from the thug!

In the chase, Tattoo Guy supplements his offense with a bevy of criminals and the secrets start spilling. Hiding, and still outwitting, the gang on their tail, Jody and Adam surmise that Jody’s boss has incriminating evidence against the motley crew and they won’t stop until Jody’s given up the goods.

Lena Diaz’s writing is solid as expected. In under 300 pages, she delivers the complete package. I was gripped by the mountain chase! The detailed scenes leave you in a panic; exhausted as if you’re scrambling alongside our heroes (or just hiding in wait was torturous!). I didn’t have the luxury of passing out from the pain like Adam — his/her stitch job was gruesome and imbedded itself quite graphically onto my brain. ?

I referred to an underlying, devious plot early on, and it’s unconscionable, but I don’t want to plant any seeds on that subplot, so let’s hype up the slow burn love story. Adam is more reticent about acting on their attraction because emotions are running high, people are dying and traumatizing memories are resurfacing, but Jody is a confident woman who isn’t afraid of intimacy. The connection intensifies, bemusedly, when they communicate; they listen without judgment. Oh, there is sexy indulgence, but their support and concern for each other stems from respect. And if that doesn’t depict forever kind of love…this isn’t your story. ?

The Mighty McKenzies is off to a great start. While his role may have been minimal, Adam’s brother, Duncan, a class act, will star in the next book. Since he was categorized as being “married to his job”, I think he’s primed for HEA. Make it so, Ms. Diaz!

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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The Last Act by Brad Parks – a Review

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The Last Act by Brad Parks – a Review

 

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Description:
Struggling stage actor Tommy Jump knows he has to stop chasing applause and start chasing greenbacks. But then he’s offered the role of a lifetime: $150,000 for a six-month acting gig. With a newly pregnant fiancee depending on him, it’s an opportunity he can’t refuse, even though the offer comes from the strangest employer imaginable: the FBI.

The feds won a small victory when they arrested Mitchell Dupree, a banker who has spent the past four years laundering money for New Colima, one of the deadliest cartels in Mexico and a major supplier of crystal meth in the US. But Dupree has documents that could lead to arrests of high-ranking members of New Colima, including their fearsome leader, El Vio . . . if only he’d tell the FBI where they are.

Using a false name and backstory, Tommy will enter Dupree’s low-security prison as a felon and get close to the banker in the hopes that he’ll reveal the documents’ whereabouts. But when Tommy arrives, he quickly realizes that he’s underestimated the enormity of his task and the terrifying reach of the cartel. Because the FBI isn’t the only one looking for the documents, and if Tommy doesn’t play his role to perfection, it just may be his last act.

 

 

Review:

The Last Act by Brad Parks is a standalone novel, and my first book by Brad Parks.  This was an excellent suspense thriller that kept me reading from start to finish. 

Tommy Jump is an actor, who loves his job, but with his fiancée pregnant, he knows he has to get a regular job to make ends meet.  Feeling down after performing his last  show, Tommy runs into an old friend.  His friend is now an FBI agent, and offers Tommy a 6 month job that will make him more than $150.000.  All Tommy has to do is take on a fake persona, go to jail and make friends with a banker, who is hiding documents that will incriminate a Mexican drug cartel boss.  Needless to say, Tommy accepts the job and prepares himself and his fiancée for the 6 month acting gig.

When Tommy enters the jail, he makes sure to make friends, getting himself closer to the banker.  He also gets his FBI friends to give him contraband from the outside to use to bribe prison mates in helping him get what he needs. 

What follows is an interesting, as well as suspenseful story that is told in multiple pov’s (Tommy, his fiancée, the drug lord, and assistant to the drug lord).  While Tommy is working to discovering where the documents are, we get glimpses how dangerous and evil the drug boss is, as he thinks nothing of killing anyone on the spot.  We also get a close up of the assistant, who is determined to find the documents, before his boss kills him.   It is a very exciting story line, and very well written by Parks. 

The Last Act is fast paced, suspenseful, and intense; which keeps us glued to the book until the very end.  I do not want to give too much information, as there are so many twists and surprises all through the book.  Tommy was a great character, who evolves as the story continues; especially with the many twists along the way that change everything. The Last Act was a gripping story that was so well written by Parks.  If you enjoy suspense thrillers, I suggest you read this book.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

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Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

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Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Special Agent Gideon Reynolds has tried hard to put his past behind him. He escaped the violence of his cult upbringing when he was just thirteen, and since then routine and discipline have been his way of making sense of the world. But when a petite blonde woman crashes into his life, he begins to realize that a little bit of chaos might not be so bad.

Daisy Dawson has had more than her fair share of pain too—but she’s done being a victim. Daisy’s determined to explore every new experience she can—including getting to know the dark and serious FBI investigator she meets when she fights off a masked attacker one night.

It soon becomes clear that Daisy’s attack was just the beginning. Now the bloodied bodies of young women are showing up all over California, and, as Gideon tries to find the killer, it’s clear that Daisy is in more danger than they ever realised…

 

 

Review:

Say You’re Sorry by Karen Rose is the 1st book in her new Sacramento series. Upon discovering Karen Rose a couple of years ago, I have enjoyed reading her books, and now with Say You’re Sorry being the first in a new series, I was excited to be able to start from scratch. Say You’re Sorry is another one of her exciting, action-packed and intense romance suspense thrillers, which once again kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

We meet Daisy Dawson at the start, as she and her friend Trish are coming back from an AA meeting.  Daisy is attacked from behind, and because of her training as a teenager by her father, she was able to escape.  We remember Daisy from a previous series, as she was a sister of the heroine.  Trish calls Rafe, her neighbor and friend to help, as he is a detective.  When Rafe looks at a necklace that Daisy ripped off of the attacker, he recognizes it.

Special Agent Gideon Reynolds, our hero, gets a call from his friend Rafe.  The necklace recovered brings back horrible memories of his childhood, when he suffered the violence of a cult, as well as his escape.   Gideon managed to build a life, especially being part of Rafe’s family; but he has not been able to let go of the past, as his mother and sister were left behind.  For seventeen years, Gideon has unsuccessfully tried to find where the cult is, even getting the FBI and other organizations to help his research to no avail.  Until he meets Daisy, and sees the necklace which was a duplicate of the cult design. 

In a short period, they will discover that a serial killer is killing women, and Gideon will be assigned to the case to protect Daisy.  We also get the POV of the evil villain, who is a crazed scary monster.  What makes this book so captivating is how it revolves around a vile serial killer, a background of a dangerous cult, and a sweet romance. 

What follows is an intriguing, intense, suspenseful  and at times mind-boggling story that had us holding our breaths throughout.  There were a number of twists revolving around a killer continually torturing his victims or seeing the horrors of Gideon’s past and knowing how badly the members were treated; we were totally captivated by this story.

Gideon was a great hero, determined to protect Daisy, whom he was beginning to fall hard for, as well as search for information to find that cult and save others.  Daisy was a fantastic heroine, who learned to take care of herself from a PTSD father who always trained his children to be able to fight or able to shoot guns.  She also was strong enough stop drinking and join AA, which she has been sober for many years.  Daisy too fell hard for Gideon and they made a great team.  I also loved the amazing group of family and friends, who were always there for both Daisy and Gideon.   

Say You’re Sorry is an intense thriller from start to finish, with non- stop action all the way.  As I have said before, Karen Rose never fails to give a fantastic well written thriller that is intense, always on the edge, with fantastic characters, evil villains and a wonderful couple you care for. If you love suspense, with a touch of romance and a thriller all the way, then look no further then Karen Rose.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

Good. She was waking up. Took her long enough.

He took a drag on his cigarette and blew the smoke into her face. A coughing fit ensued and by the time she’d calmed down, her dark eyes were open and staring up at him.
She was scared. This pleased him. He smiled down at her. They were always scared and this always pleased him.
He sat back in his chair, watching as she struggled against her bonds. They always did that, too. But they never got free. He tied a very strong knot. It was one of his best talents.
He waited until she’d given up, until her gaze fixed on his face and recognition set in. “You,” she whispered. “From the diner.”
“Me,” he replied agreeably. From the tired old diner on the outskirts of Portland. Getting her home had been a pain in the ass. She took up much more space than he’d expected. She was curvier than most of the guests he brought home. It would be a nice change.
She yanked on her bonds again, a token effort only. Her lips trembled. “Where are my clothes?”
“Burned.”
“Why?”
He stood up, pulled lazily at his tie, aware that she was following his every move. “Because you won’t be needing them anymore.”
She shook her head, appropriately agitated. “Why are you doing this?”
He unbuttoned his shirt as her eyes flicked all around the room, looking for help. Looking for escape. There would be none. He grabbed her hand from where he’d tied it to the headboard and ran his thumb over her left ring finger, following the indentation that was all that remained of her wedding vows.
“Does he know you’re gone?” he asked softly.
Her gaze flew to her ring finger and she tried to pull her hand away, but, of course, she couldn’t. Slowly she nodded.
“Did he let you go?”
Another nod, but her eyes flickered away. He squeezed her hand hard enough to make her gasp. “Do not lie to me, Miriam.”
He was surprised when her eyes flared with a sudden fury. “That is not my name,” she ground out. “My name is Eileen.”
“The locket says Miriam.” He held up the heart-shaped silver charm, letting it dangle between them, watching it gleam as it caught the low light from the bedside lamp. He set it to swing, like a hypnotist’s watch. “Did you steal it?”
She swallowed hard, momentarily mesmerized by the swinging locket. Then her jaw hardened. “No.”
“Then, if it’s yours, you are Miriam.”
She closed her eyes. “No, I am not.”
It was really immaterial at this point, but her little show of temper had intrigued him. “Then who is Miriam?”
A tear ran down her cheek. “Who I used to be.”
“Ah. So your husband is looking for Miriam. Not Eileen.”
She clamped her lips shut, giving him his answer.
Good. He hadn’t been terribly worried that anyone would be tracking her down. The woman had a solitary, hunted air to her, like she always looked over her shoulder. Like she was hiding. That worked for him.
He ran his thumb over the locket, feeling the etched lines of the engraved Miriam on the back, then the symbol on the front. “An olive tree, two kneeling children, all protected by these beautiful outstretched angel wings.” She’d winced at the word “protected.” If it had been a talisman, it was a piss-poor one. It certainly hadn’t protected her. “What does it mean?”
Again her jaw tightened and she looked away. He gripped her chin and yanked her back. “Don’t ignore me,” he warned.
She clenched her eyes shut, so he covered her mouth and pinched her nose closed. “Look at me,” he growled, all fascination with her gone. He was angry again, which was how it was supposed to be. Her eyes flew open, terrified as she began to struggle to get free. He removed his hand and allowed her to breathe, smiling at her frantic gasps for air.
He gripped her chin again, much harder this time. “Say you’re sorry, Miriam.” He gave her a hard shake. “Say you’re sorry.”
Stubbornly she clamped her lips together.
His lips curved. Excellent. He’d make her say it before he was through and he’d enjoy every moment of the effort. Because they always said it, sooner or later.
Usually as they begged him to let them die.

Posted by arrangement with Berkley, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, A Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © Karen Rose, 2019.

 


 

 

 

Karen Rose’s publisher is graciously offering a hard copy of SAY YOU’RE SORRY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

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The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald – a Review

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The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald – a Review

 

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Description:
A search for the truth. A lifetime of lies.

In the small hours of the morning, Abi Knight is startled awake by the phone call no mother ever wants to get: her teenage daughter Olivia has fallen off a bridge. Not only is Olivia brain dead, she’s pregnant and must remain on life support to keep her baby alive. And then Abi sees the angry bruises circling Olivia’s wrists.

When the police unexpectedly rule Olivia’s fall an accident, Abi decides to find out what really happened that night. Heartbroken and grieving, she unravels the threads of her daughter’s life. Was Olivia’s fall an accident? Or something far more sinister?

Christina McDonald weaves a suspenseful and heartwrenching tale of hidden relationships, devastating lies, and the power of a mother’s love. With flashbacks of Olivia’s own resolve to uncover family secrets, this taut and emotional novel asks: how well do you know your children? And how well do they know you?

 

 

Review:

The Night Olivia Fell by Christina McDonald was a very well written mystery thriller.  The story starts off with an emotional impact, and has your attention all the way through to the end.   Abi Knight wakes up suddenly in the wee hours as her phone is ringing; she worries as usually a call in the middle of the night is not good.   Abi is told that she needs to come to the hospital, as there has been a tragic accident involving her daughter, Olivia.  Upon arriving at the hospital, the doctor tells her that her daughter, having fallen off a bridge, is brain dead.  To her shock, they plan to keep her alive, as Olivia is pregnant. 

From this emotional and shocking beginning, the story starts the narratives between Abi (in present time) and Olivia (in the past). Abi wants the police to investigate the accident, as Olivia has bruises on her wrists, but the police do not push to find more information.  Why?

As Abi continues to insist this was not an accident, she does her own investigation, with the help of some others, and Olivia’s friends.  Olivia’s narrative goes back a few months prior to the accident, as we watch her becoming upset at her mother hiding secrets about the father she never knew, and  the events leading up to trouble with her friends and boyfriend.

What follows is an emotional, suspenseful story of hidden secrets and lies, which brings about heartaches as truths are revealed. Olivia’s flashbacks revolve around her discovery of her mother’s lies about who her father really is, and wanting to know more about him and his daughter who is the splitting image of her.  She also finds herself falling for another boy, and hurting her current boyfriend. Who is the father of Olivia’s baby?  We also learn during Olivia’s flashbacks how protective Abi was of Olivia, and why she kept those secrets.

I enjoyed the characters created by McDonald; Abi was a devoted and loving mother, bringing up Olivia on her own; Olivia was a great character who wanted to know the truths, as well as falling in love with someone else, which created many tense moments. The other secondary characters either being Abi’s friends or Olivia’s, were all very dimensional.  Throughout the whole book, there were many surprises and twists that had us second guessing who was behind Olivia’s death.

Christina McDonald kept us on the edge from start to finish in a suspenseful, heart wrenching and emotional story line that was so very well written.  I suggest you read The Night Olivia Fell, as it was a wonderful tense thriller.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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

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

 

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Description:
Homicide cop Eve Dallas and her billionaire husband, Roarke, are building a brand-new school and youth shelter. They know that the hard life can lead kids toward dangerous crossroads—and with this new project, they hope to nudge a few more of them onto the right path. For expert help, they hire child psychologist Dr. Rochelle Pickering—whose own brother pulled himself out of a spiral of addiction and crime with Rochelle’s support.

Lyle is living with Rochelle while he gets his life together, and he’s thrilled to hear about his sister’s new job offer. But within hours, triumph is followed by tragedy. Returning from a celebratory dinner with her boyfriend, she finds Lyle dead with a syringe in his lap, and Eve’s investigation confirms that this wasn’t just another OD. After all his work to get clean, Lyle’s been pumped full of poison—and a neighbor with a peephole reports seeing a scruffy, pink-haired girl fleeing the scene.

Now Eve and Roarke must venture into the gang territory where Lyle used to run, and the ugly underground world of tattoo parlors and strip joints where everyone has taken a wrong turn somewhere. They both believe in giving people a second chance. Maybe even a third or fourth. But as far as they’re concerned, whoever gave the order on Lyle Pickering’s murder has run out of chances…

 

 

 

Review:

Connections in Death by J.D. Robb is the 48th book in her fantastic In-Death series.  I have read every single book in this series, including all the novellas and I can never get enough of Eve and Roarke.

The story begins at a gala event, where Roarke introduces Eve to Dr. Rochelle Pickering, whom he is considering hiring as the main therapist/ psychologist for their new school and youth center project. He explains to Eve, that Rochelle’s brother is living with her, after cleaning up his life, formerly as a gang member, and now working as well as totally off of drugs.  Rochelle meets with Roarke the following day, and happily accepts the job. 

The next day, Lyle Pickering is found dead from an overdose.  Eve and Peabody are called to the site, and Rochelle insists Lyle would never overdose and he was totally clean.  After their investigation, Eve agrees that this was not an overdose, but a murder that was set up to look like he did this to himself.   Witnesses will confirm that they saw a few people go into his apartment and a short time later leave. 

Eve, Peabody, with help from Roarke will begin their investigation focusing on the two top gangs, Badgers & Dragons.  Why was Lyle murdered;  was it revenge for him leaving the gang or because he was an informant?  Was this a frame to force a war with the Dragons?

What follows is an exciting, intense and thrilling story line that will have a few more murders to hide the truth, as well as an internal war with the Badger leader and someone who thinks he should lead.  There are also gangland  betrayals, greed, terrible treatments to residents and families.  Eve, Peabody and their team have their work cut out for them, as most of the gang members are tough, arrogant and have no qualms about killing, even if they have to kill cops.

The last half of this story, which was a slightly different storyline then previous books in this series, was a wild and crazy ride. The investigation had many members of the gangs involved with the murders, framing others or secretly stealing funds.   I do not want to give spoilers, as it was an amazing adventure that did not let up at all.

Connections in Death was another exciting, intense, and mind boggling story that had us unable to put the book down.  What I love the most, besides by favorite literary couple in Eve & Roarke ( so amazing together), was seeing all the wonderful supporting characters that also make this such a great series; Peabody, Nadine, McNab, the entire police team(Baxter, Trueheart, Feeney, Morris,  etc), as well as our adorable Galahad (cat) and Summerset. I have said this before and I will say it again, there is no better group of recurring secondary characters then in this series.

J.D. Robb once again gives us a fantastic addition to this wonderful series.  This was so well written by Robb, and if you have not started this series…..What are you waiting for?

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Beyond Risk by Connie Mann – a Review

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Beyond Risk by Connie Mann – a Review

 

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Description:
The river runs wild …

Former Fish & Wildlife Officer Charlotte “Charlee” Tanner still carries the guilt of a tragic drowning accident that occurred on her watch. She hoped moving back home to the wilds of central Florida would provide a safe haven—until she learns the death was no accident, and she’s the intended target.

… But no wilder than their passion.

Tough and decisive, Lieutenant Hunter Boudreau loves his new job as a law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. Charlee is his best friend, so when she comes under fire, he’s not letting her out of his sight until the killer is caught. But Charlee won’t sit by and let anyone else die for her.

As danger closes in and Charlee and Hunter’s attraction threatens to consume them, Charlee has to decide if she can trust Hunter. And to save Charlee, Hunter will have to trust her, too.

 

 

Review:

A kayaking adventure gone horribly wrong is not only a personal failure for Florida river guide, Charlee Tanner, but when shots ring out on the anniversary of the tragic event, in the middle of a new tour, it’s open season for revenge and Charlee is the main target.  Though no slouch in defending herself, she’s a former Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officer, Charlee hails from a family of law enforcement, aka overprotective siblings, who run roughshod over her limits and rally to keep her safe.  Add to that lengthy list of support is Hunter Boudreau, current Lieutenant of the FWC, and Charlee’s best friend.  Charlee leans on Hunter the most, BFF definition and all, but simmering there, in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, is a deeper affection that threatens to boil over.  The risk factor heightens awareness for Hunter and Charlee, but can they stop to smell the roses while being stalked?  As a matter of fact, Author Connie Mann deems it “Beyond Risk“, ?

Start from the beginning, obviously.  Revisit the harrowing scene that haunts, and taunts, Charlee’s confidence.  The devastating drowning was avoided this trip, but the similarities begin to mirror each other soon enough.  Figures who couldn’t possibly be a threat suddenly display motive and suspicion clouds the investigation, to say nothing of judgment.  Worse, characters are dying and being used against Charlee to offer herself up as the final sacrifice. 

“He lived for her pain, actually. She’d understand, finally, what he’d been going through. She’d fully experience how one person’s actions could snatch away someone you loved, changing everything. Forever.”

I’m being painfully vague, but it’s a trail you have to follow, to explore the character dynamics, to see if you deduct who the killer is.  The turns and detours are challenging and skilled.  It’s intense and well written.

Ms. Mann knows her way with a thriller.  While I suspected who the killer might be, the chase, the leads, the motives, the deadlines…they drove me relentlessly; kept me in the fight to thwart the killer from striking again.  I puzzled along with our H/H and felt all their setbacks.  I reveled in their rare moments of “downtime” when they turned to each other for solace and hope for a future, in the bleakest of times.  Beyond Risk was layered with action, sleuthing, and romance for the complete win.  The supporting cast, all those well meaning siblings, could take the lead on a new chase if you ask me.  Thank you, Lena Diaz, for the recommendation — I’d read another book by Connie Mann anytime! 

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for review

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The Conspiracy by Kat Martin – a Review

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The Conspiracy by Kat Martin – a Review

 

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Description:
Harper Winston’s brother has disappeared. Pursuing his dream of sailing the Caribbean, Michael hasn’t responded to texts or emails in days. When even the Coast Guard can’t find him, Harper is forced to take desperate measures. Which means going to Chase Garrett, once her brother’s best friend, now the only man she can trust…or so she hopes.

As the successful owner of Maximum Security, Chase has learned to trust his gut. He knows Harper’s father is mixed up in a deadly business, and suspects there’s more to Michael’s disappearance than meets the eye. Getting involved again with the Winstons goes against everything he stands for, yet old loyalties die hard. As the case draws him closer to Harper and deeper into the Winstons’ snarled crime family, he is forced to put everything on the line to keep Harper safe…and both of them alive.

 

 

Review:

The Conspiracy by Kat Martin is the first book in her new Maximum Security series. We meet our heroine, Harper Winston, at the start, as she is taking matters in her own hands to search for her missing brother.  She knows he went on a dream vacation sailing in the Caribbean, and after a few days of texting back and forth, he suddenly stopped responding. Harper will then ask someone she hasn’t seen in years, to help her find her brother.

Chase Garrett, our hero,  used to be Harper’s brother Michael’s best friend, until he became frustrated at Michael’s use of drugs and behavior.  Chase also hates the father of Harper and Michael, knowing he is a bad man with shady dealings with drug lords.  Chase owns Maximum Security, and when Harper comes to visit him, he tries to avoid becoming involved, but she convinces him that Michael has changed for the better, and his disappearance is not like him.  Chase agrees to take the case, and despite his misgivings, he gives in to Harper’s insistence to come along.

What follows is an exciting, suspenseful adventure where Chase and Harper find themselves in dangerous situations as they try to find and save Michael.  As evidence begins to point out that Winston’s dealings with the drug cartel has created enemies who are behind Michaels kidnapping, and Chase will need to bring in his cronies and some team members to try and rescue Michael.

The last half of the book returns back to the states, and Harper becomes the one who is in danger, with a lot of tense exciting action.  This will bring Chase and Harper closer together that evolves into a romance.  The danger does escalate, and Maximum Security comes into play to find the people trying to kidnap Harper, as well as bring in help from Winston’s men. 

I did like both Chase and Harper together.  Harper was a savvy, tough beautiful heroine, who was determined to be part of case, and her despair at learning the truths about her father’s crime syndicate.  Chase was a great hero, hot, smart, loyal and protective of Harper.   It was cute to see Chase’s initial reaction to seeing his friend’s baby sister, and how she was now a grown and very attractive woman.

The Conspiracy was an intriguing, suspenseful, exciting story line that had me on the edge of my seat throughout the book.   I loved Chase and his brothers, who make up Maximum Security and look forward to future books showcasing them.  Once again, Kat Martin gives us another exciting thriller. If you enjoy action, suspense, romance and intense crime thrillers, you should read anything by Kat Martin.  

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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