Tag Archives: Mystery

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

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Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
Highly sought-after young cook Kat Holloway takes a position in a Mayfair mansion and soon finds herself immersed in the odd household of Lord Rankin. Kat is unbothered by the family’s eccentricities as long as they stay away from her kitchen, but trouble finds its way below stairs when her young Irish assistant is murdered.

Intent on discovering who killed the helpless kitchen maid, Kat turns to the ever-capable Daniel McAdam, who is certainly much more than the charming delivery man he pretends to be. Along with the assistance of Lord Rankin’s unconventional sister-in-law and a mathematical genius, Kat and Daniel discover that the household murder was the barest tip of a plot rife with danger and treason—one that’s a threat to Queen Victoria herself.

 

Review:

Death Below Stairs by Jennifer Ashley is the 1st book in her new The Below Stairs Mystery series.  Though Ashley writes in many different genres, this was the first time I was going to read a Victorian style mystery.  What I enjoyed the most about this mystery was that it spent a lot of time in a mansion, which had a wonderful feel of ‘Downton Abbey’, with the normal household staffing with housekeeper, cooks, house steward, maids, footman, valet, butlers, etc. 

Kat Holloway, our heroine, is a well known cook, who takes a job in household of the Rankin family, after her recent job ended when her employers moved.   She is a smart, confident, independent, a strong heroine, who immediately shows her strength to the household staff, even to the master of the house, Lord Rankin.   Kat, who is just around 30 years of age,  is also very loyal and protective of those she works with, and will stand up for them.  Before the next day begins, she discovers the dead body of her assistant, and a murder investigation will begin.

Daniel McAdam, our hero, is not a member of the household, but he is a friend (future love interest) of Kat, and when she decides to investigate, it will be Daniel who will step in to help her.  Daniel is sort of a mystery man; one who cares for Kat, and she slowly for him, but one who seems to have different disguises.  Who is Daniel McAdam?  He can look like a gentleman; a servant, a spy or is he with the police. Either way, he is one of the good guys, and very protective of Kat.  Daniel also has a young son, who was a nice added element.  Kat has her own secret, with a daughter, Grace that lives with a friend, since Kat cannot take care of her, having to work all the time to pay the bills. 

As they investigate the murder, Daniel with help from Kat, and two other very good secondary  characters begin to realize that this murder was a cover-up of a higher complex crime that could go as high as the safety of the Queen.   There were a number of situations where their lives were in danger.

The mystery was good, but the background, with all those secondary characters (especially Lady Cynthia and Daniel’s friend) made this a very good read.  I did like Kat and Daniel together and as a team.  I expect we will see more romance between them in future books.  If you enjoy Victorian stories, with a mystery theme, a Downton Abbey background, two very good leading characters and very well written by Jennifer Ashley, I suggest you start this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Giveaway

Jennifer Ashley’s publisher, is graciously offering a paper copy of DEATH BELOW STAIRS 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 onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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3. LIKE Jennifer Ashley on Facebook

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

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8. Giveaway open USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from January 11- 15, 2018

 

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Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

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Promise Not To Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she leaves her secrets behind . . .

Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.

Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire… and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

 

Review:

Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz is a mystery thriller that is actually part of a trilogy (Cutter, Sutton & Salinas).  Promise Not to Tell is a story that covers over 20 years, which started with fire that killed most of the members of cult, with only 8 children, who were locked in a barn, having been saved by a policeman.

The story begins with a woman who was member of the cult who survived the massacre, living on island.  She has nightmares, and paints her visions, which have become very real.  When she sees an evil person from the past, she knows she must take matters into her own hands.

Virginia Troy, our heroine, is a gallery owner and one of the children who survived all those years ago; her mother also died in the fire set by the cult leader, Quinton Zane.  When Virginia discovers her artist client supposedly committed suicide, decides she must investigate the truth about that woman’s death, especially after viewing all the dark paintings she saved.  She goes to an investigation firm co-owned by Anson Salinas, a former police officer and the man who rescued the children all those years ago.

Cabot Sutter, our hero, private investigator in the firm, with his brother Max, who are also survivors of the rescued children; with Anson having adopted them when he saved them.  Cabot will take the case, since the firm has continued to quietly investigate any information on the cult leader who disappeared all those years ago. Together they view the paintings, and after looking at the villain images on the paintings, they know she was trying to leave them a clue.  The mystery: Was Quinton Zane, the evil villain, still alive?

What follows is an intense, complex mystery that will put both Virginia and Cabot in dangerous situations, as they delve closer to the truth with so many secrets discovered, with twists and turns all along the way.  I could not put the book down, so not to miss anything.  As soon as you thought you knew what was happening, new clues arose, and new suspects came to the forefront.  As we raced to the climax, there were so many surprises that changed the game. 

Virginia and Cabot were great heroes, both strong and independent. It was nice to watch their slow build romance, and I really liked them together, as they made a great team.  Krentz  always creates excellent characters in her books, and once again she gives us a wonderful couple, great  secondary characters, and evil villains. If you enjoy mystery thrillers, suspense, surprising twists and turns, then you need to read Promise Not to Tell.   Even if you have not read the first book, you can read this book very well as a standalone.  Once again, Jayne Ann Krentz has given us a wonderfully written story that keeps us engrossed from start to finish.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Jayne Ann and her Publisher, Berkley are offering a hardcover copy of PROMISE NOT TO TELL 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.

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

3. Follow Jayne Ann Krentz on Facebook.

4. Please LIKE us on FACEBOOK and click GET NOTIFICATIONS

5. Please FOLLOW us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Giveaway is open to USA only

8. Giveaway runs from January 2-6, 2018

 

 

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The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn – a Review

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The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn – a Review

 

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Description:
What did she see?

It’s been ten long months since Anna Fox last left her home. Ten months during which she has haunted the rooms of her old New York house like a ghost, lost in her memories, too terrified to step outside.

Anna’s lifeline to the real world is her window, where she sits day after day, watching her neighbours. When the Russells move in, Anna is instantly drawn to them. A picture-perfect family of three, they are an echo of the life that was once hers.

But one evening, a frenzied scream rips across the silence, and Anna witnesses something no one was supposed to see. Now she must do everything she can to uncover the truth about what really happened. But even if she does, will anyone believe her? And can she even trust herself?

 

 

Review:

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is a psychological thriller.  The story focuses on our heroine, Anna Fox, who lives alone in a 5 story house in a nice neighborhood.   Anna suffers from agoraphobia, and has not left her house in 10 months.  What is agoraphobia?  It is the fear of being outside, with panic attacks if they leave the house.

Anna spends her days drinking wine;  watching her neighbors through a camera;  goes to various internet chat sites to talk to other people with their own problems (she is a psychologist, though she can’t help herself); watches old movies, and talks to her husband and daughter on the phone daily.

One day, one of those neighbors, saw Anna through the window and came to visit her.  The neighbor, Jane Russell, just moved in, and Anna was able to enjoy the conversation.  A second visit also introduced her to the woman’s son, Ethan.  A few days later, Anna heard a scream, and when she looked through her camera, she sees Jane pressing her hand to her bloodied chest and falling.   Anna calls the police, and even tries to leave the house to help Jane.  The detectives come to interview her, as there is no body, and the family, including the wife, are all there healthy.  They question her sanity, especially since she drinks a lot,mixing it with her pills.   What did Anna see? Was it real or was she having hallucinations?

I do not want to give any spoilers, as in any psychological thrillers, and The Woman in the Window is no different, there are many surprising twists and turns.  What follows is an intense and exciting storyline that follows Anna, as she continues to try to find the truth, even if she thinks maybe they are right and she is seeing things.   I will say that the story in the first half of the book was a bit slow, as we got to meet the main characters, as well as learn more about Anna.  The second half of the book was very good, that I was unable to put the book down,  especially with a couple of shocking revelations that I did not see coming and threw me for a loop. Though she was severely mentally challenged with her phobia, I wasn’t totally crazy about Anna early on, even if she seemed very normal chatting and helping others on the internet; but later on I did like her better, especially after learning more secrets. 

The Woman in the Window was a tense dark thriller that other than the slow start, it was very well written by A.J. Finn.  I do recommend you to read this book, especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Brazilian Surrender by Carmen Falcone – a Review

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Brazilian Surrender by Carmen Falcone – a Review

 

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Description:
Psychology student Camila Duarte is finally on her own, living in NYC and away from her overprotective brothers. Her serenity quakes when she receives terrorizing letters. When the threats ramp up, she hires the best problem solver in the business to protect her and look for the criminal.

After losing his wife and kid, Jaeger Bauer left the NYPD and has one simple rule: don’t get attached. A job is just a job. Working close to Camila, however, puts his remarkable self-control to the test. He wants to pursue her, even though they are complete opposites and want different things. As the stakes get higher, Jaeger needs to choose between protecting his client…or surrendering to desire and jeopardizing the entire mission.

 

Review:

Brazilian Surrender is the final novel in the Brazilians Series by Carmen Falcone.  

Camila Duarte finally got her wish.  Living on her own, away from her overbearing brothers. She has moved to New York with one intention – succeeding on her own volition! 

Living in New York she is finally doing her internship in Psychology at a hospital she loves. She has an amazing job, a great apartment that she shares with her roommate Zoe and her family is thousands of miles away in Brazil. For once she is doing things on her own, on her terms. That is until she starts receiving anonymous letters from a stranger telling her to leave town. At first she doesn’t think much of it but as they become more frequent and more volatile, she realizes she needs to tell someone. She knows she can’t turn to her brothers – they will either make her come home or show up in New York, neither of which is what Camila wants. She knows she can’t go to the police, because of how famous her family is in Brazil, which will only bring them bad press they don’t need.  Who better to tell than her beautician Gesa.  Gesa tells Camila to contact her nephew, ex NYPD officer turned security firm owner Jaeger Bauer. 

Jaeger Bauer has one rule since losing his wife and son and leaving the NYPD – do not get emotionally involved with anyone. When he agrees to meet with a friend of his Aunt’s he has no idea what he is getting himself into; nor if he will even take the job. From the moment he met Camila every being in his body told him not to take on her case.  But the attraction is too much and he gives in and goes against everything his brain is telling him and takes the case. Realizing that he wants nothing more than to protect Camila he slowly begins to let down his guard and allows Camila into his heart!

Jaeger knows from the moment he meets Camila that taking her case on will be risky. His body immediately responded to her presence.  Something he hasn’t allowed with any woman since his wife and child were killed. But Camila completely mesmerizes him. Her beauty, grace and vulnerability are nothing compared to how strong, independent and determined she is to make it on her own, outside of her famous family. But can he protect her and protect his heart at the same time? Can he allow himself to love and care for another again? 

What an amazingly hot, intriguing and suspenseful spicy romance.  The forbidden love that Jaeger feels he no longer deserves is like a thickness in the air that encompasses you. You feel his sadness and grief and fear of allowing himself to care for someone again. Completely overwhelming and deliciously spicy all at the same time. All the books in this series are standalones, but crafted and written so well that you do not need to read the other books to understand the dynamic and what is going on.  But also so hot and sexy that you want and need to read the other books just to complete the entire story, because Brazilian Surrender leaves you wanting more. 

Reviewed by Erin

Copy provided by Publisher

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Power Struggle by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

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Power Struggle by Carolyn Arnold – a Review

 

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Description:
One hit man who’s back for revenge.
One detective who’s not going down without a fight.

It’s been ten months since Detective Madison Knight almost died at the hands of Russian Mafia hit man Constantine Romanov. She hasn’t seen hide nor hair of him since he escaped police custody and fled to Russia soon after his arrest, except now her latest murder investigation gives her reason to believe he’s back in town. Seeing as the victim is the man who killed her grandfather, her perspective may be a little skewed, but with the MO smacking of Constantine and the victim’s connections to the mob, she finds it hard to be objective. Still, she’s doing her best to consider all the evidence.

When she receives a threatening letter from Constantine, however, her suspicions are confirmed. And he’s made it abundantly clear that not only does he plan to finish what he started but he has her family and loved ones in the crosshairs, too. Madison vows to do whatever it takes to save them, but as the hours race by, the body count rises. And the stakes only get higher when Madison’s sister, Chelsea, goes missing.

Now, Madison’s only play is to take Chelsea’s disappearance for what it really means: Constantine is calling Madison out for one final showdown. And they won’t both survive…

 

Review:

Power Struggle by Carolyn Arnold is the 8th book in her terrific Detective Madison Knight series.  I have been a fan of this series since the beginning, and Carolyn Arnold never fails to give us an intense exciting story, not to mention her expertise in police procedurals.  Power Struggle, is the best one yet, in this series, as it is an edge of your seat suspense thriller.  

Madison Knight, our series heroine, is a tough detective, who also has a vulnerable side when it comes to family and relationships.  When Madison arrives on a murder scene with her partner, Terry, she senses déjà vu, as the Russian hitman, who almost killed her seems to be back. Madison is still getting nightmares about Constantine, and her fears escalate; especially after she receives a note threatening to finish the job and hurt those she loves.   This changes the game for Madison, as she must maintain her composure, keep her fears secret from workers and family, and find Constantine before he can do anything.  

Madison works with her friends and team (Terry, Cynthia, Troy, etc), to work together to find the clues about the murder, which will have many twists and turns along the way.  Why is Constantine back and are the Russian mob involved? Who is behind these murders?

What follows is an exciting, tense, pulse pounding action thriller, which has Madison running against time to protect her family, as well as her life.  She must also fight her superior’s determination to take her off the case, in order to protect her.  Madison, as tough as she is, becomes emotionally a wreck, desperately trying to keep her objectivity and calm. She will let no one stop her from being involved in a wild dangerous race to save her family.

I noted in my last review that I loved the changes Arnold made in the last book, and I must say I loved it even more in Power Struggle.  Madison still has a vulnerability and lack of confidence in totally bonding with Troy, which will change closer to the end.  But what I did love was giving us a glimpse at seeing her with her friends/coworkers and the closeness between them.  Cynthia, her friend and the medical examiner was great.  Even Terry, whom I have said previously that I did not like, has changed a lot, that I actually like him now.  We got to see all of Madison’s family, which was nice.

Power Struggle was a great story, which not only was exciting and tense, it also pulled a lot of our emotions throughout the book.  I loved Power Struggle, which I could not put down until the very end.  It was a thrilling edge of your seat  ride.  I you enjoy murder mysteries, written so well by Carolyn Arnold, you should be reading the Detective Madison Knight series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy supplied for review

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Countdown by Carey Baldwin – a Review

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Countdown by Carey Baldwin – a Review

 

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Description:
Don’t believe everything you see.

Special Agent Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy are in Tahiti enjoying a much-needed break from the FBI when they spot newlyweds taking fun photos on the beach. But as the groom carries his bride deeper into the waves, Spense is positive he sees a flash of terror cross her face. All his instincts scream that this woman is in danger. Yet moments later, it’s the groom who has nearly drowned… and the bride has vanished, leaving a bloody wedding dress floating in her wake.

The authorities aren’t sure who to believe—the groom, who insists his wife tried to murder him… or her twin, who claims her sister must have acted in self-defense. Intrigued, Spense and Caity agree to help investigate. But when they discover that the missing bride is the daughter of a notorious confidence man, they begin to suspect that all is not what it seems. Now they’ll need to separate victim from villain, fact from fiction, truth from lie, to determine if there’s really a killer on the loose… or if it’s all one big con.

 

 

Review:

Countdown is the final installment of the fabulous Cassidy and Spenser Thrillers series by the wonderful, Carey Baldwin. I have had the tremendous pleasure of reading, and reviewing, this incredible series since its introduction, and this finale is Carey Baldwin‘s swan song to Atticus and Caitlin. It’s never easy to say goodbye to characters, but the joy they’ve brought me far outweighs the sadness.

Our dynamic duo finally arrives in Tahiti, their long-desired, always-postponed escape from duty, but the purpose is of grand proportion now: Spense and Caity are getting married! This destination wedding comes with a timetable/plans to abide by…but when our H/H happen upon a frisky bride and groom taking their free spirit out to deep waters, and the unconventional dip devolves into a near drowning, Caity and Spense find themselves torn between private citizen status and FBI profilers yet again.

As focused on their big day as they intended to be, Caity and Spense simply can’t overlook attempted murder in their idealic island. Rose and Tommy Preston, newlyweds, have a checkered past that only research and discovery can make decipher. Now, if only the bride hadn’t gone “missing”, things could go a little easier for Caity and Spense! Throw in Rose’s twin sister, Lilly, who has a past of her own with good ole Tommy, and the plot thickens. But even in the midst of chaos and confusion, unearthing details that lead to major revelations, there are stolen moments between Caity and Spense that bring a sense of peace, of pause and perspective, that love truly is the end all. When Caity reaches out to touch Spense after a harrowing moment or when Spense lets his gaze linger on Caity…that’s the stuff. That gut reassurance of devotion. Carey Baldwin has developed a tender love story, woven lovingly throughout the series, between two strong characters who’ve become a formidable combination. Who’ve forged an unforgettable partnership.

Not only will you scrutinize the actions of the twin sisters and find yourself glued to Tommy’s seedy behavior, seriously questioning good choices all around, but Ms. Baldwin brings back beloved characters who shone in the background while supporting our H/H. “The moms” are darling and committed to the cause, but Spense’s relationship with Dutch Langhorne in particular is proof of not squandering love. It warmed my heart to know Spense has someone else to rely on.

What makes newlyweds turn and spitefully twist on each other? Lines of loyalty are crossed and Caity and Spense determine that not all is what it appears to be. As the race to prove innocence lapses, murderous consequences hang in the balance. It is suspenseful and dramatic. Be prepared for face-palming, “smh”-ing, and even high-fives for getting shi# done!

Countdown dragged Caity and Spense away from ticking off all the wedding details, but their commitment to one another never wavered. Caity and Spense are perfect together and cases seem only to enhance their uniqueconnection. I bid them a fond farewell for all they’ve meant to me. Soooo…how will you wow us next, Ms. Baldwin?

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy supplied for Review

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The Man in the Crooked Hat by Harry Dolan – Review & Giveaway

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The Man in the Crooked Hat by Harry Dolan – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
One cryptic clue leads a desperate man into a labyrinthine puzzle of murder in the electrifying new novel from national bestselling author Harry Dolan.

There’s a killer, and he wears a crooked hat.

Private investigator Jack Pellum has spent two years searching for the man who he believes murdered his wife–a man he last saw wearing a peacoat and a fedora. Months of posting fliers and combing through crime records yield no leads. Then a local writer commits suicide, and he leaves a bewildering message that may be the first breadcrumb in a winding trail of unsolved murders . . .

Michael Underhill is a philosophical man preoccupied by what-ifs and could-have-beens, but his life is finally coming together. He has a sweet and beautiful girlfriend, and together they’re building their future home. Nothing will go wrong, not if Underhill has anything to say about it. The problem is, Underhill has a dark and secret past, and it’s coming back to haunt him.

 

 

Review:

The Man in the Crooked Hat by Harry Dolan is a standalone murder mystery.  Jack Pellum, an ex-cop, is our hero.  Two years ago, Jack’s wife was murdered, and he is obsessed with finding the murderer, which eventually cost him his job.  Even his detective friends try to get him to move on.  But Jack can’t rest, and uses every moment to put up flyers about a man with a crooked hat, which was his only clue to the killer. 

The main difference in this murder mystery is that we know from almost the beginning, who the murderer is.  Michael Underhill has finally found his life coming together.  He was a beautiful girlfriend, who loves him, and makes him happy; this is the life he wants badly, and he will let nothing change that.

After awhile, when Jack begins to weaken his resolve, he gets a message and meets someone else looking for the man with the crooked hat.  This will bring Jack to a small town, which will lead to various clues of previous murders that maybe related, even as far back as twenty years.  The mystery is chilling, as there are many twists that will reveal a cunning murderer, and several deaths that are remotely connected.  Jack being an experienced former detective, as well as driven by his wife’s death, is probably the only one who can possibly to tie the strange pieces together.

What follows is an exciting story and at times early on, a bit confusing. It was also an amazing in depth mystery, that involves  several crimes,  with various people, deaths that occur over the years, and those that  had no real relation to each other.  Slowly, with a POV of mostly Jack, but some with Mike Underhill, we learn the consequences that lead to Jack’s wife’s death, as well as some other recent deaths.  

I do not want to give spoilers, and this is a difficult review that telling too much more would ruin it for you.  The Man in the Crooked Hat was an excellent murder mystery that kept me turning the pages,  especially in the last half, which started to make more sense with each revelation.  If you enjoy murder mysteries, a flawed but great leading character, in depth storytelling, very good secondary characters, a conniving murderer, and many twists and turns along the way, I suggest you read Harry Dolan’s The Man in the Crooked Hat.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

giveaway

Harry Dolan’s publisher is graciously offering a hard copy of THE MAN IN THE CROOKED HAT 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.

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

3. Please LIKE and Follow Harry Dolan on Facebook

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

5. Please LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

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

7. Please follow The Reading Cafe on Tumblr

8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from November 27 to December 1, 2017

 

 

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End Game by David Baldacci – a Review

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End Game by David Baldacci – a Review

 

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Description:
Will Robie and Jessica Reel are two of the most lethal people alive. They’re the ones the government calls in when the utmost secrecy is required to take out those who plot violence and mass destruction against the United States. And through every mission, one man has always had their backs: their handler, code-named Blue Man.

But now, Blue Man is missing.

Last seen in rural Colorado, Blue Man had taken a rare vacation to go fly fishing in his hometown when he disappeared off the grid. With no communications since, the team can’t help but fear the worst.

Sent to investigate, Robie and Reel arrive in the small town of Grand to discover that it has its own share of problems. A stagnant local economy and a woefully understaffed police force have made this small community a magnet for crime, drugs, and a growing number of militant fringe groups.

But lying in wait in Grand is an even more insidious and sweeping threat, one that may shake the very foundations of America. And when Robie and Reel find themselves up against an adversary with superior firepower and a home-court advantage, they’ll be lucky if they make it out alive, with or without Blue Man…

 

Review:

End Game by David Baldacci is the 5th book in his Will Robie series, and another of one his fantastic suspense thrillers.  End Game picks up a few months after The Guilty left off.  Will Robie returns from a successful mission stopping a terrorist attack in London, and he is asked to go to Colorado to find his missing superior, Blue Man (Roger Walton).  Jessica Reel, also returns from a dangerous mission in Iraq, which left her somewhat disturbed, as she lost most of her team.  When we last saw Will and Jessica, it seemed like they would finally take the next step and become a couple.  But Will, despite his unanswered attempts to contact Jessica, has not seen her for 6 months.  Now they are both assigned to work together to find Blue Man.

When they arrive in Grand, Colorado (Roger Walton’s hometown), they not only discover that Walton was in town, but has vanished; tey also discover that a number of other people have also vanished.  Robie and Reel will work with the understaffed police, sheriff (Molloy) and deputy.  What they will also find is that the area has a number of right wing compounds such as Kings Apostles and White Supremacist groups.  Will and Jessica are not your normal government agents, and this book just proves that they are the best lethal assassins, and despite each horrific situation they find themselves in, they will find a way to turn the tables and survive. Will they find Blue Man alive? Will they survive against all the powerful enemies they must face?

What follows is a tense, suspenseful, edge of your seat thriller, with nonstop action from the first page to the end.   I could not put this book down, as there were also so many surprising twists and turns; I did not want to miss a thing.  To tell too much more would be spoilers, and I do not want to ruin this for you. End Game is an amazing story that will leave you breathless.  Will Robie and Jessica Reel are such an awesome team; even if they are hardened killers, we can’t help but marvel at them.  I love them together

Once again, David Baldacci gives us another fabulous thriller in End Game, which is something we have all come to expect from him.  He is a masterful storyteller, with in depth wonderful characters, and he holds you at the edge of your seat from beginning to end. If you think you know what will happen, trust me, you will never see what is coming, as Baldacci continually pulls surprises and twists. You need to read this series, but then again you should be reading everything by David Baldacci.

Reviewed by Barb

 

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