Tag Archives: Mystery

Blast from the Past: Devil’s Daughter by Catherine Coulter-a review

Posted on by
9

Blast from the Past: Devil’s Daughter (Devil #2) by Catherine Coulter-a review

Blast From the Past

Welcome to a new feature at The Reading Cafe-BLAST FROM THE PAST-a look back at some of the oldies but goodies in the world of literary romance and ‘bodice-ripper- style novels. Our second installment is DEVIL’S DAUGHTER by Catherine Coulter. Please enjoy Rachel’s review and tell us about some of your favorite romance story lines from the past.

Devil’s Daughter
Devil #2
by Catherine Coulter
Release Date: 1985

Devil's Daughter

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

A Note from the Author

Dear Reader:

Devil’s Daughter is the story of Adam and Arabella Welles, the son and daughter of Cassie and Anthony Welles. I have updated the book, since, like Devil’s Embrace, it came out a while ago and needed some tidying up. It has a charming new cover, blend of the old and the new.

Adam has enjoyed women but hasn’t yet found the woman created just for him. As for Arabella, she is as independent and strong-willed as her brother and her parents. When both brother and sister go adventuring in Naples to solve a mystery of their father’s missing ships and cargoes, they discover that the person behind this thievery is an enemy from their father’s past. This enemy manages to drug Arabella and pack her off to a harem in North Africa, Adam in pursuit.

But Adam isn’t alone, there’s a stowaway with him he certainly doesn’t expect. Her name is Rayna Lyndhurst, daughter of a man who is dead set against the Welles family. But do children ever pay attention to their parents?

Arabella finds the harem a frightening yet fascinating place, a golden prison from which there is little chance of escape. Her master is Kamal, the Bey of Oran, a man who must be her enemy but who is unlike any man she has ever known. As for Kamal, he suddenly finds himself faced with a woman willing to fight him to the death — a woman who both bewitches and infuriates him.

I hope you enjoy the adventures of Adam and Rayna, Arabella and Kamal. These are people I’ll never forget.

Catherine Coulter (The Author)

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Devils’ Daughter by Catherine Coulter (first pubbed 1985), is the second featured book of BLAST FROM THE PAST here at The Reading Cafe, and also the sequel to the first one named Devil’s Embrace, that I did last month. Again, I will warn off anyone who is triggered by any kinds of stereotypical bodice rippers elements (such as non/con, kidnapping, rape and blustery story line). I think these kind of books are in a class all on their own and appreciate that some may think they are overly abusive in many ways. I happen to like the uninhibited, lay it out dirty, not pretty but it’ll come together if you give it a chance layers that are displayed. I am also an serious emotional reader and I find a good bodice ripper novel really brings the emotions out of me.

We were given the romance of Cassie and Anthony Welles in Devil’s Embrace. In Devil’s Daughter, we are actually given two love stories as opposed to one, that feature Cassie and Anthony’s son (Adam) and daughter (Arabella). Set in early 1800’s. both Adam and Arabella travel to meet up with their father Anthony, only to be told that thieving has become as issue in their father’s merchant company. Turns out there is quite a tangled web that has been intentional weaved to destroy the Welles family. The enemies happen to be members of family that were the “villains” in the first book. Turns out past grudges are passed on to future generations.

While trying to locate the culprits, traps are set to involve the Welles siblings in a plot to being their father to his knees. Arabella is kidnapped and sent to be a “whore” in a harem. This was interesting as Arabella is one heck of a spit fire and fights with harem leader Kamal tooth and nail. Despite the abuse, be it physical and emotional, both manage to find a sharp edge of love with each other. While his sister is in her own “mini drama”, Adam sets off to unravel more mystery for his father only to find a stowaway on his ship. Turns out this is Rayna who happens to be the daughter of a viscount who really ticked off Adam’s parents in the the first book. Are you dizzy yet readers?? LOL Chance is afforded for a romance to begin and certainly take off between Adam and Rayna. Not as blustery as Arabella and Kamal, Adam and Rayna still meet with their own obstacles and challenges which make for good reading.

Seriously, there is so much story going on I cannot get into it without writing out my own book, so this review really is just scratching the surface. I did not find this book as “violent” as the first one was and it was a little slow to start. Once it took off though .. wonderful! I would absolutely recommend reading the first one or there will be just way too much missed in this book. There is lots of drama to be had, some tear shedding “that was a douchy thing to do” moments, forgiveness, LUST and PASSION, hate and love. I loved that this was a continuation of a story that really stuck with me.

If you are looking for a great bodice ripper series, Devil by Catherine Coulter is a great one to indulge in. Just know you are going to get a whole lot of crazy thrown at you .. I happen to love a good dose of crazy, every now and then!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Share

Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted on by
27

Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick – Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Til Death Do Us Part banner

 

Til Death Do Us PartAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description: 
Calista Langley operates an exclusive “introduction” agency in Victorian London, catering to respectable ladies and gentlemen who find themselves alone in the world. But now, a dangerously obsessed individual has begun sending her trinkets and gifts suitable only for those in deepest mourning—a black mirror, a funeral wreath, a ring set with black jet stone. Each is engraved with her initials.
 
Desperate for help and fearing that the police will be of no assistance, Calista turns to Trent Hastings, a reclusive author of popular crime novels. Believing that Calista may be taking advantage of his lonely sister, who has become one of her clients, Trent doesn’t trust her. Scarred by his past, he’s learned to keep his emotions at bay, even as an instant attraction threatens his resolve.
 
But as Trent and Calista comb through files of rejected clients in hopes of identifying her tormentor, it becomes clear that the danger may be coming from Calista’s own secret past—and that only her death will satisfy the stalker…

 

 

Review:

Til Death Do Us Part by Amanda Quick is a wonderful mystery thriller that takes place in Victorian London. Calista Langley, our heroine, runs a private respectable introduction agency from her house, to offer those who are alone in finding equal companions in the same situation.  Calista is being stalked, as she has received some creepy funeral  trinkets, such as a black wreath, black jewelry with her initials and a coffin bell.  Calista’s brother, Andrew and the long time servants fear for her, but she feels that going to the police will be no help.  She is also in the midst of rejecting a former suitor, who dumped her to marry a wealthy heiress, and now wants to pursue her again, even though he is still married. 

In the midst of this, enter our hero, Trent Hastings, who is a famous mystery writer.  Trent came to visit Calista, to check her out, as his sister is one of her clients.  After words were exchanged, he leaves only to come back the following day and apologize.  Trent discovers some of the trinkets and learns about Calista’s predicament.  She will turn to Trent for help and together they will embark on solving this mystery, which will turn out to be somewhat of a serial killer, and Calista seems to be the next marked victim.  This mystery was exciting, and at times scary, but the fun part was watching Trent use his skills as a detective from his writing and research.  A slow build romance will begin between Trent and Calista, but that is in the background with the mystery thriller totally in the forefront.

Amanda Quick does a fabulous job of creating so many twists and turns that changed our thoughts on the killer often.  Most of all, this mystery was so well written, and Quick (who is also Jayne Ann Krentz and Jayne Castle) puts us right in the middle of the investigation looking at the clues, and solving this mystery. I also loved the wonderful characters she has created; Calista, Trent, Andrew, Endura, even Mr. Pell, and some others.  Til Death Do Us Part was an exciting, edge of your seat thriller, a bit scary, and wonderful sweet couple that we rooted for.  I will say that the last 1/3 of the book was so exciting, suspenseful and tense, that I could not put the book down, not to mention more surprises.  This was a wonderful book that I wholly recommend.  Of course, you come to expect this from anything by the Quick, Krentz, Castle trio.  🙂

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

About The Author beige


The author of overAmanda Quick c Marc von Borstel(1) 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.

She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.

Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.

You can learn more about Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle
at the following links:
Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 

Excerpt beige

 

 

She belonged to him.

He was locked inside a cage the size and shape of a coffin. A dark thrill heated his blood like a powerful, intoxicating drug.When the time came he would purify the woman and cleanse himself with her blood. But tonight was not the time. The ritual had to be followed correctly. The woman must be made to comprehend and acknowledge the great wrong that she had done. There was no finer instructor than fear.

He huddled inside the concealed lift, listening to the sounds of someone moving about in the bedroom on the other side of the wall. There was a narrow crack in the paneling. Excitement sparked through him when he caught a glimpse of the woman. She was at her dressing table, adjusting the pins in her dark brown hair. It was as if she knew he was watching and was deliberately taunting him.

She was passable in appearance, but he had seen her on the street and had not been particularly impressed with her looks. She was overly tall for a woman and her forceful character was etched on her face. She was dangerous. It was all there in her unnerving eyes.

The woman rose from the dressing table chair and moved out of sight. A moment later he heard the muffled sound of the bedroom door opening and closing.

Silence.

He slid the cage door aside and opened the wooden panel. The wall sconce had been turned down low but he could make out the bed, the dressing table, and the wardrobe.

He moved out of the lift. The heady exhilaration he always experienced at such moments roared through him. With every step of the ritual he came closer to achieving his own purification.

For a precious few seconds he debated where to leave his gift. The bed or the dressing table?
The bed, he decided. So much more intimate.

He made his way out through the tradesmen’s entrance and slipped, unseen, into the gardens. The gate was still unlocked, just as he had left it.

A few minutes later he was lost in the fog. The weight of the knife in its sheath beneath his greatcoat was reassuring.

The ritual was almost complete.

The woman with the unnerving eyes would soon understand that she belonged to him. It was her destiny to be the one to cleanse him. He was certain of it. The connection between them was a bond that could be shattered only by death.

 

 

 

Giveaway beige

Amanda and her Publisher are offering a hardcover copy of TIL DEATH DO US PART 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/Amanda Quick 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 April 18-22, 2016

Share

Justice for Jessica by Alretha Thomas – a Review

Posted on by
8

Justice for Jessica by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

Justice for JessicaAmazon

Description:
Mousey, overweight Stacey Sullivan would love to trade places with her glamorous socialite BFF, Jessica James—that’s until she discovers Jessica murdered in her own home. Whip-smart detective Rachel Storme is ready to exchange her gun and badge for a gardener’s hat and hoe. But she reluctantly puts her plans on hold when she’s asked to help solve Jessica’s murder. These two strangers from different generations—Stacey a millennial and Rachel a baby boomer—become unlikely friends in their pursuit of JUSTICE FOR JESSICA. But their friendship is put to the test when Stacey insists that her husband, Matt, is innocent in spite of evidence that speaks to the contrary. Rachel, baffled by Stacey’s blind loyalty to Matt, doggedly fights to take Matt down, but with Stacey’s help, he eludes her at every turn. Is Matt the killer or could Grant, Jessica’s husband, be the culprit? Perhaps it was her jealous sister, Georgette or the maid, Rosa? No matter who the killer is, Rachel, by any means necessary, is determined to find her man or woman.

 

Review:

Stacey Sullivan met Jessica James in high school and they have been best friends ever since.  Stacey had stayed overnight with Jessica, which she did a lot when Jessica’s husband was out of town.  When Stacey woke that morning, she dreaded heading in to work, but knew she had to get a move on.  When she didn’t hear Jessica stirring, she went in search of her, and made a horrible discovery.  Jessica was in the guest room with her throat slit and lying in a pool of her own blood.  Stacey screams for help as Rosa, Jessica’s maid, arrives for work.  They call 911 and know things will never be the same.

As Rachel Storme is home pondering her life, she answers a call from her boss at the police department.  Although she’s on leave, her boss knows her all too well.  He fills her in on the Jessica James murder and pleads with her to help with the high profile investigation.  After a few minutes, she finally gives in and heads over to the James place to meet him.  Once they arrive and survey the scene, they set to work trying to figure out what in the world has happened.

Rachel is the one who interviews Stacey and almost immediately feels a connection with her.  She sees herself in Stacey twenty years ago.  As the interview progresses, she knows that Stacey isn’t the murderer and she promises Stacey that she will work hard to find who killed her best friend.  Rachel dives into the investigation with her boss and as they navigate all of the twists and turns and possible motives and suspects, they hit a few road blocks here and there.  But as they start to try and put things together, Rachel can’t help but wonder if they will truly find the murderer, and indeed, find justice for Jessica.

Justice for Jessica is another nice story from Alretha Thomas.  Told from several first person POVs, which is a trade mark of Thomas, we are privy to what’s going on with a lot of the main characters and their thought processes as everyone tries to do what they feel is the right thing.  Stacey Sullivan is a wonderfully written character.  In the beginning, she is a bit timid and a lot naïve, but is finally strong enough to do what needs to be done.  When she finds out that Jessica wasn’t quite as good a friend as she thought, she really did buck up and do what needed to be done.   Rachel Storme is an awesome character as well.  She’s smart, savvy and a hard worker, as well as a devoted daughter and friend.  The cast of supporting characters were well written and kept you guessing until the very end.  Justice for Jessica is, of course, a murder mystery, but it is also a story about facing up to life’s challenges and making your own dreams come true.  If you’re looking for a good mystery and a quick read, you cannot go wrong with Justice for Jessica.  Well done, Alretha Thomas!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Author

Share

Edge of Surrender by Laura Griffin – a Review

Posted on by
7

Edge of Surrender by Laura Griffin – a Review

 

Edge of SurrenderAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
The scorching-hot romance between Emma and Ryan that began in At the Edge: Alpha Crew Part One concludes in Part Two of this sexy, suspenseful adventure!

Ryan had one job: keep Emma safe at all costs. But after a night of passion, Emma takes off and Ryan soon realizes he’s not the only one looking for her. Can he figure out who’s after the beautiful government aide, and why, before she falls into the wrong hands…if she hasn’t already?

Emma’s fighting to get justice for her fallen comrades, but she can’t do it alone. She needs Ryan’s help, but that means trusting him–and dealing with the out-of-control desire blazing between them. Can there be any future for a marked woman and a man trained to kill? She hopes they live long enough to find out…

Don’t get spoiled! Be sure to read At the Edge: Alpha Crew Part One before devouring this sizzling romance!

 

 

Review:

Edge of Surrender by Laura Griffin is Part Two of her new Alpha Crew series. The start of this series revolves around Emma and Ryan, and consisted of two novellas a few weeks apart. You can read my review of Part 1, which starts this off. In Edge of Surrender, Ryan becomes frantic as he realizes that Emma is missing and in all probability kidnapped. Working with his Alpha Crew teammate, Jake, they will find Emma and get her safely into hiding. Ryan and Emma know there is a conspiracy that led to the plane crash, and has escalated into threats against her life. After a few close calls, they realize that someone on the inside is helping the person behind the murder and attempts to kill Emma.

Ryan and Emma go into hiding, as they continue to investigate and prove their suspicions, as well as resume their romance that becomes scorching hot. Jake begins to work with FBI agent, Alexa, whom he feels is trustworthy. Emma is determined not to let the threats stop her, and despite Ryan wanting her to stay into hiding, she will take risks to catch the enemies. The race to the finish was very exciting, with lots of action and suspense. The ending resolved many of the questions, but there were some minor things left open.   Will the next book in this series be about Jake and Alexa? Will Ryan and Emma continue to be a big part of the series, as we find out more about her and her father?

This was a very good story, though I would have preferred this to be one book. Laura Griffin is a very good writer, and she creates wonderful characters. I look forward to more novels in this series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

Illusions of Death by Lauren Linwood-a review

Posted on by
24

Illusions of Death by Lauren Linwood-a review

Illusions of Death

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 2, 2016

Best-selling author Karlyn Campbell is ready for a new start after her recent divorce from a temperamental artist. When she receives word that her father had a stroke, she heads for Walton Springs with mixed feelings. Broderick Campbell wrote Pulitzer Prize-winning literary novels and denounced his daughter’s work as pedestrian and commercial, causing a rift that finally heals on his deathbed. Karlyn chooses to stay in the small Georgia town to write her popular Matt Collins series and decides to try her hand at true crime when Atlanta’s Rainbow Killer, Roy G. Biv, captures her interest.

Detective Logan Warner’s marriage didn’t survive after he lost his twins to a crazed killer who was never caught. He returns to his hometown’s police force and runs for police chief, happy he’s escaped big city crime and corruption. Emotionally dead, his interest in life is renewed when he falls in love with Karlyn and begins to build a new life with her.

But the Rainbow Killer moves beyond Atlanta, leaving a trail of dead bodies painted in bright hues in several towns north of the city. Leaving no trace evidence or DNA and choosing random victims with no apparent rhyme or reason, Roy proves unstoppable. Then he arrives in Walton Springs, threatening the peaceful town with his murder spree. With a serial killer in their back yard, Logan and Karlyn unite with the FBI to find the killer—before he finds them.

••••••

REVIEW: Illusions of Death is a new Mystery/Crime/Romance novel from one of my favorite authors, Lauren Linwood. This deliciously thrilling novel starts off with a serial killer just completing the last of a series of murders, giving chilling insight into the mind of this diabolical murderer. Thinking of these crimes as a particular genius in the spree of child abductions in Atlanta. These included, the kids of a fireman, a school superintendent’s daughter, a cop’s twins (important), and a mayor’s grandson. This latest spree of ‘specimens was a group of high-end prostitutes. While burying the latest victim, a new series of murders presented itself in the appearance of a rainbow. The next mission of murders would be done as the rainbow killer….murdering victims and painting them in the hues of a rainbow…a specific order.

It difficult to summarize this novel in a few paragraphs, as so much goes on. The set up begins with Logan Warner, a detective, who joined the Walton Spring department after leaving Atlanta. He’s divorced and often thinks of his twin children who were murdered a few years prior. He and his partner find Broderick Campbell, famous author having what looks like a stroke on the side of the road. The man having the stroke asked him to “call Karlyn”. He and his partner call for an ambulance and then go find the author’s wife, Martha, and let her know.

Karlyn Campbell, successful author of suspense novels featuring her character Matt Collins, has finished her last manuscript and delivered it to her agent. She’s told her novel and character may be in a movie deal, in which she is given a change at writing the screenplay with the help of a seasoned screenplay writer of her choice. She of course is happy, but it seems her marriage to Mario Taylor is on the rocks…in fact headed for a nasty divorce. She meets Logan when she comes to town to see her dying father in the hospital.

That’s the set-up, I don’t do spoilers but what I can tell you is that this begins a thrilling ride of murders, family drama, budding romance that has the possibility of healing our detective’s and writer’s broken hearts. This story is chock full of twists and happenings, great romance and so much more. It’s a page turner that is very difficult to put down.

Grab your favorite beverage and settle in for a magnificent read!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Georgianna S

Share

No Cats Allowed by Miranda James – a Review

Posted on by
7

No Cats Allowed by Miranda James – a Review

 

No Cats AllowedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM

Description:
In the latest mystery in the New York Times bestselling Cat in the Stacks series, librarian Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat Diesel must clear a friend when the evidence is stacked against her…
 
Springtime in Mississippi is abloom with beauty, but the library’s employees are too busy worrying to stop and smell the flowers. The new library director, Elwyn Dillard, is a brash, unfriendly Yankee who’s on a mission to cut costs—and his first targets are the archive and the rare book collection.
 
As annoying as a long-overdue book, Dillard quickly raises the hackles of everyone on staff, including Charlie’s fiery friend Melba—whom Dillard wants to replace with someone younger. But his biggest offense is declaring all four-legged creatures banned from the stacks.
 
With enemies aplenty, the suspect list is long when Dillard’s body is discovered in the library. But things take a turn for the worse when a threatening e-mail throws suspicion on Melba.
 
Charlie is convinced that his friend is no murderer, especially when he catches sight of a menacing stranger lurking around the library. Now he and Diesel will have to read between the lines, before Melba is shelved under “G” for guilty…

 

Review:

No Cats Allowed by Miranda James is the 7th book in the Cat in the Stacks series. This is my first time reading James and this series. This read very well as a standalone, and I enjoyed the book. No Cats Allowed is a very nice sweet mystery that keeps your attention throughout. What makes this nice are the characters that James has created, especially the hero, Charlie Harris and his wonderful partner, Diesel, a Maine coon cat that goes every where with him. Charlie is retired, and works part time in the library.

Everyone in the library loves Diesel, except the new interim library director, Oscar Reilly. In a short period Reilly has alienated most of the library staff, including Charlie, when he is ordered to not bring Diesel anymore. Charlie decides to take a leave, and begins to investigate Reilly. Before long, Reilly is murdered, with many of the library staff becoming suspects. Charlie, who always manages to become involved in mysteries, becomes the interim library director, and soon finds threats against him. Charlie doubles his research into the library funds to try to find out why Reilly was murdered, and why the killer is still trying to stop the investigation.

What follows is a sweet fun mystery, with very likable characters. Charlie is not the annoying type, who pushes his way where he doesn’t belong. Instead, he does what he knows best, and works well with the cop in charge, but he also puts himself into danger. I enjoyed reading this story, loved Diesel, who doesn’t solve the crime, like other famous cats; but he is so cute, funny and lovable.

Miranda James not only creates a fabulous fun duo in Charlie and Diesel, but also has such wonderful supporting players, including Charlie’s adult children, Melba, his assistant, and other great characters. No Cats Allowed was a good murder mystery, with some surprises, as well as being interesting and holding your attention. I wholly recommend you read this book, especially on a light lazy day, when you want to relax and enjoy.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

Share

The White Iris (The Harvester #3) by Susanne Matthews-a review

Posted on by
15

The White Iris (The Harvester #3) by Susanne Matthews-a review

The White Iris

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 8, 2016

Time’s running out for Special Agent Trevor Clark and his FBI task force. They’re no closer to uncovering the identity of the Prophet, a dangerous serial killer who has been murdering new mothers and vanishing with their infants. If Trevor can’t unlock the clues, the killer’s threats to unleash what the FBI suspects is biological warfare could mean death for all of them. His only recourse is to swallow his pride and reach out to his former fiancée, the CDC’s renowned virologist, Dr. Julie Swift.

Two years ago, Julie ended their engagement after Trevor abandoned her when she needed him most. Now, faced with the possibility of the greatest epidemic since the Spanish flu, she has to put her faith and her safety, as well as that of countless others, into the hands of a man she doesn’t trust. Can they set aside their differences to stop the Prophet, and in doing so, will they find the love they lost?

From the streets of Boston to the wilds of Alaska, this thrilling conclusion to the Harvester Series takes several turns you won’t see coming!

•••••••••

REVIEW: The White Iris is book three and the final episode in the Harvester Series. This is the story of Trevor and Julie, and the conclusion of the Harvester/Prophet and the cult he ruled. The starting setting is Boston, where Agent Trevor Clark is leading the task force trying to find the Harvester/Prophet before he can make good on his threat to bring plagues upon people until they return his people who were rescued.

The story travels to Atlanta, where Dr. E.J. Swift (Julie) is a virologist for the CDC. We also travel to the great states of Alaska and Nevada as this thrilling tale unfolds. Our characters are working against the clock to stop what the madman calls the Great Burning. This is believed to be a biological weapon he’ll release against the US, or maybe the world.

There are cameo and small appearances of former characters in the other books. Rob and Faye Hallister from the first book The White Carnation along with Jacob Andrews and Lilith Munroe from the last book The White Lily. Each book can stand alone, but enjoyment of the full story is better when read in order.
This story gives us the twisty and suspenseful ride to finding the Prophet/Harvester and stopping the virus that has been designed to kill millions of innocent people for the Great Burning.

As always, this is very well written by the talented author Susanne Matthews. She uses conflict between the hero and heroine to move the story along and entice you into trying to think of ways to keep them together. The twists are many and scary. The plot is so well done and thrilling up to the last page! The pace is fast, but also frustrating as the villains often escape.

This series has been a twisty and terrifying ride. Each book has added to the complete story and none lacked anything on its own.
Grab a glass of your favorite beverage and settle in for a great conclusion to a marvelous story. Enjoy everyone.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
The White Carnation
The White Lily
The White Iris

Copy supplied by author

Reviewed by Georgianna

Share

Notorious by Carey Baldwin – a Review

Posted on by
10

Notorious by Carey Baldwin – a Review

 

NotoriousAmazon / Barnes & Noble/ Kobo / BAM

Description:
The woman everyone loves to hate is dead.

Dallas socialite Cynthia Langhorne is infamous for her beauty, her philanthropy, and her home wrecking–until she’s found shot through the heart and posed nude at a fundraising ball. The case is high profile, and there’s a bigger problem: Cindy is the wife of a decorated FBI special agent–the prime suspect in her murder.

When the Bureau sends FBI profiler Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy to Texas on behalf of Dutch Langhorne, the special agent-turned-suspect, they’re suspicious of the very man whose interests they’re supposed to protect. But with a psycho hitman on their heels and a trail of evidence leading up the food chain, it quickly becomes clear this is no ordinary case. The truth points to someone–or something–larger than Spenser and Cassidy ever thought possible. Solving this case is no longer a matter of clearing Dutch’s name–it’s a matter of national security.

 

Review:

You’d think a third book of a series might show signs of slowing down? Carey Baldwin has bigger plans for Caity and Spense in Notorious, and we are grateful for it! When we last encountered our H/H, they were set to explore their personal relationship in Tahiti (the stars were finally aligning). Lamentably, Special Agent Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Caitlin Cassidy were summoned to Texas by a fellow “feebie” (FBI), Agent Dutch Langhorne.   First introduced in Fallen, as part of the Fallen Angel Killer case, Dutch is too stoic a man to request assistance regarding the murder of his wife. When things are just too close, when the case forces Dutch to think outside the box, Dutch astonishingly reaches out to Spense and Caity, and loyalty comes first — no hesitation. Fret not, the chemistry and compatibility are safe in Carey Baldwin’s capable hands (love finds a way). Notorious is a psychological thriller with engaging subplots, baffling psychosis (replete with gruesome details), and swoons, unforgettable swoons, which make Caity and Spense an exciting, complex couple.

“But in truth, the crushing weight of her charmed life made each demure step as torturous as a death march.”

You know the saying about not knowing someone unless you’ve walked in their shoes? Meet Cindy, the wife of Dutch, living a life of excess…to the untrained eye. Someone murdered Cindy and there are a bevy of suspects, including Dutch himself. Carey Baldwin takes us through the memories (and regret) of an unknowing husband. Dutch was aware of Cindy’s infidelity, but the extent is a hard pill to swallow. Dutch sucks up his pride, painfully aware that his indifference contributed to Cindy’s demise, and remains fiercely protective; at the ready to find her killer. Spense and Caity try their best to remain detached as they navigate through the layers of proof and compromise in an effort to exonerate Dutch (diaries, the perfect confidante). Interesting wrench in the collaboration process is that Spense and Dutch don’t really care for each other. Ms. Baldwin volleys witty banter and outright jabs between the alpha men to elicit hearty laughs and big smiles. Caity’s pulling double duty keeping her keen eye on their tension and recognizing their similarities (they’re too arrogant to see it, lol).

While Caity, Spense and Dutch are on the brink of discovery, the real killer is mirroring their steps, dangerously close, and his intrigue is nefarious in nature; he intends to beat them to, and with, the proverbial punch.

They were no longer just looking for a fugitive. They were now on the run from a cold-blooded killer.

Profiling is where Caity and Spense meet, and excel, and Carey Baldwin displays her badassness (even when our beloved leads have become the prey). From the exciting profiling to the intriguing subplots, Ms. Baldwin writes engaging characters that matter to us. When Spenser handed off his Rubik’s Cube to the kid, there was an instant reaction; it was an undeniably sweet gesture, but where’s the nearest Target — Spenser functions better with it! When lines blur for Caity, to tell Spenser or not to tell Spenser, we cringe and recognize that it is delicate ground she walks; indecision so out of character, we fear for what can be jeopardized. These connections are special because we have come to love our unique heroes.       

Spense and Caity continue to grow and inspire; a dynamic duo who doesn’t feel intimidated by the other’s prowess. Their steadfast professional camaraderie enhances their evolving personal relationship. It’s what my 13 year old daughter refers to as “goals”.

For as much notoriety as the killer earned, he left one too many job jobs undone. Shotty work makes you a target. I had a suspicion early on as to who the killer was, but the story unfolded, details cleverly doled out, purposeful and designed, to grip you until the actual revelation. Loved it! I have enjoyed every installment, every development of this series.

Reviewed by Carmen

Copy provided by Author

Share