suspense

Spotlight: The Waitress by Nina Manning

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The Waitress

Nameless. Faceless. Deadly?

Waitress Kit Lowman knows that people look down on her and the job she does. But being anonymous offers Kit safety and security and allows her own terrible secrets to remain hidden.

And then Kit’s luck changes, and she suddenly faces a terrible dilemma: reveal her true identity and accept that life will never be the same. Or stay in the shadows…where she hopes she’ll be safe?

But secrets can’t stay hidden forever. And the more Kit tries to hide away, the more someone makes it clear that they are going to make her pay for what she did.

Purchase Link – https://amzn.to/3OVpWKW

About the Author

Nina Manning studied psychology and was a restaurant-owner and private chef (including to members of the royal family). She is the founder and co-host of Sniffing The Pages, a book review podcast. Her debut psychological thriller, The Daughter in Law, was a bestseller in the UK, US, Australia and Canada. She lives in Dorset.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ninamanningauthor1

Twitter https://twitter.com/ninamanninguk

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ninamanning_author/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/NinaManningNews

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nina-manning

Book Review: The Art of Revenge by Joe Giordano

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The Art of Revenge, an Anthony Provati Thriller is a riveting chase around the world that will have gritty thriller lovers salivating for more. Action-packed, suspenseful and at times terrifying, a must read for those who like hanging on the edge of the cliff by only their fingers.

The Art of Revenge features two unlikely heroes. Anthony Provati is a jazz pianist, art gallery owner, and sailor, who has a mob boss uncle. Valentina Esposito was orphaned at birth but is rewriting her destiny by becoming a brilliant computer programmer. They undertake a global pursuit of murderous Russian and North Korean operatives to foil a terrorist plot funded by forgeries and the ransom of stolen paintings.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I had read three of Joe Giordano’s books and was happy to read The Art of Revenge. It is the third book in the Anthony Pravati series, and it begins with Anthony having to deliver cocaine to make money for close friends who are on the verge of losing everything. Talk about a suspenseful beginning!

Valentina is an orphan who ended up as a prostitute until she was “adopted” by Millie. Anthony knows Millie and once he meets Valentina, they end up in a global cat and mouse game involving deadly Russians, North Koreans, and multiple gangs. Being the nephew of Frank Pravati, a mob boss, has its advantages while they are involved in their pursuits.

The action rarely stops. Anthony and Valentina will be lucky to come out of this alive. There are surprises that I actually realized I was gaping at the words I’d just read. There are also some twists, and I liked how the ending was written.

About the Author

Joe Giordano was born in Brooklyn. His father and grandparents immigrated to New York from Italy. He and his wife Jane now live in Texas.

As a former 3M International Executive Vice President, Joe experienced the global cultures and locations he writes about.

Joe’s stories have appeared in more than one hundred magazines including The Saturday Evening Post, and Shenandoah. His novel, Birds of Passage, An Italian Immigrant Coming of Age Story (2015), and Appointment with ISIL, an Anthony Provati Thriller (2017) were published by Harvard Square Editions. Rogue Phoenix Press published Drone Strike in 2019 and his short story collection, Stories and Places I Remember, in 2020.

Joe was among one hundred Italian American authors honored by Barnes & Noble to march in the 2017 Manhattan, Columbus Day Parade.

Visit Joe’s website at https://joe-giordano.com/

Book Review & Giveaway: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: Shadow of Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 14)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 496 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: March 30, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

You can’t move to the next chapter of your life, without tying up loose ends in the previous.

True crime blogger, Erica Hart starts a new chapter in her life with a bang when a dark shadow darts into the mountain road to send her SUV off a cliff and to the bottom of Deep Creek Lake. Spencer’s newest addition to the police force, Dusty O’Meara assumes it was a bear. Erica is not so sure.

Soon afterwards, contractors discover Konnor Langston’s body at the bottom of an abandoned swimming pool at the new summer home of Mac Faraday’s son.

With Police Chief David O’Callaghan away on paternity leave, Deputy Chief Dusty O’Meara must lead the investigation in his first murder case since moving to Spencer. Not only does Dusty have to work under the shadow of the legendary Mac Faraday, but he also has to match wits with Erica, who is determined to find justice for Konnor, her childhood friend.

Mac isn’t so difficult. Even Gnarly, the town’s canine mayor, is manageable if his authority is well-respected and he is kept entertained.

Erica Hart, Dusty finds, is more of a challenge. It wouldn’t be so difficult if she wasn’t so irresistible.

BUY THE BOOK:
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My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read all of the Mac Faraday books by Lauren Carr. This is the fourteenth book in the series. What a great series!

So much is happening in this book with murders 20 years ago, 12 years ago, and in the present. I was shocked at the beginning, and the first couple of chapters grabbed my attention. As I read on, it was still interesting but not unputdownable like many of Lauren Carr’s books. I’ve been trying to figure out why, and I think it’s because there was less action and more discussion about what had happened.

I thought I might have figured some things out which isn’t normal when I read the Mac Faraday books. I was wrong. There are many twists along the way before they figure everything out. Not only did they have murders to solve, but there was some fraud as well.

There are quite a few characters which is usual. There is a list of characters at the front of the book, though, which usually helps. I had a little trouble keeping everyone straight this time for some reason. I like Erica Hart and her pets, and I hope that she’s in future books. Her cockatoo, Teddy, is hilarious. Having members of Spencer Church return as well as Mac’s son, Tristan, was a bonus.

I definitely recommend Shadow of Murder. Like other books in this series, it has murder mysteries, intrigue, romance, humor, and even some supernatural.

“Five Stars for Lauren Carr’s 14th book of the Mac Faraday Murder Mysteries, Shadow of Murder! In this new release, she has recaptured the fun of cute “creatures” with the fast-moving, suspenseful, and captivating mystery, along with her usual touch of romance.” – review by Lu Ann Worley, Rockin’ Book Reviews

“This newest title in the author’s Mac Faraday cozy murder mystery series offers Lauren Carr’s most intricate plot to date – full of twists and turns guaranteed to keep readers up until the wee hours. While still full of the humor, fun critters and touch of romance that are her trademark, the author has also woven in a dark supernatural element that whispers through to the startling ending.” – review by Marilyn R. Wilson, bestselling author, freelance writer, editor, and speaker at Olio by Marilyn.

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: Open Season for Murder by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: Open Season for Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 10)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 318 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: June 1, 2015
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Spring is in the air. In Deep Creek Lake, the burst of blossoms on the trees has the effect of a starting pistol in the race to get the resort area ready in time for the seasonal residents return to Spencer, Maryland.

​This year, the Spencer Inn, Mac Faraday’s five-star resort, has the added duty of preparing for the Diablo Ball, an annual benefit event that used to kick off Deep Creek Lake’s summer season. The exclusive gala has drawn in A-listers from across the country—including suspects and witnesses connected to Ashton Piedmont, a young woman who had disappeared while skinny dipping in Deep Creek Lake five years earlier—days after the last Diablo Ball.

Intrigued by a mysterious phone call from a young woman claiming to be Ashton, retired homicide detective Mac Faraday can’t resist diving head first into the cold case. But he’s not the only one. Someone behind the scenes has gone to a lot of trouble to bring Ashton Piedmont’s friends and enemies to the Diablo Ball—which promises to be a gala event to die for!

Buy the Book:   
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B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read almost all of the Mac Faraday books by Lauren Carr. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the tenth book in the series, and now I’m ready to read the latest book.

Five years after Ashton’s disappearance, everyone who was possibly involved receives a fake invitation to the exclusive Diablo Ball at Spencer Inn. Someone has deliberately piqued Mac’s interest in the case and he and his brother, David, decide to re-open the cold case. There are multiple suspects, more murders, twists, related cases, and a surprise murderer.

There are so many characters! There are usually a lot of characters in Lauren’s books, but I think this one has more than usual. There is a list of characters at the front of the book, though, which helps. Most of the people Ashton knew are rich kids of millionaires and billionaires. It’s difficult to get the truth from them, so this is a whole new challenge for Mac and David. Luckily, they have a lot of help from David’s girlfriend, Mac’s wife, the police force, Gnarly, and more.

This is the first Lauren Carr book I’ve read that needs proofreading. The words that really stand out are a couple of words that are incorrect, but they wouldn’t be picked up by a spell checker. For example, several times drool was spelled droll.

I definitely recommend Open Season for Murder. If you like murder mysteries with intrigue along with romance and humor, this is the series for you.

“There’s lots of drama, crimes, murder, and laughter that surrounds the Diablo Ball. As usual, Gnarly is in the middle of everything. Hated to have to keep putting this down. I loved reading Open Season for Murder.”– review by Rhonda Laney, readalot

“Mac Faraday does it again! I loved every minute!”– 5-star review by Texanne

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: A Wedding and a Killing by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: A Wedding and a Killing by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 8)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 275 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: September 13, 2014
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Not wanting to wait until their big day to start their life of wedded bliss, Mac Faraday and his lady love, Archie Monday, decide to elope to the little church where his ancestors had all married—along the tranquil shore of Deep Creek Lake. However, before they can say, “I do,” the sanctuary erupts into chaos when Gnarly finds a body in the church office.

In A Wedding and a Killing, Mac and his team discover more questions than answers. What kind of person walks into a church and shoots a man for no apparent reason? How do you solve the murder of a man who has no enemies in the world? Which of the seemingly kind-hearted church members is really a cold-blooded killer?

Then, there is the all-important question, how long do Mac Faraday and his lady love have to wait to get married?

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the eighth book in the series.

Mac and Archie are getting married in a quiet ceremony but one of the church staff is found murdered by Gnarly, Mac’s German Shepherd, during the ceremony. Since it’s no longer the right time to get married, they start to investigate the murder. There are several twists, more murders, and an old murder that ends up needing investigation. One murderer was a surprise, the other wasn’t.

Even though the main plot is to solve the murders, there are some sweet romances that add a lot to the story.

There are quite a few characters but there is a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. One thing I enjoy about reading a series is the ongoing character development of all of the regular characters which Lauren Carr does well.

I definitely recommend A Wedding and a Killing. It has a great ending! If you like mystery and intrigue along with romance and humor, this is the series for you.

My favorite part of this book is the short story The Gnarly Rehabilitation Program. Gnarly has always been my favorite character (and what a character he is!). Gnarly and dogknappers make a hilarious combination.

“Five Stars. A Wedding and a Killing has lots of action, suspense, murders, mysteries and humor.” – Review by Rhonda Laney, readalot

“There is actually a mystery within a mystery in Carr’s new book. It’s a tangled, twisting adventure that adds more dead bodies along the way. Carr’s characters are lively, her plots complex, there is always just enough humor to set a lighter tone.” – Review by Allene Reynolds, Mystery and Me

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: Twelve to Murder by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: Twelve to Murder by Lauren Carr
Series: A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 7)
Category: Adult fiction (18+), 266 pages
Genre: Murder Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: February 9, 2014
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Mac Faraday’s plan to spend a quiet weekend home alone with his lady love, Archie Monday, is shattered by murder.

A middle-aged couple are brutally murdered in their summer place on Deep Creek Lake. To any other detective, the case would be considered open and shut when it appears as if one of the victims has written her killer’s name in her blood—not so for Mac Faraday, who believes there is more to this case than meets the eye.

In Lauren Carr’s latest Mac Faraday Mystery former child-star and teen-idol Lenny Frost steps into a pub in Deep Creek Lake to see his face on the television over the bar with the announcement that he’s wanted for the murder of his agent and her husband!

How does Lenny Frost react to this sudden comeback into the headlines? He takes everyone hostage and gives Mac Faraday twelve hours to find the real killer or he’s going to kill everyone in the bar.

Will it be a fatal last call at midnight?

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the seventh book in the series.

All poor Mac wants to do is spend a quiet weekend with his girlfriend, Archie. Unfortunately, he has to put that on hold when two people are murdered. This case starts out bizarre and just gets crazier. There are many suspects that David and Mac have to sift through, and one of the strangest hostage situations anyone could imagine. By the end of the book, I actually felt sorry for most of the suspects.

There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. She always has a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. In fact, I did use it once or twice this time. I like how the relationship between Mac and Archie is developing.

I definitely recommend Twelve to Murder. It has a great ending! If you like mystery and intrigue along with a touch of sweet romance and humor, this is the series for you. This book does stand-alone though.

“Twelve To Murder is a clever blend of comedy, mystery, and sappy love story. Lauren Carr does a good job of moving the quirky storyline along nicely with an abundance of witty dialogue.  And you have no idea who the good guys are and who the bad guys are until the end.”– Review by Every Free Chance Book Reviews.

“This suspenseful book was filled with twists, turns, and lots of action! The Mac Faraday series is an amazing read for a mystery lover, but Twelve to Murder can stand alone if you have not read any other books in its series. Lauren definitely knows how to bring you into the story and leaves you wanting more!”– Review by Debbie Hill, Miss Book Lovers

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: The Lady Who Cried Murder by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: The Lady Who Cried Murder by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 6)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 286 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  January 2, 2014
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex. There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Determined to get her pretty face in front of the cameras, Khloe Everest fakes an abduction only to make a grand entrance in the midst of a press conference held by Spencer’s Police Chief David O’Callaghan.

Three years later, after failing to catapult her notoriety into a long-lasting celebrity, Khloe Everest returns to Spencer upon her mother’s sudden death and seemingly finds another weapon to propel her into the spotlight. Unfortunately, someone kills her before she can make this entrance.

In Lauren Carr’s sixth mystery, Mac Faraday and his friends come up against reality stars, politicians, has-beens, and wannabes. Mac also finds himself face-to-face with an old foe from his past who had managed to escape arrest during their last encounter. Now, Mac sees that his adversary has only become more powerful, and dangerous, with the passage of time.

Intent to not let this killer escape again, Mac and his friends need to put all of their talents together to put a stop to a cold-blooded lady killer. 

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the sixth book in the series.

There are so many twists in this book it’ll make your head spin! Just when I thought I had something figured out, another bomb would drop. It starts with Khloe’s crazy antics and just gets crazier from there, but can you expect when dirty politicians and celebrity has-beens are in the picture?

There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. She always has a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. Gnarly remains my favorite character because he’s smarter and braver than many humans. Joshua Thornton and Cameron Gates from the Lovers in Crime series make an appearance in this book. I like it when characters cross over between series.

I definitely recommend The Lady Who Cried Murder. I’m going to quit saying that the books are my favorite Lauren Carr book so far because it seems that each new one I read is better than the last. If you like mystery and intrigue along with a touch of romance and a lot of humor, this is the series for you. This book does stand-alone though.

“I recommend this book to all mystery lovers! The Lady Who Cried Murder was another heart-stopping thriller! While the mystery and the road to its solution was amazing, I truly enjoyed the cast and characters (they feel like family)! Another great hit and I look forward to reading the next installment of Mac Faraday and his gang and what kind of drama they end up in!” – review by Debbie Hill, Miss Book Lovers

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: Blast from the Past by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: Blast from the Past by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 4)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 301 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  January 2, 2013
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries. Sometimes, the murder does happen on-stage. There is no graphic violence or explicit sex.There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

A woman is killed when she falls down the stairs. Men die writhing in a little coffee shop.  Death may not be that unusual these days in Deep Creek Lake, but then someone tries to kill Archie, the woman Mac Faraday loves.

When she tells Mac the reason behind it and her secret is exposed, Mac and the entire police department will go to extremes to keep Archie safe.

That raises rather a lot of questions:

Who exactly are they protecting her from?
Could it be warring crime lords? Hit men?
Why does one particular couple keep showing up around town?
Just how many killers are there, anyway?
Is anyone who they say they are?

Gnarly plays a much bigger—and more effective–role this time round, and he is showing off his training whether he means to or not.  From taking down bad guys—he seriously knows how to do that– to protecting a little girl staying at Mac’s.  Not to mention that for a dog, he is a surprisingly good confidante when the right little person needs to talk.

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the fourth book in the series.

Talk about intrigue and murder! It seems that Deep Creek Lake has become a hotbed of murders. And Archie is one person on the hit list. Luckily, she’s smart and capable and is able to defend herself. But what about next time? And why is she on a hit list? She has some explaining to do.

There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. She always has a list of characters at the front of the book in case it’s needed, which is nice. Gnarly remains my favorite character especially since he’s capable of making a little girl feel safe and loved. He always makes things interesting!

I definitely recommend Blast from the Past. It’s my favorite Lauren Carr book so far! If you like mystery and intrigue, it’s one you don’t want to miss. Along with the murder mysteries there is a touch of romance and humor. It’s a stand-alone, but of course you’d get more out of it if you read the previous books in the series.

“Blast from the Past is a well-developed story full of intrigue that moves at a brisk pace. The characters are interesting, the villains varied, and the action is as quick as the humor. I have a feeling any of Lauren Carr’s mysteries would be pleasurable distractions, as well as entertaining.  Very Highly Recommended.” – Review by Lori L., Softly She Treads

“I must say, I truly enjoyed reading this book! I found myself waking up slightly early for work just to finish a couple chapters! Not only was this book captivating, I found myself laughing at Gnarly, the ever so lovable and rambunctious German Shephard! I look forward to reading the next book by Lauren Carr!”– Review by Debbie Hill, Miss Book Lovers

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

Continue reading →

Audiobook Review & Giveaway: The Bones of Amoret by Arthur Herbert

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​Book Title: The Bones of Amoret – A Novel by Arthur Herbert
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 320 pages
Genre: Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Stitched Smile Publications
Release Date: April 2022
Length: 10 hours, 59 minutes.
Content Rating: PG-13 – no sex, explicit or otherwise; almost all violence is off-screen; mild profanity

Book Description:

In this enigmatic follow up to his critically acclaimed debut novel The Cuts that Cure, Arthur Herbert returns to the Texas-Mexico border with this saga of a small town’s bloody loss of innocence.

Amoret, Texas, 1982. Life along the border is harsh, but in a world where cultures work together to carve a living from the desert landscape, Blaine Beckett lives a life of isolation. A transplanted Boston intellectual, for twenty years locals have viewed him as a snob, a misanthrope, an outsider. He seems content to stand apart until one night when he vanishes into thin air amid signs of foul play.

Noah Grady, the town doctor, is a charming and popular good ol’ boy. He’s also a keeper of secrets, both the town’s and his own. He watches from afar as the mystery of Blaine’s disappearance unravels and rumors fly. Were the incipient cartels responsible? Was it a local with a grudge? Or did Blaine himself orchestrate his own disappearance? Then the unthinkable happens, and Noah begins to realize he’s considered a suspect.

Paced like a lit fuse and full of dizzying plot twists, The Bones of Amoret is a riveting whodunit that will keep you guessing all the way to its shocking conclusion. ​

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Audible
add to goodreads

My Review

I chose to listen to this book after receiving a free audio copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I like the way this book is presented with Noah Grady recounting the story of crimes committed 40 years ago. He’s a doctor in a small Texas town and does his best to help everyone he can. As good of man as he is, he still has his secrets. I like how he is portrayed as a good man with flaws. His telling of the mysteries that occurred back then is engaging and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It wasn’t a book I couldn’t put down, but it was a book I had to finish.

There are quite a few characters and even more plot twists! I didn’t even try to figure out how the story was going to end because I knew I’d be wrong. I was surprised at how everything worked out, which is what I expected.

The narrator does a fantastic job with the voice of Noah Grady. He sounds like an old-timer telling a story. He’s got great timing and a good pace. I’m sure the book is just as good, but I’m glad that I listened to the audiobook.

I definitely recommend The Bones of Amoret which is the first book I’ve read by Arthur Herbert but hopefully not the last.

About the Author

Arthur Herbert was born and raised in small town Texas. He worked on offshore oil rigs, as a bartender, a landscaper at a trailer park, and as a social worker before going to medical school. He chose to do a residency in general surgery, followed by a fellowship in critical care and trauma surgery. For the last eighteen years, he’s worked as a trauma and burn surgeon, operating on all ages of injured patients. He continues to run a thriving practice.

He’s won multiple awards for his scientific writing, and his first novel, The Cuts that Cure, spent ten days as an Amazon #1 Best Seller. His second novel, The Bones of Amoret, will be released on April 1, 2022 through Stitched Smile Publishers. Arthur currently lives in New Orleans, with his wife Amy and their dogs.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter the Book Tour Giveaway ​for a chance to win
a signed copy of THE BONES OF AMORET
(three winners / USA only)

Gleam

Follow the Tour

May 2 – Mystery Review Crew – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 3 –Kam’s Place – book spotlight
May 3 –Cover Lover Book Review – audiobook review / giveaway
May 4 –Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
May 5 – Sadie’s Spotlight – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 5 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
May 6 – Books for Books – audiobook review 
May 9 –Amy’s Bookshelf Reviews – audiobook review
May 9 – Novels Alive – audiobook review 
May 9 – Novels Alive – audiobook blast / giveaway 
May 10 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review / giveaway
May 11 – Booking With Janelle – audiobook review / author interview / giveaway
May 11 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review / giveaway
May 12 – @twilight_reader – audiobook review / giveaway
May 13 – Bigreadersite – audiobook review / giveaway
May 13 – Faith and Books – audiobook review / giveaway
TBD –Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review / author interview / giveaway
TBD – Rockin’ Book Reviews – audiobook review / guest post / giveaway

Book Review & Giveaway: Old Loves Die Hard by Lauren Carr

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Book Title: Old Loves Die Hard by Lauren Carr
Series:  A Mac Faraday Mystery (Volume 2)
Category:  Adult fiction (18+), 318 pages
Genre:  Murder Mystery
Publisher:  Acorn Book Services
Release date:  April 23, 2011
Content Rating: PG-13 – Lauren Carr’s mysteries are murder mysteries.

In Old Loves Die Hard, Lauren Carr continues the rags-to-riches story of Mac Faraday, an underpaid homicide detective who inherits two-hundred-and-seventy million dollars and an estate on Deep Creek Lake, Maryland, from his birth mother on the day his divorce becomes final.

Mac is settling nicely into his new life at Spencer Manor when his ex-wife, Christine, shows up—and she wants him back! Before Mac can send her packing, Christine and her estranged lover are murdered in Mac’s private penthouse suite at the Spencer Inn, the five-star resort built by his ancestors. The investigation leads to the discovery of cases files for some of Mac’s murder cases in the room of the man responsible for destroying his marriage. Why would his ex-wife’s lover come to Spencer to dig into Mac’s old cases?

With the help of his new friends on Deep Creek Lake, Mac must use all of his detective skills to clear his name and the Spencer Inn’s reputation, before its five-stars—and more bodies—start dropping!

There is some very mild language (hell or damn, very few and far between) No F-Bombs!

Buy the Book:   
  Audible ~ Amazon
B&N ~ BookBub
Add to Goodreads

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from iRead Book Tours. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

I have read quite a few of Lauren Carr’s books and Mac Faraday is the first character of hers that I read about. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to read all of the books in order, so now I’m catching up. This is the second book in the series.

Mac’s ex-wife shows up and wants him back, but he wants nothing to do with her. She is murdered in his suite at his hotel so he, of course, helps his brother solve the case. This case is complicated and there are so many murders and twists!

There are quite a few characters as is usual for Lauren Carr’s books. I like Mac and Archie and their budding relationship. My favorite character has to be Mac’s dog, Gnarly. He is so smart!

I definitely recommend Old Loves Die Hard. If you like mystery and intrigue, it’s one you don’t want to miss.

“The plot gave a touch of crime drama to this cozy without losing the cozy charm. … There is suspense and twists that keep the pages turning. … I think Ms. Carr is just hitting her stride and I suspect that we shall see each new book surpass the last.” —review by Ariel Heart, Mystery and My Musings

“As in any good who-done-it, there are red herrings and plot complications in Old Loves Die Hard and fans of mysteries and police procedurals will get a kick out of Lauren Carr’s books.”– review by David M. Kinchen, Huntington News

About the Author

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, Thorny Rose, Chris Matheson Cold Case Mysteries, and Nikki Bryant Cozy Mysteries—over twenty-five titles across five fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, crime fiction, police procedurals, romance, and humor. 

The owner of Acorn Book Services, Lauren is also a publishing manager, consultant, and virtual book tour coordinator for independent authors.  

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. 

She lives with her husband, and two spoiled rotten German shepherds on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV. 

connect with the author: 

website  ~  facebook  ~  instagram ~ pinterest ~ bookbub ~ goodreads

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 PayPal gift card courtesy of the author of the Mac Faraday Mysteries!
(one winner)

Gleam

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