Book Title: The One Who Fell Author: Kerry WIlkinson Series: Whitecliff Bay Mystery Book #1 Narrator: Helen Keeley Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: MysteBook Title: The One Who Fell Author: Kerry WIlkinson Series: Whitecliff Bay Mystery Book #1 Narrator: Helen Keeley Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: April 17, 2023 My Rating: 3.8 Rounded up
I was drawn to this story for a couple reasons none of which were that I knew anything about it. I loved the cover, a story on Whitecliff Bay sounded interesting. I enjoy audiobooks but am a big narrator snob but I found when I listened to the audio sample that I liked Helen Keeley’s voice I am a big psychological thriller fan and read two other Kerry Wilkinson novels – Party at No. 12 was my first – which was great. One of my comments in my reviews after I read it was ~ I have a new fav author and am now looking forward to another of his stories! In the seaside town of Whitecliff, everyone looks out for each other. Everyone knows your name. And everyone knows your secrets… Millie Westlake volunteers at the nursing home; when Ingrid, one of the residents comes to her and tells her she saw a girl being pushed from a roof, Millie wasn’t sure to believe her as she loves to tell stories -many actually happened and others are what she thinks happened. When a second resident tells Millie that they saw someone jump from a roof; it is too similar to what Ingrid said and Mellie decides to look into it. Millie has been a Victim of gossip and knows what it’s like not to be believed. She starts to investigate and things start to happen to her. There is a burglary and one of the items taken has ended up in her home. Hmmm . . . . Millie realizes she has gotten herself into something that might be dangerous.
Narrator Helen Keeley did a great job in performing the characters! Story kept me curious. There is a bit of a cliff hanger-not a big tease but enough to make me curious about Book #2. The One who was Taken.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 17, 2023.
Merged review:
Book Title: The One Who Fell Author: Kerry WIlkinson Series: Whitecliff Bay Mystery Book #1 Narrator: Helen Keeley Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: April 17, 2023 My Rating: 3.8 Rounded up
I was drawn to this story for a couple reasons none of which were that I knew anything about it. I loved the cover, a story on Whitecliff Bay sounded interesting. I enjoy audiobooks but am a big narrator snob but I found when I listened to the audio sample that I liked Helen Keeley’s voice I am a big psychological thriller fan and read two other Kerry Wilkinson novels – Party at No. 12 was my first – which was great. One of my comments in my reviews after I read it was ~ I have a new fav author and am now looking forward to another of his stories! In the seaside town of Whitecliff, everyone looks out for each other. Everyone knows your name. And everyone knows your secrets… Millie Westlake volunteers at the nursing home; when Ingrid, one of the residents comes to her and tells her she saw a girl being pushed from a roof, Millie wasn’t sure to believe her as she loves to tell stories -many actually happened and others are what she thinks happened. When a second resident tells Millie that they saw someone jump from a roof; it is too similar to what Ingrid said and Mellie decides to look into it. Millie has been a Victim of gossip and knows what it’s like not to be believed. She starts to investigate and things start to happen to her. There is a burglary and one of the items taken has ended up in her home. Hmmm . . . . Millie realizes she has gotten herself into something that might be dangerous.
Narrator Helen Keeley did a great job in performing the characters! Story kept me curious. There is a bit of a cliff hanger-not a big tease but enough to make me curious about Book #2. The One who was Taken.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for April 17, 2023....more
Book Title: Bride to Be Author: Daniel Hurst Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: May 7, 2023 My Rating: 3.4 Stars
This is my ninthBook Title: Bride to Be Author: Daniel Hurst Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: May 7, 2023 My Rating: 3.4 Stars
In this story Kate and Mark are planning their wedding. Although Kate is excited she is also getting cold feet and wonders if Mark is ‘the right one’. He is verbally and emotionally abusive which seems like a red flag to me! However, Kate is approaching forty and wants to settle down and get married.
When she is having a wedding dress fitting, she notices a very happy couple and wants to be happy like them. She soon becomes obsessed with the pair and decides that Tristan the groom, would the ‘One” for her and becomes fixated on getting him to notice her.
I call myself a fan ~ always love the “Hurst twists and turns”! In the ‘About the Author’, the comment is that Daniel Hurst writes Psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people.
Yep he does that as these characters seem like normal people! Hmm. . . . I always enjoy a Hurst thriller however I guess my expectations were too high. Yes this story had a surprise but it didn’t shock me ~ the twists and turns just weren’t what I was expecting!
But I certainly will read another Hurst thriller.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2023
Merged review:
Book Title: Bride to Be Author: Daniel Hurst Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: May 7, 2023 My Rating: 3.4 Stars
In this story Kate and Mark are planning their wedding. Although Kate is excited she is also getting cold feet and wonders if Mark is ‘the right one’. He is verbally and emotionally abusive which seems like a red flag to me! However, Kate is approaching forty and wants to settle down and get married.
When she is having a wedding dress fitting, she notices a very happy couple and wants to be happy like them. She soon becomes obsessed with the pair and decides that Tristan the groom, would the ‘One” for her and becomes fixated on getting him to notice her.
I call myself a fan ~ always love the “Hurst twists and turns”! In the ‘About the Author’, the comment is that Daniel Hurst writes Psychological thrillers and loves to tell tales about unusual things happening to normal people.
Yep he does that as these characters seem like normal people! Hmm. . . . I always enjoy a Hurst thriller however I guess my expectations were too high. Yes this story had a surprise but it didn’t shock me ~ the twists and turns just weren’t what I was expecting!
But I certainly will read another Hurst thriller.
Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 7, 2023...more
Book Title: The Widow’s Secret Author: Theo Baxter Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Psychological Thriller Pub Date: January 29, 2023 My Rating: 4 Stars!
LBook Title: The Widow’s Secret Author: Theo Baxter Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Psychological Thriller Pub Date: January 29, 2023 My Rating: 4 Stars!
Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. Leona didn’t see him fall but heard his scream and immediately looked over the cliff. She search but didn’t call 911 immediately as she didn’t have cell reception. When she came upon other hikers they called 911 for her. The search team didn’t find anything but the dogs did find Wayne’s backpack with some bloody clothes. Figuring his body was carried off by animals the search ended.
Wayne’s brother, Michael believes Leona is responsible as there is a large insurance policy she will be inheriting.
Next Michael is found dead and his wife Chelsea is missing. Yikes! what is going on? Does Leona have anything to do with THIS?
I am a big Psychological Thriller fan ~ Love and expect twists and turns.
Although there were times I was yelling at Leona ~ but I liked her! (view spoiler)[Title had me curious, however don’t hold your breath as Leona secret isn’t a big wow! (hide spoiler)] Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 29, 2023
Merged review:
Book Title: The Widow’s Secret Author: Theo Baxter Publisher: Inkubator Books Genre: Psychological Thriller Pub Date: January 29, 2023 My Rating: 4 Stars!
Leona and Wayne Woodrow are celebrating their fifth anniversary with a hike on the Appalachian Trail. Wayne slips and falls off a cliff. Leona didn’t see him fall but heard his scream and immediately looked over the cliff. She search but didn’t call 911 immediately as she didn’t have cell reception. When she came upon other hikers they called 911 for her. The search team didn’t find anything but the dogs did find Wayne’s backpack with some bloody clothes. Figuring his body was carried off by animals the search ended.
Wayne’s brother, Michael believes Leona is responsible as there is a large insurance policy she will be inheriting.
Next Michael is found dead and his wife Chelsea is missing. Yikes! what is going on? Does Leona have anything to do with THIS?
I am a big Psychological Thriller fan ~ Love and expect twists and turns.
Although there were times I was yelling at Leona ~ but I liked her! (view spoiler)[Title had me curious, however don’t hold your breath as Leona secret isn’t a big wow! (hide spoiler)] Want to thank NetGalley and Inkubator Books for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 29, 2023...more
Book Title: The Boyfriend Candidate Author: Ashley Winstead Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House Genre: Rom-com Pub Date: May 9, 2023 My Book Title: The Boyfriend Candidate Author: Ashley Winstead Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House Genre: Rom-com Pub Date: May 9, 2023 My Rating: 3 Stars
I read Ashley Winstead]’s The Last Housewife and gave it 4 stars. I actually went into this not really know what it was about only that I liked the last book I read by Ms. Winstead. I now am embarrassed that I didn’t do some research as I am not a big rom-com fan nor am I usually taken in by a blurb that states A laugh-out-loud rom-com about learning to embrace living outside your comfort zone! Our protagonist Alexis Stone is a shy school librarian and is dumped for being too meek. She decides treat herself to a night out and pretends she is Ruby Dangerfield and tries to act the way Rudy would. She puts on a plunging red neckline dress and heads to the bar and is ready to take the first man who makes her an offer. Except the first man is not THE man but some old guy. Alexis worries she's gotten herself into a horrible, scary mess, but a handsome stranger comes to her defense. She and her rescuer Logan share a couple of drink. Alexis is enjoying being "Ruby" and having this adventurous life which, of course, very different from her own as an elementary school librarian.
Logan and ‘Ruby’ leave the bar and get a room in the ‘Governor’s Suite’ in the hotel next. Before they enter the room, disaster strikes as reporters immediately take pics of them. Hmmm have any ideas who this handsome stranger might be?
As mentioned I am not a big rom-com but since this is about going outside your comfort zone I hung in there.
I always enjoy reading the author’s notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case Ashley Winstead’s comments are very touching. She tells us that on August 10. 2022 right before she got this book’s copyedits, her beloved father Ron Winstead died. ~ Having lost my dad I know this was a very difficult time for her.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 9, 2023
Merged review:
Book Title: The Boyfriend Candidate Author: Ashley Winstead Publisher: Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House Genre: Rom-com Pub Date: May 9, 2023 My Rating: 3 Stars
I read Ashley Winstead]’s The Last Housewife and gave it 4 stars. I actually went into this not really know what it was about only that I liked the last book I read by Ms. Winstead. I now am embarrassed that I didn’t do some research as I am not a big rom-com fan nor am I usually taken in by a blurb that states A laugh-out-loud rom-com about learning to embrace living outside your comfort zone! Our protagonist Alexis Stone is a shy school librarian and is dumped for being too meek. She decides treat herself to a night out and pretends she is Ruby Dangerfield and tries to act the way Rudy would. She puts on a plunging red neckline dress and heads to the bar and is ready to take the first man who makes her an offer. Except the first man is not THE man but some old guy. Alexis worries she's gotten herself into a horrible, scary mess, but a handsome stranger comes to her defense. She and her rescuer Logan share a couple of drink. Alexis is enjoying being "Ruby" and having this adventurous life which, of course, very different from her own as an elementary school librarian.
Logan and ‘Ruby’ leave the bar and get a room in the ‘Governor’s Suite’ in the hotel next. Before they enter the room, disaster strikes as reporters immediately take pics of them. Hmmm have any ideas who this handsome stranger might be?
As mentioned I am not a big rom-com but since this is about going outside your comfort zone I hung in there.
I always enjoy reading the author’s notes and/or Acknowledgements. In this case Ashley Winstead’s comments are very touching. She tells us that on August 10. 2022 right before she got this book’s copyedits, her beloved father Ron Winstead died. ~ Having lost my dad I know this was a very difficult time for her.
Want to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing ~ Graydon House for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 9, 2023...more
Book Title: A Very English Murder Series: A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #1 Author: Verity Bright Narrator: Karen Cass Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Copy MysBook Title: A Very English Murder Series: A Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery #1 Author: Verity Bright Narrator: Karen Cass Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Copy Mystery Audiobook Pub Date was April 7, 2020 My Rating: 4.5 rounded up Pages: 302
Story setting is, of course England and the time period is 1920. Young Eleanor Swift has suddenly become Lady Swift upon the death of her uncle, Lord Henley; additionally inherited his estate. It has been sixteen years since she lived at Henley Hall and it is now her home. She is greeted by Clifford the butler and smiles as he appears to be exactly the same. She was convinced that all butlers were born a certain age at which they stayed until they disappeared in a puff of discreet smoke. For a good servant would never die on his employer, that would be just too inconvenient. I totally pictured the staff from Downton Abby lining up, when Clifford was doing these introductions! Before meeting the staff, Eleanor first meets and make a connection with Gladstone, her uncle’s bulldog; they both are pleased to be friends. While taking Gladstone for a walk in the countryside she gets lost in the rain and looking for shelter she spots a hut on the estate. Before entering the hut she witnesses a man being shot; then sees someone quickly leave on a motorcycle. When she finally gets in the hut, there is no body. She quickly notifies the Police only they are of no help without a body; Eleanor decided to take the manner into her hands. With the help of Clifford and the staff, they discover that Mr. Atkins a neighbor was found dead in his bed with - what is believed to be a fatal self-inflected gunshot wound. Clifford soon becomes a lot of help. One of the advantages of being a servant is that other servants are willing to talk to one another and share information that they may not share if anyone else. He becomes a great as well as calming sleuthing sidekick. I just loved this and am ready to put another Lady Swift’s Book my TBR shelf. Wait a minute the series is now up to #17 – where have I been???
I enjoyed the story and love the characters – move over Stephanie Plum. Audiobook narrator Karen Cass is awesome in performing all the characters. She made a fun story even more enjoyable. I love the language and the way they explain simple things was either beautifully said or had me laughing out loud! . I read a lot of thriller and today’s characters use one word- a f-bomb to explaining/describe every all emotions. Totally annoying.
About the author ~ Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humor, before embarking on their first historical mystery.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this audiobook.. Publishing Release Date was April 7, 2020 ...more
Book Title: The Game is a Footnote Author: Vicki Delany Series: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9 Narrator: Kim Hicks Publisher: Dreamscape Media GenreBook Title: The Game is a Footnote Author: Vicki Delany Series: A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery #9 Narrator: Kim Hicks Publisher: Dreamscape Media Genre: Cozy Mystery Pub Date: January 9, 2024 My Rating: 4.6 rounded up Stars
This is 9th book in the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery series. Although the characters are recurring; I believe it can be read as a standalone _ I strongly encourage the audio! In case this is your first, I will give some background (plus I write making notes helps me remember all the characters!!!)
Setting: West London on Cape Cod. Gemma Doyle- a transplanted Englishwoman, has returned to the quaint town of West London on Cape Cod to manage her Great Uncle Arthur's Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium, Jayce Wilson – Gemma’s best friend along with Mrs. Hudson manages the Tea Room that is attached to her book shop. Ashleigh - is Gemma's assistant. Bunny Leigh – Ashleigh’s mother is a former pop star. Ryan Ashburton - is a detective and Gemma’s main squeeze. Andy Whitehall - is Jayne's fiancé and owner of the restaurant, Blue Water Cafe. Donald Morris – hopes to speak to the spirit of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Non-recurring characters Madame Lavalier – is the medium and her assistant is Mary Moffat Daniel Stanton and his wife Eleanor from California are staying with Daniel’s step-mother Rebecca, the hostess for the séance.
Story starts when a psychic fair is taking place in West London. Although Gemma wants no part of it, she is talked into attending as a support to her assistant Ashleigh.as her mom is planning on trying to contact Ashleigh's dad. Gemma, however, is evicted because she is a non-believer. (Have to admit that this made me laugh out loud!) The séance begins once the lights are out. Gemma, of course, has to sit outside. However, she soon hears a commotion and once lights are back on -one of the twelve in the séance is dead has been stabbed in the back of the neck.
I am a Vicki Delany fan. Additionally I love that narrator Kim Hicks continues to be the audiobook performer- to me she is Gemma Doyle- Ms. Hicks performs Gemma’s personality perfectly!
I have always been a mystery book fan but more recently have been reading psychological thrillers; this cozy mystery reminded me why I love mysteries! Most cozy mystery fans enjoy reading a story that includes a book shop. One that has an adjacent tea room has got to be the BEST! BTW: I actually did a Google search for “Sherlock Holmes Tea Set” and Yes! They are available!
Ms. Delany delivered another enjoyable read. As always I am looking forward to the next adventure of Gemma and friends! I read Elementary She Reads which was the first book in this series back in 2017. I immediately liked Moriarty the cat" and delighted he continues to make an appearance and know deep down he likes Gemma even though he acts like he doesn’t. Also dogs Violet and Peony (note cover) Of course, I love Gemma - we Miata drivers have a special bond!
Ms. Delany is the author of four cozy mystery series: In addition to this, the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series from Crooked Lane, The Tea by the Sea series from Kensington Books, and the Year Round Christmas series from Penguin she also writes the Lighthouse Library series under the pen of Eva Gates. I also love that series!)
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media and Crooked Lane Books for granting me the pleasure of listening to this fun early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 9, 2024 ...more
Book Title: The Couple’s Revenge Author: Daniel Hurst Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Domestic Psychological Thriller Pub Date: January 4, 2024 My Rating: 3.7Book Title: The Couple’s Revenge Author: Daniel Hurst Publisher: Bookouture Genre: Domestic Psychological Thriller Pub Date: January 4, 2024 My Rating: 3.7 rounded up Pages: 258 Story starts with mom’s concerns regarding her son – She could tell when my son started hiding things from me. He used to walk to school with a mischievous grin on his beautiful face. Now he avoids eye contact and keeps his head down.
Sara and Guy are parents of eighteen year old Amber and twelve year old Jacob. They are a normal happy family. Jacob is fun, friendly, and always has a grin on his face; now Jacob walks to school with his head down and comes home from school and goes straight to his room without stopping for anything to eat. Sara knows that there is something wrong, but Jacob doesn’t want to talk about it. She asks Guy to speak to him. Guy is sure nothing is wrong and talks Jacob into having dinner with the family. Guy mentioned that he and some other dads were playing football (aka- Soccer to us) and Kevin Atkinson was with them When his dad mentions Mr. Atkinson, Jacob drops his fork and excuses himself from dinner.
As for Mr. Atkinson Kevin -three years ago his youngest daughter Zoe took her own life after being bullying by Mason Burton. Mason’s punishment was being expelled from school. Now Mason is at Jacob’s school. . Sara fears that mentioning Mr. Atkinson’s name reminded Jacob of the bulling he is experiencing. Guy isn’t so sure about it but later he finds bruises on Jacob. It seems while playing football (soccer) with school friends in the school yard Jacob was kicked several times when he was down. Guy finds out that Mason Burton was the boy responsible,
Sara and Guy believe they need to do something before their own son follows Zoe’s path! Unfortunately Mom & Dad’s help seems to make things worse for Jacob!
Story slows down a bit in the middle but as it got closer to the end I was reading as fast as my eyes could focus – ended up another Hurst page-turner - he doesn’t disappoint!
Personal Note: I read a lot of thriller and my ‘arm chair detective skills had a strong suspicion as to whodunit. I didn’t have the details but I was correct.
This is my sixteenth Daniel Hurst thriller . Yep - I am a fan!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early e-Galley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 4, 2024....more
Book Title: What Mother Won’t Tell\ Author: Ivan Leon Menger Narrator: Ella Lynch Publisher: Dreamscape Media Genre: Mystery Thriller Audiobook Pub Date: JBook Title: What Mother Won’t Tell\ Author: Ivan Leon Menger Narrator: Ella Lynch Publisher: Dreamscape Media Genre: Mystery Thriller Audiobook Pub Date: January 9, 2024 My Rating: 3.6 rounded up Pages: 318
Fifteen year old Juno and her little brother Boy live in a cabin on small remote island in Sweden. They live with Mother and Father. They live in constant fear as are told strangers want to take revenge on their father and destroy the family. June is told that they are in the witness protection program.
When Luca a young man approaches Juno isn’t fearful of him as he doesn’t seem like one of the strangers. He tells her more about who she ‘really is’ as well about her so called family.
June now realizes that her real fear isn’t across the island but much closer. As Mother and Father become more abusive it becomes clear and she and boy have to escape. Story becomes one of survival.
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me this early thriller. Audiobook Publishing Date scheduled for January 9, 2024.
Book Title: Body on the Doorstep Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club Book #1 Author: Marty Wingate Narrator: Naomi Frederick Publisher: Bookouture Audio GeBook Title: Body on the Doorstep Series: London Ladies’ Murder Club Book #1 Author: Marty Wingate Narrator: Naomi Frederick Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Cozy Mystery Pub Date: January 11, 2024 My Rating: 3.4 Pages: 310
Awww this new series is not exactly like the “Women’s Murder Club” that I have been following for many years, however the “London Ladies’ Murder Club’ was an enjoyable cozy murder mystery read. I will read next in the series. Love this cover Audiobook narrator Naomi Frederick did a great job in performing the 'ladies' as well as the other characters! . Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early audiobook. Audiobook Publishing Date scheduled for January 11, 2024. ...more
Book Title: Keep You Safe Author: Rona Halsall Narrator: Sarah Durham Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Psychological Thriller Audiobook Pub Date: JanuarBook Title: Keep You Safe Author: Rona Halsall Narrator: Sarah Durham Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Psychological Thriller Audiobook Pub Date: January 10, 2024 My Rating: 3.4 Stars Pages: 342
Story is told by Natalie Wilson Then- was four years ago and Present Day is now with Natalie trying to find her son Harry. However there is a third POV that is unknown and keeps us in suspense.
Natalie Wilson is a new mom and although she adores baby Harry, she is having difficulties coping with the strains of new motherhood. She is experiencing lapses of memory; cannot remember things such as making a large donation to a charity that she never had an interest additionally has been making expensive purchases. Her husband Tom encourages her to return to work in his management business; however soon she is approached by the police on suspicion of embezzling funds from a client's account. She doesn't understand the suspicion as it is something she doesn’t remembering doing nor would she ever do anything like that.
She is found guilty and sent to prison for three and a half years. While in prison all she can think about is getting out and seeing her little boy again.
There is no doubt I felt sorry for Natalie; I knew her stay in prison wasn’t going to be an enjoyable read. I read a lot of thrillers and have become somewhat good at figuring things out. Didn’t have it exactly nor details but YES! That ending was a bit of a surprise but I was suspicious of that third POV. Story did slow down with the details. I know many readers LOVE details but I am yelling – Hurry up!!! Anyone who is familiar with my reviews knows I am not a fan of nasty f-bombs but that me! – I am sure most readers don’t notice profanity.
Title: Christmas Guest Series: Christmas Stories #3 Author: Anne Perry Audiobook Narrator: Terrence Hardiman Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Genre: Women’Title: Christmas Guest Series: Christmas Stories #3 Author: Anne Perry Audiobook Narrator: Terrence Hardiman Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Genre: Women’s Fiction Audiobook Pub Date was August 29, 2004 My Rating: 2.5 Stars Pages: 193
Aww Christmas Eve seemed like a good time for this story. Mariah Ellison is Grandmama who is close to my age so I thought this was going to be a fun read.
I know Anne Perry has a ton of followers - unfortunately I didn’t enjoy the audiobook performer. He was okay but honestly he took away my total enjoyment of this story.
More about the author: Anne Perry: Anne Perry, born Juliet Hulme in England, lived in Scotland most of her life. A beloved mystery authoress, she is best known for her Thomas Pitt and William Monk series.
Her first novel, "The Cater Street Hangman", was published in 1979. Her works extend to several categories of genre fiction, including historical mysteries. Many of them feature recurring characters, most importantly Thomas Pitt and amnesiac private investigator William Monk, who first appeared in 1990, "The Face Of A Stranger".
Her story "Heroes," from the 1999 anthology Murder And Obsession, won the 2001 Edgar Award For Best Short Story. She was included as an entry in Ben Peek's Twenty-Six Lies / One Truth, a novel exploring the nature of truth in literature. You can view more about her on her website http://www.anneperry.co.uk/
Book Title: No One Can Know Author: Mary Alice Marshall Narrator: Karissa Vacker Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: January 23.Book Title: No One Can Know Author: Mary Alice Marshall Narrator: Karissa Vacker Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: January 23. 2024 My Rating: 2.7 rounded up Pages: 336
Story is told manly from the POV of the Palmer sisters – Juliette (J.J), Daphne, and Emma; and is told in two timelines – then and now. Fourteen years ago when the sisters were 18, 16 and 12 they found their parents murdered. The girls decide that in order to survive no one can know what really happened. When they were investigated by the police they stuck to the same story that they were together for a sleepover in the tree house ALL night! Sixteen year old Emma was at odds with her (abusive) parents and the town folk believe she is responsible for their murder.
Now Emma is married to Nathan and they are starting a family. They are struggling financially and surely enough Nathan loses his job. Emma has never lied to Nathan but she also hasn’t told him what really happened the night her parents’ died. He knows they left the house to the girls and no one lives there; He convinces Emma that they should stay in the house until they get back on their feet – free rent is hard to turn down.
Emma is very uncomfortable in the house. Plus the town folk still have the belief that Emma is responsible. Although the story was on the slow side at times, I was curious as I had my suspicions -my arm chair detective skills do get it right sometimes! So I hung in there to see if I was correct.
The audiobook narrator Karissa Vacker is great. I always enjoy her performance of the characters!
I did find these foul-mouth characters unlikeable – (I am in the minority with my dislike of profanity. Most readers don’t even notice profanity. It seems F-bombs are the only way to describe everything! But it certainly takes away from my enjoyment of the story.)
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this early audiobook. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 23, 2024. ...more
Book Title: A Kilt for Christmas Series: Enchanted Highland #3 Author: Tricia O’Malley Narrators: Amy London and Will Watt Publisher: Dreamscape Select- Book Title: A Kilt for Christmas Series: Enchanted Highland #3 Author: Tricia O’Malley Narrators: Amy London and Will Watt Publisher: Dreamscape Select- Lovewrite Publishing Genre: Romance Audiobook Pub Date December 24, 2023 My Rating: 3.4 Stars Pages: 240
When I saw this story described as – ‘a Scottish romance between a handsome American and a lovely Scotswoman, some wicked banter, a highland ghost, and dogs dressed in kilts make this magical Christmas story the perfect happily-ever-after’.~ It sounded like a perfect read a week before Christmas.
Weston Smith is a professor at a California University who is burnt out with the pressure of trying to get tenure and just needs a break and decides he should visit his friend in Loren Brae, Scotland. However, he certainly didn’t expect to find the woman of his dreams.
Maisie Barron is a small-town girl with big dreams. However isn’t interested in a romance; luckily Wes finds help from a local women’s book club in order to woo Maisie. As the romance blooms a few days before Christmas there is a snow storm coming that will close down little Loren Brae, Maisie tells West that there is a Legend that wishes made at the standing stones during Christmas come true; this legend/ritual that can change the course of the storm. The ritual is just a tad racy. West is game before he even knows what it is.
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select-Lovewrite Publishing for this early audiobook. Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 24, 2023. ...more
Book Title: Never Walk Alone Author: Willow Rose Narrator: Christopher Romance Series: Harry Hunter Mystery #4 Publisher: Buoy Media, LLC Genre: Mystery ThBook Title: Never Walk Alone Author: Willow Rose Narrator: Christopher Romance Series: Harry Hunter Mystery #4 Publisher: Buoy Media, LLC Genre: Mystery Thriller Audiobook Pub Date was: July 31 2020 My Rating: 3.4 Stars Pages: 210
I picked this up because I like Willow Rose. I have read several of her stories and enjoyed them
I had no idea what this was about. It. of course, is a lot like the Covid 19 pandemic that shut down the world. This was published July 2020 which means it was written BEFORE we all had any idea that there would soon be a worldwide lockdown very close to what was happening in this story. . The story is about an imaginary virus that a virus that originated in Miami. This virus is more deadly in children and young people
Detective Harry Hunter is investigating the kidnapping of a woman. Soon, he wonders if the virus is connected to the missing woman. At the same time, his sister Reese who has struggled with mental illness shows up after they have not seen each other in a year. It appears Reese knows more about the virus than she lets on.
As he digs deeper into the strange mystery, he realizes his sister's life is in great danger, and so is his as his father got the virus and he is fearful his daughter is next.
At first this was hard to read and it was sooo close to what we experienced- but I love Willow Rose as well as Harry Hunter- So I hung in!!
Book Title: Her Silent Bones Author: Pamela Fagan Hutchins Series: Detective Delaney Pace Book #1 Narrator: Stephanie Cannon Publisher: Bookouture Audio GeBook Title: Her Silent Bones Author: Pamela Fagan Hutchins Series: Detective Delaney Pace Book #1 Narrator: Stephanie Cannon Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: January 16, 2024 My Rating: 2.6 rounded up Pages 412
Fifteen years ago Detective Delaney Pace watched her father’s murder. She really never truly recovered. Now is dealing with the death of her brother and sister-in-law who were both killed in an automobile accident. She goes back to Kearney, Wyoming.to help her eleven year old niece Kateena. First thing that happens is she called to the scene of a mountain cabin where a body is found.
I was excited to start this-I am a big fan of thrillers especially psychological Thrillers plus love to support an author’s new series! There are several great series featuring female detectives that I follow: Melinda Leigh’s - Bree Taggert, Lisa Regan’s-Josie Quinn, Linda Castillo’s-Kate Burkholder and James Patterson’s-Lindsey Boxer.
Hmmm my problem with this one is I am not a fan of profanity. I was very disappointed with the audiobook, I ‘get’ that profanity is used but hearing it is always worst for me and certainly takes away from my enjoyment of the story. I realize this is my problem and I am sure most readers don’t notice the nasty language.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early audiobook. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 16, 2024.
Book Title: After the Sleepover Author: Kerry Wilkinson Series: Sleepover #2 Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: December 15, 20Book Title: After the Sleepover Author: Kerry Wilkinson Series: Sleepover #2 Publisher: Bookouture Audio Genre: Mystery Thriller Pub Date: December 15, 2023 My Rating: 3.6 rounded up Pages 352
If you read The Night of the Sleepover you know that Leah had a sleepover with her three best friends, but in the morning, her friends had disappeared. However if you didn’t read the first book you won’t be completely lost. That was twenty-five years ago; now three boys have disappeared while they were camping on one of their parent's farm. Leah finds herself in the middle of the investigation. Leah does mentioning she knows what happens to her friends but doesn’t reveal it. Yep! Keeps you on the edge of your seat as there are several suspects and you keeping trying to guess whodunit!
It is a fast rea! The ending leads us readers to believe there will be a third in this series.
This is my fifth Kerry Wilkinson; my favorite is the first one I read The Party at No. 12.
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this early audiobook. Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 15, 2023....more
Book Title: Christmas in Jubilee Series: Jubilee Series #3 Author: Rachel Hanna Narrator: Anne Smith Publisher: Dreamscape Select- Rachel Hanna Genre: WomeBook Title: Christmas in Jubilee Series: Jubilee Series #3 Author: Rachel Hanna Narrator: Anne Smith Publisher: Dreamscape Select- Rachel Hanna Genre: Women's Fiction, Romance Audiobook Pub Date December 15, 2023 My Rating: 3 .3 Stars Pages: 177
This is third in the Jubilee series and we follow the festive time from October to Christmas.
In Book 1 “Welcome to Jubilee” we are introduced to romance author Madeline Harper whose marriage is falling apart and isn’t excited about writing another romance. Her agent suggested a stay in the tiny mountain town of Jubilee, Georgia located in the Blue Ridge Mountains?
In Book #2 “All Tucked Inn” Lanelle Callaway, the steadfast matriarch is determined to have her daughter Heather take over the Inn. However Heather is happy in Atlanta.
Now n Book #3 “Christmas in Jubilee”, we continue to follow Madeline Harper. She, of course, has adjusted to Jubilee and changing her writing style from big city romance to country slower pace living romances. She loves the people and is excited for the holiday season to begin. That is until her estranged mother Eloise shows up on her doorstop. Her mother has always been very critical of any and all of Madeline’s choices.
We are introduced to Frannie who inherited the family’s home and downtown retail space -which Frannie hopes to convert to a bakery. Imagine her surprise when a high school sweetheart shows up at her door. I did enjoy this. I love a good Christmas story. Don’t want to be negative about a story that was a nice enjoyable read but I thought it should be just Christmas. Fall is a unique time; fall activities are very different than Christmas activities and deserve its own story - fun activities such as Octoberfest, football games and Homecoming, as well as all the fall harvest festivals/activities. Perhaps next year’s story will be “Fall in Jubilee”!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for this early audiobook. Publishing Release Date scheduled for December 15, 2023. ...more
Title: Trouble in Loveland Author: Jennifer Peel Audiobook Narrator: Stephanie Rose Publisher: Tantor and Blackstone Publishers Genre: Romance Audiobook PTitle: Trouble in Loveland Author: Jennifer Peel Audiobook Narrator: Stephanie Rose Publisher: Tantor and Blackstone Publishers Genre: Romance Audiobook Pub Date was March 21, 2021 My Rating: 3.6 rounded up Pages: 285
Charlee Jensen grew up in, Loveland, Colorado. Eight years ago when she was seventeen, her teenage crush was Ryan Carter the guy next door who is eight years older than her and her high school coach. Now that she has finished grad school with two degrees, she moves back home to work in her Dad’s CPA firm. Sure enough Ryan Carter is still the guy next door only now is divorced with an adorable three year old son Josh and is a partner in her father’s firm.
Needless to say all this is indeed Trouble in Loveland.
I found myself yelling at Charlee and telling myself I need a break from these two. Later I was back at it and sure enough they were back together only it never lasts long. There were several times I was ready to throw the book across the room only I was listening to it via my tablet and didn’t want to throw it across the room. I recently read another Jennifer and had a similar reaction but hung in there and of course ended up enjoying it!
I read a lot of thrillers – I am not a big romance fan but I do love a nice sweet story and I am sure things are going to get better. Awww Yes! Looking forward to a nice treat ...more
Book Title: Play Dirty Series: Tempting SEALs: Triton #1 Author: Lora Leigh Narrator; Brianna Bronte Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genre: Romance Audiobook PuBook Title: Play Dirty Series: Tempting SEALs: Triton #1 Author: Lora Leigh Narrator; Brianna Bronte Publisher: Macmillan Audio Genre: Romance Audiobook Pub Date March 24, 2024 My Rating: 2.5 rounded up Pages: 320
I ALWAYS view some reviews before deciding on a story to read.
I read a lot of thrillers – I am not a big romance fan but sometimes a nice sweet story and knowing something is going to get better; is always a treat to look forward to.
As soon as I started this I knew I made a mistake and really did not do my homework. I don’t like nasty language so went back and viewed reviews as well as the blurb Yikes- I have no idea how I missed this! Fifty Shades of Grey meets hard-bodied ex-Navy SEALs in these red-hot, suspenseful friends-to-lovers, girl-next-door romance.
Then I read a review and saw ~ sizzling hot romance.
I did give it a try as I liked the narrator Brianna Bronte. She has a pleasant voice and I stayed with it longer than I thought. However, it didn’t work for me.
Want to thank NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for March 26, 2024.
Name of Book: On A Quiet Street Author: Carla Kovach Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: Bookouture Pub Date: January 15, 2024 My Rating: 3.6 rounded Name of Book: On A Quiet Street Author: Carla Kovach Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: Bookouture Pub Date: January 15, 2024 My Rating: 3.6 rounded up Pages: 301
This is my first Carla Kovach and she has written a ton – where have I been???
Leah and her husband Cain live on a quiet street. Then eighteen year old Charlotte comes knocking on their door, claiming to be searching for her biological parents- things become very complicated and no so quiet! Leah is rather sure her husband is responsible - she is aware he had an affair. However, Charlotte reveals information that she is Leah’s daughter. Leah knows she never had a baby – Hmmm-
The more I read I thought perhaps this title should be “Secrets and Lies on A Quiet Street”.
Although the story seems a bit slow is has a lot to reveal. In fact, there are so many characters who have a connection; I was ready to make a ‘Venn Diagram’ to show that connection!!
Ending had my head spinning.
I always love reading the Author’s notes and Acknowledgements as I am curious of the motivation for writing the story. In ‘A Letter from Carla’ Ms. Kovach tells us that writing a standalone is so totally different to writing her series.IN this case she had to create a whole new set of characters and then build them from scratch. This comments surprised me as it seemed these characters had a mind of their own and were controlling Ms. Kovach!!!
Definitely an interesting read for this psychological thriller fan!!
Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley. Publishing Release Date scheduled for January 15, 2024....more
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