tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28044629089292828522024-03-08T07:07:08.605-08:00Connie's ReviewsA mystery lover who reads avidly and wants to share what she thinks about the booksconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-75648358194148545782011-01-14T08:34:00.000-08:002011-01-14T08:53:15.782-08:00'Lights! Camera! Murder!', Loni Emmert, 2010, One Blue Moon PressAbigail Hale has just returned from taking her daughter Erica to the airport to start college. She is surprised to find her husband home and he is telling her that he is leaving her and the house must be sold. Abigail is shocked and realizes she must begin a new life for herself. And that new life takes her to Hollywood to fulfill a long lost dream. Abby lands a small speaking part in a hit soap opera, 'Lovers Lane'. But Abby is the last person to see the victim of a brutal murder, the leading man Dirk Saunders who is killed just outside Abby's apartment. In order to clear herself of suspicion, she needs to find this deceitful killer that she believes is among the crew and cast of the soap opera.<br /><br />In 'Lights! Camera! Murder!' romance weaves a role throughout the storyline producing an interesting secondary plot. Loni Emmert's knowledge of Hollywood and the behind the scenes action is very intriguing for the reader. Loni provides a skillful narration with snappy dialogue and a cast of characters that keep the reader absorbed.<br />I truly enjoyed this book because it gave me some insight into a fascinating field.<br /><br />Don't miss this one for a great escape!!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-58589558984484490742011-01-11T11:46:00.000-08:002011-01-11T12:12:57.192-08:00'The Leaf Peeper Murders', Loni Emmert and P.I. Barrington; 2010, Mainly Murder PressMrs. Anne Jolie Watson feels that things are getting bad even though she feels the sun on a beautiful Indian summer morning in Button Hollow, New Hampshire. As she is watering her flower beds she detects the smell of chlorine in her front garden. Anne is a member of the Button Hollow Citizens' Brigade, a group of elderly volunteers who help the sheriff's office by reporting problems they see in town. But when Sheriff Ramsey arrives on the scene, he discovers the chlorine is from a new hose. Ramsey feels the Brigade interfers with his 'real' job of being a sheriff. But then there are a series of suspicious deaths which has the Brigade up in arms and their overeagerness is hampering his investigation. On the personal side, Jeff Ramsey feels his marriage could be at risk when his wife receives a great job offer in Boston. Jeff tries to solve the baffling crime wave while learning that the radiant fall foliage cannot hide the secrets and corruption of his town, Button Hollow.<br /><br />These two sisters, Loni Emmert and P.I Barrrington, have a real knack at combining a well crafted plot with a compelling secondary storyline focused on the private lives of the sheriff and other residents of Button Hollow. Anne Jolie Watson is a bit quirky at times which adds humor to her character. Jeff Ramsey is so believable with all his human sides, as sheriff and as husband Jeff.<br /><br />'The Leaf Peeper Murders' is uncomplicated yet the storyline has humor, snappy dialogue and a New Hampshire setting to die for. This book skillfully displays the talents of Loni Emmert and P.I Barrington.<br /><br />A truly enjoyable read! Keep it up, ladies!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorsconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-18063214381236773872011-01-10T10:35:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:06:33.950-08:00'When Death Intervenes', L.C. Hayden; April, 2010; Five Star Publishing, a part of Gale Cengage LearningLinda Randig is on the run to Minnesota when she meets Harry Bronson, a retired Dallas police detective. Her parents and husband have been murdered and someone is threatening to kill her son and grandson unless she drives cross country to Minnesota for some undisclosed reason. Branson's suggestion to aid Linda takes him on a trip that finds him in a situation with a brutal killer as well as a list of possible suspects. Bronson reunites with his former partner and they disover a web of lies and secrets based on a blatant impossibility. Now Bronson must find the killer before more bodies are found and possibly his and Linda's.<br /><br />'When Death Intervenes' is thoroughly engrossing with no dull moments in this page turner mystery. L.C. Hayden has created an intriguing plot with an inredible storyline that leaves the reader guessing to the very end. Her characters are daring and diversified revealing her talent and skillfulness in her plot, setting and story telling. <br /><br /> Do not miss this winner!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by author.conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-40190266666594490402010-12-31T09:30:00.000-08:002010-12-31T09:50:12.007-08:00'Reticence of Ravens', 2010; M.M. Gornell, Aberdeen BayHubert James Champion III is a melancholy man trying to escape California's Mojave Desert for the past year. He no longer works as a psychologist nor as an FBI consultant and now Hugh owns Joe's mini mart with variable opening hours. However he soon realizes tht he cannot get away when a 'special' young woman with red Medusa-like hair and covered in her father's blood is brought to him one Sunday evening. Turner Jackson has been murdered and LoraLee, his daughter, is the main suspect. Hugh is drawn into proving LoraLee's innocence, not realizing the extent of evil surrounding him. He cannot escape either his own past or trying to find the real murderer.<br /><br />M.M. Gornell has written a complex plot that is solidly crafted with sub-plots. Her main charater, Hubert, is likeable despite his depression and beneath it all, Gornell has created a strong character. The storyline of 'Reticence of Ravens' is engrossing with many surprises along the way. Somehow Gornell has tied it all together with the insight and perception of her talent. A good read!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-35957547835861801252010-12-31T07:58:00.000-08:002010-12-31T08:20:21.027-08:00'Sometimes A Great Commotion', 2010; Carolyn J. Rose, Mike Nettleton; Krill Press, LLCAnother catastrophe has hit Devil's Harbor, this time an environmental issue dealing with the water treatment plan and an antiquated sewage system. The mayor orders unprecedented water restrictions much to the complaints of the residents but they do comply. Local doomsayer Elspeth Hunsaker believes she has seen an etheral image scorched into a breaded crab cake at the Devil's Food Cafe and proclaims that it is a sign that Devil's Harbor must repent. As a result, a mass of pilgrims arrive to see this sign. <br />Selling lumber from the town trust land seems to be the only way to supply the funds to fix the sewer system. However the loggers are kept on hold by a tree-sitting activist; but someone takes a chainsaw to his perch and reporter Molly Donovan uncovers the real truth about his fall which puts a different perspective on the situation.<br /><br />'Sometimes A Great Commotion' has a reliable and popular heroine with Molly Donovan in a town brimming with peculiar and quirky residents. Each character is well-developed and intriguing, producing a fun-filled secondary storyline. Rose and Nettleton have collaborated and given us a book that is quite enjoyable. At times you will laugh out loud. Enjoy!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-50500319091438879242010-12-17T06:31:00.000-08:002010-12-17T06:57:42.130-08:00'Murder Most Civil', Karen Frisch, 2010;Mainly Murder Press, LLcBoston, 1860, and Henrieta Newell Cobb, an older woman of society is told by her housekeeper of a murder on Beacon Hill. Then Henrietta is surprised by a woman visitor named Mrs. Myrh McLaren, wife of a controversial antislavery activist. She is seeking help because she thinks her husband has been murdered but does not want the police involved. Seems she and Freddy Newell have been having an affair for four months. Myrh's story seems less plausible and she evades questions or answers in a vague manner. At first Freddy defends her, but his sister Henrietta is trying to save her brother from being charged with murder. But secrets kept from long ago, slowly reveal themselves to the shock and surprise of many.<br /><br />I believe I would have enjoyed 'Murder Most Civil' much more if more emphasis was written about the pre-Civil War days. Henrietta's salons were a bit boring and the storyline dragged at times. Some of Firsch's characters were on the stuffy side and not quite believable, especially Myrh. I never could figure out her antics. If, however,you peel the storyline down to a simple plot with more of the abolitionist involved, it would have been far more engrossing.<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-82080227673240356512010-11-17T14:54:00.000-08:002010-11-17T15:14:01.147-08:00'Thin Ice', 2010; Crime Stories by New England Writers; Eighth Annual Anthology; Level Best Books'The Bank Job' by Bev Vincent is a very cleverly written plot with the story cetering on the power of loyalty and friendship among men. Vincent's story is one of my favorites and I thoroughly enjoyed the humor he injects in his cast of characters. The story sound so 'Jersey' I loved it! A quite unusual story.<br /><br />Judith Green's 'A Good Safe Place' left me hanging in the end without closure or any hint of explanation, leaving me frustrated.<br /><br />'Size Matters' by Sheila Connolly is a well written plot that is concise and uncomplicted with ordinary characters in an unusual situation. With her insight, Connolly has blended it all together for a delightful story with a great ending. One of my favorites!<br /><br />Leslie Wheeler's 'Dead Man's Shoes' was probably my favorite. Filled with suspense and surprises to the very end. Wheeler has a special knack for portraying her characters with diversity and a little craziness. 'Dead Man's Shoes' kept me engrossed with the story line and such intriguing characters. This story was exceptionally different!!<br /><br />FTC: Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-87419140689995527092010-11-13T08:57:00.000-08:002010-11-13T09:22:51.575-08:00'A Gift for Murder', Karen McCullough; 2011, Five Star Publishing, a part of Gale, Cengage LearningAs assistant to the director of the Washington,DC Market Show Center, Heather McNeil loves her job except for a one week-long stressful ordeal. The Gift and Home Trade show is the largest by far and this year's show is creating turmoil and many other problems than is the norm. When a murdered executive's body is discovered in a trash bin, Heather knows that this trade show has begun with a catastrophe that throws everyone and everything into confusion. The police suspect someone but Heather doesn't agree and sets out to find the murderer before the trade show is over and the guilty party will be free to kill again. Heather has help from a new security officer but she will be risking a job she loves as well as her own safety and well-being.<br /><br />What a great character Karen McCullough has developed in Heather McNeil. She is genuine, likeable and a bit complex. In 'A Gift for Murder' McCullough has produced an appealing setting that reveals to the reader what occurs during a trade show. Her writing is concise; her characters skillfully portrayed and her storyline stays on track, creating a most enjoyable and interesting read. I thoroughly enjoyed every page.<br /><br />FTC: Book Supplied by Authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-86474490448741853882010-11-07T10:54:00.000-08:002010-11-07T11:18:06.431-08:00'Did Not Survive', Ann Littlewood; July 2010; Poisoned Pen PressNear Vancouver, Washington is Finley Memorial Zoo, a small zoo that has two Asian elephant cows, Damrey and Nakri. Iris Oakley is a keeper in the bird section of the zoo, is pregnant and still recovering from her husband's murder. But early that morning she hears a rukus in the elephant barn and decided to investigate and with no elephant experience sees that she has to help her boss, Kevin Wallace from being mauled by Damrey. Damrey has never acted in any aggressive manner and has no motive, but Iris finds that there are others with motives to kill the foreman. Confused and dazed coworkers appoint Iris to find out what's going on. Soon Iris learns of feuds, secrets and adding to all the confusion, animal rights activists are picketing the zoo. Animals are disappearing; what about the improved exhibit that isn't even under construction as planned? Iris plunges in to solve the many mysteries surrounding the zoo.<br /><br />Ann Littlewood's 'Did Not Survive' offers the reader an inside look at the day to day running of a zoo and the personalities of the employees a well as the animals. I found all this very informative and written with a well-crafted plot that keeps the reader's interest. Littlewood has given each character distinct personalities and is adept at keeping the mystery evolving while still presenting her wealth of knowledge about the zoo world, which I found fascinating. Animal lovers or not,this is a real eye opener that I thoroughly enjoyed.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-34441932934351948402010-10-29T10:49:00.000-07:002010-10-29T11:13:34.551-07:00'Murder In La-La Land', LA Sisters in Crime Anthology, 2010, Top Publications, Ltd.'Murder In La-La Land' is an anthology of twelve mystery short stories. The authors present an interesting assortment of their works. A common thread is a melding of science fiction, fantasy and thriller with mainstreaam fiction. <br />Of the twelve stories, four stand out for me:<br /><br />'Just Like Jay', by Pam Ripling shows humanism with a most fitting ending.<br /><br />'Blonde Have More Fun' by Jane DiLucchio was my favorite. Two friends Diega and Marjorie are out celebrating Marjorie's final divorce decree and they are at a gay bar. For a ten page story, this one has humor and a surprise ending which knocked my socks off. DiLucchio has written a concise story that truly holds your interest. I just loved this one!<br /><br />'This I Know', by Kathy Kingston is a cleverly concocted story taking place at a Halloween costume party and Kingston has not given names to the main characters, a delightful change that really works. 'This I Know' deals with domestic violence and Kingston certainly pulls of a pleasant surprise in her story. Great work!<br /><br />'Mrs. Spacek' by Lenore Carlson<br /><br />Mrs. Spacek has just lost her son Bobby, who supposedly fell of a cliff he visited often. She is calm and beautiful and Detective Lim is quite impressed with her acceptance of her son's death. Seems Bobby was almost 20 and his girlfriend Isabel Garcia only 13. Strange. Justice is done in Carlson's story with perception and understanding. I especially enjoyed the portrayal of her characters who had great diversity as well as being compassionate.<br /><br />'Average Monster, Gabriel Vazquez, left me hanging.<br />'Death is Golden', Jude McGee, had major revenge as its theme.<br /><br />This is my first anthology review and it was a nice change of pace, especially the four I chose as my favorites.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book Provided by one of the authorsconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-12712396776971985702010-10-21T11:48:00.000-07:002010-10-21T12:33:12.014-07:00'Absolution', Susan Fleet; 2008, Self-PublishedIn New Orleans, a psychotic killer is murdering women and removing trophies from them. New Orleans Police Department homicide detective Frank Renzi joins up with Rona Jefferson, an African-American journalist in his determination to apprehend this monster. Rona believes that too many black males are immediate suspects of the police department. A tip leads them down an unusual and surprising road. When the police begin to close in on the murderer, he gets to know an emotionally broken and weak teenage girl whom he convinces to run away with him. So now they're on the run with the police in pursuit when things really heat up.<br /><br />For me, it is hard to believe that 'Absolution' is a first novel for Susan Fleet. Her story pulses with the experience of a career author who has written many mysteries. In 'Absolution', Fleet skillfullly introduces topics of corruption in the NOPD, racial tensions and religious conflicts while still maintaining a solid, concise and fascinating plot. She goes inside the head of the killer with a rare talent. 'Absolution' has characters that are engrossing and diversified; Fleet has done an excellent job of writing an 'I couldn't put it down' thriller.<br /><br />First class writing! Hope there will be more from Susan Fleet.<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-50664693508032981702010-10-15T12:01:00.000-07:002010-10-15T12:14:55.776-07:00'The Blue Virgin', M.K. Graff; 2010, Bridle Path Press, LLCBryn Wallace is a beautiful model who leaves the runway to pursue photography and has a relationship with Val Rogan, a textile artist. When Bryn's body is found at her apartment, Val becomes the main suspect for Detective Inspector Declan Barnes of the Criminal Investigation Dept. Bryn and Val were heard to be arguing the night before. Nora Tierney, a close friend of Val's, returns to Oxford to help prove Val's innocence; arriving with her is Simon Ramsey, illustrator of Nora's children's book. Nora quickly becomes immersed in the murder inquiry much to the apprehension of both Barnes and Simon. A story of love and intrigue, 'The Blue Virgin' has a compelling plot. Nora discovers that simple decisions can lead to disastrous ends.<br /><br />In 'The Blue Virgin', M.K. Graff situates her story in Oxford and offers her readers an inside view of Oxford with all the beauty and history it contains. Her characters are diverse, intriguing and appealing. Graff's storyline is concise without a dull moment; she is adept at producing a clever plot that left me guessing until the very end. 'The Blue Virgin' is very well-written and I enjoyed it immensely! Hope to see more of her books.<br /><br />Don't miss reading this one!!<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-18690159610309265532010-10-13T08:25:00.000-07:002010-10-13T08:43:59.680-07:00'Live Ringer', Lynda Fitzgerald; 2010, Crystal Dreams Publishing (a division of Multi-Media Productions, Inc.)After her divorce, Allie Grainger inherits a beach house in Cape Canaveral from her Aunt Lou and the two were extremely close. Now she has moved back and needs time to mourn and grieve and settle into a home with special memories for her. But within a day, a woman's body is found in the water at the jetty. She renews her childhood friendships with close friends Joe and Sheryl who are on the police force and they discover similar murders along Florida's coast. All the women are about the same age, blonde and divorced and bear a strong resemblance to Allie. Between Joe and the two other men Allie meets,, she believes one is the killer and starts to think she could be his next victim. Finding courage from within, Allie decides to learn the truth but as circumstances heat up, she doesn't know whom to trust.<br /><br />Lynda Fitzgerald displays her love of Central Florida through her main character, Allie Grainger. 'Live Ringer' is a well-woven story with something for everyone. Along with an interesting mystery, Fitzgerald adds charm with the conversations between Allie and her Aunt Lou. Romance appears as well, but with a dose of reality which keeps the story grounded. Fitzgerald's character descriptions are brought out in friendly narrations as she subtly exposes insight into her characters' moral values. Readers will love her addition of Spook, who steals the show at times and adds humor.<br />'Live Ringer' is an excellent display of smooth, well-versed writing; a most enjoyable read.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-89810347765692705472010-10-05T14:19:00.000-07:002010-10-05T15:35:06.890-07:00'Cursed Blessing', J.M. LeDuc; 2009, Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLCIn Palm Cove, Florida, Brent Venturi has inherited and happily runs the library that has been in his family for about five generations. One morning Lucille Conklin, a cultured and friendly older woman arrives at the library with two boxes of books left specifically to Brent from her late husband, Joseph. When Brent begins to open one of the boxes, he is stunned by the contents. Now his normal and regular schedule is a thing of the past and he find his life, physically and emotionally, turned upside down. Every fact leads to more secrets, doubts and questions in a whirlwind of suspense.<br /><br />A Christian thriller, 'Cursed Blessings' has an incompatibility in the storyline. At times I felt that LeDuc was inserting religion more broadly that the story called for. The praying vs. the violence was in itself a contradiction and the praying a distraction. Less prayng would give more credence to an unusual and well-written plot.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure; book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-79345223467376564802010-10-02T10:19:00.000-07:002010-10-02T10:34:22.911-07:00'Murder at Spouters Point', Leslie Wheeler; Oct., 2010, Five Star Publishing, a part of Gale, Cengage LearningMiranda Lewis, a writer of American history books and her boyfriend Nate Barnes, a native Indian, are visiting their separate friends in Spouters Point on the Rhode Island coast. His friends are at a Native-owned gambling casino and hers are at the Maritime Museum so they are in different worlds. Erin Meloy is Miranda's close friend and engaged to George Kavanagh, a yachtsman. When George is found murdered, the lead policeman, Curtin believes that only an Indian could perpetrate such a horrible crime and casts his sights on Nate's close friend Jimmy. Nate believes his friend has been framed by prejudiced white people. Miranda's view and feelings are different leading to stress in their relationship. She seeks the truth which leads to a maze of secrets long-buried, lies and an encounter that almost costs her her life.<br /><br />Leslie Wheeler offers us a look at an unusual subject: Indian-run casinos and a view of prejudice, whether in a relationship, or in general. She has writtten an intriguing plot with insight into her characters who are skillfully portrayed. 'Murder at Spouters Point' has much to offer in history, setting and relationships as well as a mystery brimming with surprises. Leslie Wheeler has written a very enjoyable book.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-70672950176101607602010-10-02T07:58:00.000-07:002010-10-02T08:11:45.357-07:00'No Evidence of A Crime', S. Connell Vondrak; Aug. 2010, Oak Tree PressKathleen Jackson has been Jim Jarrod's partner in the Washington, D.C. Police Department for about six months when they are sent to investigate a homicide. The body is a beautiful young woman, a congressional aide who was shot near Capital Mall; but there are disparities with the evidence. A Glock is identified as the murder weapon, but a witness puts the shooter at too great a distance for a handgun. DNA results disclose that the woman was pregnant by a gang member yet she was well-dressed and her teeth and body in excellent condition, showing a degree of affluence. Jarrod and Jackson decide to bring in a forensic scientist and retest the samples. Now Kathleen and Jim need to discover who is meddling with the evidence and why.<br /><br />Vondrak's plot in 'No Evidence of A Crime' clearly defines her knowledge of forensics and writes a fascinating story with twists and turns. She gives us a captivating, in depth and well-crafted theme offering real truths about the forensics world which I found riveting. A real page turner and a significant debut!<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by publisherconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-80816976135601838472010-09-29T08:45:00.000-07:002010-09-29T09:00:19.821-07:00'Fools Rush In', Sunny Frazier; 2010, Oak Tree PressOffice Assistant III Christy Bristol is at her desk in the sheriff's department substation on a sweltering hot day. Her ex-boyfriend, Wolfe, an undercover narcotics detective, arrives to ask for her help. Wolfe's snitch has been murdered and he wants her help to find the prime suspect, but he wants Christy to use her astrological skills. In the past, he always made fun of her charting horoscopes so she knows he is desperate. She agrees to help Wolfe but doesn't realize until it's too late the real danger she is in as well as her fearful, frightening introduction to narcotics traffiking. Christy sees the drug world up close and it is a place she never wants to revisit.<br /><br />Sunny Frazier has introduced readers to the world of astrology in 'Fools Rush In', with Christy Bristol engaging in charting. Frazier depicts the decadence of the gloomy, dark world of drugs with intrigue and portrays a blatant disrespect of the underworld's moral values. I found 'Fools Rush In' a bit disturbing but I credit Sunny Frazier's skillful writing about this subject. <br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by publisherconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-50334101362864484962010-09-26T11:31:00.000-07:002010-09-26T11:45:54.183-07:00'Last Writes', Sheila Lowe; July 2010, Obsidian Div. of Penguin GroupClaudia Rose, a forensic handwriting expert,is looking at a photograph of an angelic looking toddler girl. Her friend Kelly Brennan has just found out that she has a niece from her half sister, Erin Powers, whom she has not seen in almost 20 years and arrives on her doorstep asking for help. Kylie Powers is the little girl in the picture; her mother and father have been members of the Temple of Brighter Light and living secluded lives in a compound. Now Erin's husband and daughter have disappeared leaving a mysterious note with a frightening message. Outsiders are rarely invited to the compound but Claudia makes an impression on Brother Stedman, the leader, at a rally and she and Kelly are invited to the compound. Claudia will be doing handwriting analyses for Stedman and hopes that between her and Kelly they will discover the truth about the disappearance of Kelly's niece Kylie.<br /><br />'Last Writes' is a page turner that keeps the reader in suspense to the very end. Sheila Lowe has written a solidly crafted plot with intriguing characters in a complex mystery. Lowe delves into personalities through her handwriting analyses giving readers insight of the art. Lowe has filled 'Last Writes' with surprises throughout the book that caught me off-guard and intensified my interest. Sheila Lowe has a dynamic book with 'Last Writes'.<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by publisherconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-80251307414291336962010-09-25T10:59:00.000-07:002010-09-25T11:13:37.161-07:00'A Sporting Murder', Chester D. Campbell; 2010, Night Shadows Press, LLCGreg and Jill McKenzie are hired to investigate talk around Nashville that something illicit is implicated with a transaction to bring an NBA basketball team to Nashville. Their client is attorney Terry Tremont who is retained by a group of Nashville Predators' hockey fans that want to block the businessmen from bringing in an NBA team. The clients believe that football and hockey are enough teams. Greg receives a call from Arnold Wechsel, a nephew of an old Air Force colleague; Arnold wants to meet with Greg that evening and says he has information about the NBA matter that will blow Greg's mind. Greg has bad vibes about the call as well as the meeting that are verified when he discovers Arnold's body. Circumstances become more deadly and Greg believes that he and Jill's lives are in jeopardy. What a way to spend the week before Christmas!<br /><br />Campbell's main characters, Jill and Greg, are a very likeable and sensible duo that the reader can connect with very easily. 'A Sporting Murder' has an uncommon plot that reveals the talents of Campbell as he weaves through his storyline with his wealth of information. 'A Sporting Murder' is aptly named and once again Chester D. Campbell is skillful at writing another first-rate mystery.<br /><br />FTC: Full disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-58125031283712887192010-09-22T09:42:00.000-07:002010-09-22T10:13:36.416-07:00'Genteel Spirits', Alice Duncan, July, 2011, Five Star/CengageIt's the Prohibition Era, 1922, in Pasadena, California, and Daisy Gumm Majesty's spritualist business is in a slump while her major client is out of town. Desdemona is her professional name which she gave herself at age 10. One evening Daisy answers the phone and Gladys Pennywhistle, with whom she had gone to school, is looking for Desdemona, the spiritualist. Daisy is shocked because she remembers Gladys as a very serious person with no sense of humor. Gladys works as secretary for Mrs. Lurlene Winkworth, an elderly southern belle, grandmother of movie star Monty Montgomery; Monty is a close friend of Harold Kincaid, Daisy's best friend. Lurlene wants to book Desdemona for a seance and Daisy accepts, excited at the prospect of meeting Monty and starlet Lola de la Monica who are in town for the filming of a movie at the mansion. Upon her arrival at the mansion for the seance, Harold meets her and tells her he needs her help before she goes to work. Monty has been getting threatening letters and they want Daisy to find the culprit before Monty's career is ruined. After the seance, Lola decides she wants Daisy to be her spiritual guide during the filming of 'The Fire at Sunset'. Daisy takes on the job which becomes more trouble than she ever bargained for; and she becomes more perplexed as additional threatening letters arrive.<br /><br />In 'Genteel Spirits', Alice Duncan writes Daisy's story with simplicity, directness and no pretentions. Duncan once again produces a commentary of the times touching on social and cultural issues such as the effects of WWI on the average American family; the financial depression after the war; equal pay for working women and homosexuality. Alice Duncan is a sensation at portraying characters with heart, humor and who are genuine. The pleasure in reading Alice's books is meeting up with Daisy and her family and friends again. A truly enjoyable read!<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by author.conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-7302979558958664642010-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:002010-09-11T10:49:30.055-07:00'Fallen Angels', Alice Duncan, May, 2011; Five Star/CengageMercy Allcutt has just moved to Los Angeles from Boston and lives with her sister Chloe and her husband, Harvey Nash. Mercy has secured a position as secretary to Mr. Ernest Templeton, a private investigator, and she has helped Ernie solve a few murder mysteries so the thrill of being a 'co-investigator' is in her blood. She is the first woman in her family to obtain a job, much to her Bostonian mother's outrage.<br />When Mercy arrives at work on Monday, her boss has left her a note that he went to see a client. But he is late for a meeting with Phil Bigelow, a detective and friend from the LAPD. After hours of waiting go by and no Ernie, Mercy decides to go to the client's house where she not only discovers a body, but Ernie, bound and gagged in the upstairs bedroom. Ernie becomes a suspect of the LAPD when Detective O'Reilly, an adversary of Ernie's, takes over the case. Mercy becomes diligent about proving Ernie's innocence and finds herself in a tangled web of deceit.<br /><br />Once again, Alice Duncan provides the reader a look at the social culture of the time. In 'Fallen Angels', Duncan portrays her characters skillfully and with humor. Her Boston society view vs. Los Angeles 'society' shows her insight and knowledge.<br /><br />I'm an avid Duncan fan; in 'Fallen Angels' I thought the murderer was too obvious as the main suspect in this mystery. But I truly delight in Alice's ability to add a 'slice of life' to her books!<br /><br />FTC Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-69966306155698970392010-08-24T11:10:00.000-07:002010-08-24T11:26:17.666-07:00'Live Free or Die', Jessie Crockett, 2010, Mainly Murder Press, LLCIn Winslow Falls, New Hampshire, Gwen Fifield is the Assistant Fire Chief, a volunteer position. When she is called to the local museum fire, she does not expect to see the body of Beulah Price burned in the fire. The Fire Chief, Harold Seeton, had taken a look at Beulah's body and collapsed with a heart attack. Now Gwen is in charge, not what she expected at all in her so-called volunteer position. When Hugh Larsen of the Fire Marshal's office arrives, Gwen informs him of a rash of other fires in the past two months. She hopes he will take charge of the entire case, but he requires her help to learn about and investigate the villagers. A recently arrived immigrant family would be the suspects of choice for the residents; but Gwen is convinced that the murderer is a native as facts from the past emerge.<br /><br />In 'Live Free or Die', a debut mystery for Jessie Crockett, she has written a well-plotted storyline that is compact and maintains constant interest and surprises for the reader to the very end. Crockett's characters are well-defined and very believable with lively dialogue that does not veer from the main plot. Gwen Fifield is a woman to be reckoned with and I hope to see her soon in another book.<br /><br />A very enjoyable debut mystery from Jessie Crockett!<br /><br />FTC: Full Disclosure: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-86418723142687994142010-08-02T10:44:00.000-07:002010-08-02T11:01:10.975-07:00'The Blue Shackle', Lillian Stewart Carl, Nov. 2010; Five Star Publishing/Gale, Cengage LearningJean Fairbairn and Alasdair Cameron are getting married in the incoming New Year. Alasdair's childhood friend, Fergus MacDonald, owns the deteriorating Dunasheen Estate on the Isle of Skye in Scotland where the wedding will take place in the chapel. Fergie is frantic to save his home and has opened the estate to paying guests for a Scottish New Year celebration and needs help from Alasdair and Jean regarding some artificats. But when a guest is murdered and the police disrupt the gathering, Alasdair and Jean realize that they also must investigate the case so the wedding can take place on time. Everyone is under suspicion; secret plans are revealed; bewilderment stalks our sleuths as they deal with the mysteries of the past to find today's killer.<br /><br />Lillian Stewart Carl is very adept at placing her readers in her geographical settings. 'The Blue Hackle' takes us to Scotland and with Carl's descriptions you feel that you are right beside Alasdair and Jean. Carl weaves an interesting plot with myths, legends and the paranormal along with a secondary storyline for the upcoming wedding. In 'The Blue Hackle' each and every character is skillfully portrayed with diversity.<br /><br />A most enjoyable read intertwined with Scottish history and geography.<br /><br />FTC: Disclosure- Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-81343855226684346412010-07-23T11:50:00.000-07:002010-07-23T12:06:36.431-07:00'It's Murder, My Son', Lauren Carr, June, 2010, Printed in U.S.A.After a messy divorce has ended, Mac Faraday, a retired homicide detective in D.C., is trying to avoid a lawyer who keeps after him. But the attorney finally convinces Mac to listen to him and Mac learns that the mother who gave him up for adoption 40+ years earlier has died and left him her vast fortune. Mac moves to Deep Creek, Maryland where his mother, Robin Spencer was born and known as America's Queen of Mystery. When Mac moves into Spencer Manor, he learns that a neighbor, Katrina Singleton, was murdered three months earlier and her case file is still open. However, there are more suspicious deaths and Mac decides to use his investigative skills to discover secrets in this plush gated community and to follow clues to find Katrina's killer. Many surprises await Faraday in addition to his adjustment to an immense fortune.<br /><br />In 'It's Murder, My Son', Lauren Carr has provided a complex plot with a diversity of characters that blend so well with the mystery. Lauren's dialogue is brisk, her setting beautiful and the addition of Gnarly is very clever. As I did, readers will love this overly intelligent dog and his antics. 'It's Murder, My Son' is a delightful read and I look forward to more of Carr's Mac Faraday mysteries.<br /><br />FTC disclosure: Book provided by author.conniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2804462908929282852.post-41196354795941741612010-07-17T10:55:00.000-07:002010-07-17T11:19:12.595-07:00'Grave Doubts', John Moss, 2009, Dundurn PressDavid Morgan and Miranda Quin are waiting for something to happen; the Toronto detectives are between cases; Morgan is restless and Miranda nervous. Quin delivers a manila envelope with photographs of two headless corpses from a crime scene, a man and woman embracing while wearing early Victorian clothes. Later they arrive where the bodies were found, an old cottage set for demolition. In the process, a hidden closet is found behind a hanging cabinet and the bodies seem well preserved. Morgan and Quin are soon immersed in unusual and contrived wickedness. Moss takes 'Grave Doubts' from Toronto, to a farmhouse on Georgian Bay, a neglected old church to an old shipwreck and each location becomes more puzzling and terrifying. Morgan and Quin are challenged at every turn and their powerful connection to each other is tested by the horrors of this case and the cleverness of the murderer.<br /><br />In 'Grave Doubts', John Moss has written an 'I couldn't put it down' mystery. An incredible and unusual plot that portrays love, sex, deceit and death in a very different and interesting way. Moss has produced a page turner with his portrayal and insight of his characters, and a gripping plot that never loses a beat.<br /><br />This is a winner!<br /><br />FTC: Book provided by authorconniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15883474454763077646noreply@blogger.com0