A great cast of characters featuring realistic secret societies and conspiracies with one person that could stand in there way to maybe make a difference. A real page-turner. Overall a thrilling experience, tense and eerily echoing today's social and political currents with just a touch of the paranormal. I can't recommend highly enough.

It begins with someone on Pendergast's doorstep, someone close to him who was deadly in his own right...dead and tied up like a package delivered to his door. The murder has only one small clue, a piece of very rare turquoise in the victim's stomach...which leads Pendergast to a long abandoned mine on California's Salton Sea. But, it was all an elaborate trap. After his trip to California, his days are literally numbered and he must uncover who today is enacting revenge for an ancestor's greed, with the hope that he can somehow save his own life in the process. NYPD Lt. Vincent D'Agosta is back in this book investigating the murder of a scientist at New York Museum of Natural History. It seems completely unrelated, but not for long!

Aloysius Pendergast, the wealthy FBI agent who has as many black marks on his record as he has commendations, is tested not just physically, but emotionally and very personally. Constance, Pendergast's ward, gets a good bit of page time and is key in the dramatic show down. I was cheering for her and suspect you will too, although she can be scary when she gets pissed. NYPD Lt. Vincent D'Agosta represents the good and steady investigation of local police, he maybe slow - but he trudges through and uncovers a good deal. Dr. Margo Green, who was apparently in the first Pendergast book, is back and gets a significant part in this book along with Constance.

The abandoned resort and mine on the shores of the Salton Sea, New York Museum of Natural show more History, and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden as the location for the finale are each deftly used for maximum atmospheric impact. Kudos. I don't think I can forget the Botanic Garden scenes!

The plot shows how the entire world doesn't have to hang in the balance to have a stellar thriller, how a plot driven storyline can still have well developed characters, and how there are other quick-killing weapons besides a gun. The key to this thriller was the carefully plotted story line. The pacing kept me interested throughout. The climatic show-down was fought at two locations and increased the tension significantly. This technique worked because it was executed by master story-tellers. The wrap-up was satisfying and left another personal glimpse of Pendergast and how he grew personally in the course of the story.

This book was a pleasant surprise, with a truly unusual main character thrown into a fantastic and deadly situation - the brightest star was the finely crafted storytelling. This story, in lesser hands, would have never reached the brilliance it achieved due to Preston and Child's skill. I found it to live up to the praise I had read.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

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Mel needs some big paying jobs to keep Turner Construction going and continue employing her construction team. Her boyfriend Graham wants her to be the general over a large project. The project is reconstructing an ancient monastery brought over from Scotland stone-by-stone. The project is for a motivational speaker, Ellis Elrich, who will use the reconstructed monastery as his new retreat center. When Mel is touring the project, she finds the county building inspector dead and two ghosts that followed the building. In spite of the murder, she joins the team and finds protestors outside motivational speaker's home, a man from Scotland wanting to repatriate the monastery back to Scotland, Florian Libole, a dodgy but famous historic building consultant, potentially the wrong man taken into custody for the murder, and too many things that don't add up on the project.

There is a mini-mystery involving the ghosts. Why would there be a Spanish female ghost, the Red Lady, in a Scottish monastery, and why does she envelope anyone who comes close with overwhelming sadness and hunger? Then there is the Scottish highlander who is very confused about what he is supposed to be guarding, but takes his sword and charges any man that comes near. Why is this ghost so confused and how can Mel get him settled? Now add the rumor of a curse attached to the ancient building and another that there is a treasure with the building! These were interesting and added to the overall dilemmas of the show more construction site and may figure into the murder.

Mel Turner is a unique heroine who can hold her own on a construction site with a gang of men, and faces ghosts with courage but is afraid of a commitment with her boyfriend. Graham is the romantic interest who at least accepts Mel's talent with ghosts, which is a huge plus. Alicia Withers, Ellis Elrich's personal assistant is a breakout star. She is very reserved, even uptight initially but her true self is eventually brought forward. I can see a future for her teamed with Mel, so I hope she will be in more books. Caleb, Mel's step-son from her failed marriage, is always a delight along with her dad and his business partner Stan.

The Wakefield property with the mis-matched Victorian house and Spanish Revival interior next to the Scottish highland monastery being built on the land gave us a new setting without leaving the state even. It has a quirky mix that provides delicious gothic touches all around. The plot plays off of the Hearst castle and how structures would be brought over from Europe and reconstructed by the wealthy in the States. A touchy subject between countries and what if there were something of high value that was brought over with the building? The pacing was steady although not fast. I would say on par for a cozy particularly when many new characters are involved.

The climax occurred suddenly, rather surprised that *bam* you are confronting the killer. That felt a little rushed and was resolved equally as quickly. I would have liked more time to get to the climax, some build up so it was more suspenseful, and a little more tension before it is all over. The wrap-up was fine in general, but I would really have liked to know more on how the ghosts did with the solutions Mel arranged to give them peace.

Overall I found this yet another highly enjoyable adventure with Mel that gave us a Scottish fling without leaving California.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

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Henry Meloux asks Cork, working as a part-time PI, to find a long-lost son the ancient Ojibwe medicine man has never met... from a relationship with a white woman, Maria Lima, seventy-three years ago. Cork gets two clues to work from: a location in Canada and a gold watch with a picture of Maria. Cork proves his PI chops by shortly locating the son, who is an eccentric retired mining entrepreneur. Managing a meeting between the rich son and elderly Henry is a challenge and his initial efforts are answered with an attempt on Henry's life. Henry isn't deterred and insists his son needs him, propelling Cork into a dangerous labyrinth.

Cork is Part Irish, part Anishinaabe Indian. He juggles helping Henry with a family crisis. He is a family-first guy and Henry is extended family, which shows much about his inner-man. Jo, is his capable wife and a lawyer who I respected greatly. Henry Meloux, Ojibwe elder and Cork's spiritual adviser is a character I quickly loved and his past love affair gave him a bittersweet quality. Wally Schanno is a widower who is struggling through his grief and asks to help Cork with any PI work. I felt for him from the first pages. Trinky Pollard is a retired Canadian Royal Mounted Police who helps the gang on the Canadian side. Cork's daughter Jenny is going through a lot in the story. She is a thoughtful and sensitive girl on the brink of college having her mettle tested...which tests Cork's ability to not barge in and fix things.

Krueger is known show more for creating a strong sense of atmosphere, and I think his reputation is well earned. The scenes of Henry in the Canadian wilderness had me smelling the cook fire and pine trees. The plot took a basic concept of a long lost son and built a web of suspense with murder and greed. The pace increased as the story developed. The climax was a nail biting deadly confrontation that got the blood pumping. The wrap up tied up all the various threads to satisfactory conclusions.

This was my first exposure to the author and the series and it delivered a rich tapestry, layered plot, and defined characters. This won't be my last book in the series!

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

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Nora investigates the curious death of socialite Lola Grainger who had been a friend of Nora's mother. There are some aspects to the reported account of Lola's death while her and her husband were out on their yacht that don't add up for Nora. She also finds a charming tuxedo stray cat she names "Nick" that she tracks to a PI who was hired by Lola's sister to investigate. Seems nobody has seen the PI for a few weeks and he could be gone for good.

Nora's crime reporter tendencies won't let the story go, even after a police detective keeps warning her off the case along with her best friend, Chantal, saying her Tarot cards show its dangerous. Indications point towards Chicago mob connections, but how that really works is fuzzy as Nora keeps digging. A fun side plot is how Nick has the eerie talent of leaving clues for Nora, like using scrabble tiles to spell out "FBI."

Nora is a great heroine, she is a milder crime reporter (not hardened) than what I initially anticipated for a Chicago reporter. But, she works well for this type of mystery. Nick, the cat who found Nora, picks up as intuitive guide to Nora -- reminiscent of the "Cat Who..." books with Koko giving clues. He is clearly a vital half of the "Nick and Nora" team for this series. Chantal is Nora's best friend and is an interesting addition too. Ollie, or Oliver Sampson, is the PI who was partnered with Nick's former deceased owner. Nora and Ollie become friends and he seems setup to be in next books too. Detective show more Daniel Corleone is the standard police/FBI romantic interest. His character is well done despite being an overused character idea.

The setting of Cruz California isn't really utilized much other than the marina and yachts. The plot was surprisingly more complex than I expected and was well developed. The pacing did a great job of keeping me engaged in the story and turning pages. The climax had Nick and Nora confronting the killer with some good tense moments. The wrap-up was short but sweet.

This debut book has a good foundation of a former crime reporter with an intuitive cat sidekick that delivered a good plot idea with creative writing and fun characters. I am looking forward to many installments in this new series. If you enjoyed the Lillian Jackson Braun books in their early years, you will probably love this series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

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Ophelia finds herself out-of-work in the middle of the trip across the Atlantic to England aboard the S.S. Leviathan, so she bamboozles her way into a lady’s maid position for herself and a scullery maid for her friend Prudence Bright with an American millionaire. The new jobs take Ophelia and Prue to an ominous castle in the middle of the Black Forest. Two professors arrive to inspect the apparent discovery of the cottage of the Seven Dwarfs from Snow White fairy-tale fame, complete with what might be a dwarf's skeleton. The American millionaire turns up dead from a poisoned apple. Prue was setup for the murder and is thrown in the tower prison, so Ophelia feels she must save Prue by proving her innocence. No easy job with secrets surrounding her. There are deceptive princesses, deposed and penniless Counts, gambling sharks, and treasure hunters all lurking with their own agendas. Ophelia joins forces with one of the visiting professors, which has its own set of problems.

Ophelia, a resourceful, smart, and worldly woman who cares deeply for her young friend, takes on the responsibility to see them both safely through the world. Prudence is naive and was raised to marry well, not work, thus she is about to grow up a bit. Professor Gabriel Penrose us an avid fairy tale enthusiast who believes many of the tales where based on bits of truth. He teams with Ophelia to gain information about Snow White and Dwarf legacy from the Castle in exchange for helping prove Prue didn't show more kill Mr. Coop, her employer. Hansel is a gardener who helps to look after Prue and ends up being very useful and the investigation impacts him personally. There are many suspects and clues to wade through.

Germany's Black Forest with the castle, nearby town of Schloss Grunewald and Baden-Baden a train-ride away are all the setting for this tale. The setting is very much a part of the story and plot, making the old Grimm's Fairy Tale seem very possible. These locals also add old world gothic touches to bump up the suspense.

The plot of unique, utilizing old Fairy Tales as based in some true events and what searching for the mine the dwarfs worked in could do to unscrupulous people, and how far they would go, is a great twist on an old theme. The pace held steady throughout and there were many plot twists to keep the pages turning. The climax had some nail-biting moments and was nicely done. The wrap-up provides more opportunities for Ophelia, which will keep her adventures going with Cinderella in France next.

A fantastic new take for a historical mystery series with clever plotting and a strong lead character in Ophelia. I am an instant fan.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

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Shannon goes on a blind date with Realtor Jerry Saxton, which in itself results in a betting pool of how the date will end. Jerry gets aggressive and Shannon resorts to kicking him where it really hurts. Town's people had gathered and cheered her on and several people won the bet, including her father! A few days later, Shannon stumbles over Jerry's dead body in a home she is renovating. She is immediately the top suspect in the eyes of the new Chief of Police, Eric Jensen. Of course, Jerry being killed with one of Shannon's pink pipe wrenches doesn't help. It is hard to understand what is going on as another body is found...by Shannon. The two victims don't seem to have anything in common at all.

Shannon grew up in this small town, so there is plenty of small town grudges and long-term dislike. Whitney Reid has been Shannon's arch nemesis most of her life, and provides a sub-plot to the story.

Shannon is strong and spunky without being sarcastic or whinny. She is has a great working relationship with her crews and seems very balanced in general. I love her dog, West Highland Terrier Robbie (after Rob Roy), and her cat, Tiger. Chief Eric Jensen fulfills the potential cop romantic interest and the "Don't talk to anybody about the murder" roles all in one character. Crime Writer MacKintyre Sullivan offsets Chief Jensen's character with his quirky author persona while giving the chief a little competition for Shannon. Lizzie, Marigold, Emily, and Jane are her closest friends show more and compliment Shannon nicely. Nemesis Whitney Reid and cohort Jennifer Bailey are actually like some people I have known: Snotty, petty, manipulative, and spiteful.

Lighthouse Cove California is a standard ocean-side town, but the Victorians homes and the lighthouse really give it character. The plot was good and a little surprising for a cozy. The pacing was even without much slow down. The climax was suspenseful and taut, providing a nail biting ride. The wrap-up leaves you wanting to stay with the characters a while longer.

Kate Carlisle has successfully created another cozy series with engaging characters and interesting plotting in a picturesque setting. If possible, I think I may even love this more than the Bibliophile series!

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

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The story opens in the middle of Madison Rose having been kidnapped after her late night waitress shift. She is rescued from her abductor and finds herself waking up later in an older couple's home. She quickly puts together her memories from the night before and realizes this quirky couple happens to be vampires. They are only two of a Los Angeles community of vampires who are investigating a string of young women being abducted and drained of their blood. They believe Madison was an intended victim, but they still don't know who is behind the murders and why they are happening. The vampires are determined to find who is committing the crimes and pressure Madison to assist them by posing as bait. Not to worry, she will have a vampire back-up. What could go wrong?

Madison Rose has had a rough life, no family and experienced abuse while in the foster care system. She is attempting to make a life for herself as a struggling waitress going to college at night. She has learned to be tough, so she keeps her softer side hidden. Doug and Dodie Deadham, the elderly vampire couple who save Madison appear to be perfect grandparents... if it weren't for the refrigerated blood. LAPD Detective Michael Notchey is a live person who is also indebted to the Deadham's. He helps to keep the Vampire and human worlds in their respective realms. The Vampire Council of California has several members on the Board: Powerful Samuel La Croix is the Chairman of the council, Stacie Neroni is the show more Vampire attorney, Colin Reddy is the Vampire Don Juan with a few others sprinkled in too.

As part of the investigation, the lurid side of vampire clubbing and vampire wanna-be groups is dived into. This has some disturbing elements of humans who fantasize and romanticize vampires so much that lancing a person and drinking the blood is considered erotic. This dark world is portrayed with a scary side. Just enough detail is provided without being dark and gross. The irony is Madison has been brutalized growing up in the foster-care system and maybe in dire danger by these human pretenders while she is moving among actual vampires who are trying really hard to live like humans and not animals they can easily revert to. Other than the vampire club world, the world of Vampires and their self-governing culture is portrayed realistically. I found the characters to be well developed, flawed, and interesting. No sparkly or even highly romanticized vampires here. They are good and bad with real vices and baggage.

The general idea is sound for the murders of these girls in a world where vampires exist secretly. The investigation is believable for the story. The pacing had me flipping pages, so good job there. The killer reveal was tense and the subsequent fall out is sobering. The wrap-up changed Madison's life and was heart-warming.

For me personally, I found this superior to the Sookie Stackhouse books. The character Madison Rose far and away spoke to me more and seemed more intelligent and savvy. The world of the Vampires with the council and their own justice system is a developed idea executed well. I really like the murder and investigation, which was the primary focus. This is definitely an adult series that I found more satisfying than Sookie Stackhouse because of the murder investigation aspects. I think fans of Tanya Huff's Blood books and Charlaine Harris' True Blood/Stackhouse books will find a kindred spirit in this series.

Rating: Near Perfect if you enjoy gritty vampire fiction - buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

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The entire town of Crystal Cove is gearing up for the annual Halloween fund-raiser luncheon and fair sponsored and organized by the local Winsome Witches, a women's charity group. They aren't actual witches, or so they say, but they play up the role for the sake of raising money for good causes. Pearl Thornton, "head witch" of the Winsome Witches, is a popular therapist. Shortly after the gang is gathered at her house, Pearl is murdered. Suspects start popping up including her own daughter. Initially, Jenna grasps at straws with several very improbable and even ridiculous theories. Those give way to more realistic ideas as she gains more information about the people in Pearl's life.

Jenna seems to have two personalities. The rational level-headed Jenna, and the slightly silly Jenna. Perhaps it was that the rational Jenna acted uncharacteristically at times. Either way, I don't care for silly Jenna. Aunt Vera is funny, but silly at times too, and it isn't her age either. Cary, Jenna's dad, is actually the best character IMHO. He was FBI who now runs a hardware store and has a little edge to him, he fulfilled the "stay away from anybody and everybody, heaven forbid you ask a question -- don't be a sleuth or have any curiosity at all" lines. Rhett, the boyfriend, seemed nice but was essentially just arm-candy for Jenna without much substance to him, at least in this book. Thankfully, he wasn't the standard cop for a boyfriend.

Crystal Cove, California is a standard small town show more with not much to distinguish it. There are a few hints tossed out that the area has some paranormal energies, but very slight mentions which don't really lead anywhere. The plot is standard cozy murder and motives, although it does take a little bit before the motive comes into focus. The pacing is a stroll, on par for a cozy. The climax had some good tense moments, but was over in a flash. I would have liked a little more attention on the climax and creating more suspense.

Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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Eden has had a terrible year. Her mother, who she had nursed, recently passed away plus her husband left her. Her best friend Ami is a romance author and helps her to get a contract to write romance novels, and pays for her to go to Scotland for 2 weeks minimum up to 6 months max as research for her book and a fresh start. She succumbs to Ami's plans and on the plane trip makes friends with Vicki MacBride who is going to the same small town. Vicki's estranged father left Vicki his country estate and she is going to the funeral and deal with her inheritance.

Eden's rental car breaks down and she gets a ride with a local land owner, Leith Cameron, who she decides is perfect to base her book's romantic hero upon. Her first night she goes to the wake at the pub for Vicki's father, and later Vicki and her stumble over the body of the town's sheep shearer Gavin Mitchell, murdered—clipped with his own shears. The locals suspect Vicki MacBride and even Eden since they are the strangers in town. Eden can't believe the friendly and sad heiress is a murderer, but can she be of any help when she doesn't even understand the local police investigation techniques?

Eden Elliot is a refreshing 38 year old divorcee who is intelligent, level-headed, and compassionate. Her character is delightful as a woman who is reinventing herself and learning to live life a little. Ami Pederson, Eden's BFF is the bestselling romance author, who even on another continent is checking in and giving input. show more Vicki MacBride could be as she appears, a genuinely nice person, or a manipulative murderer as the town's people believe. Leith Cameron will satisfy Outlander fans with his masculine good looks and kilts. The gruff and serious Detective Inspector Jamieson is one of the few policemen that would have worked as a jaded romantic interest. Special Constable Sean Stevens provides some comic relief in his bumbling, but well meaning ways.

The highlands, featuring the Whistling Inn B&B in Glenkillen and the MacBride Farm, are more than a setting for the story. Any book set in Scotland has a hefty job to meet reader's expectations, but this novel portrays a strong working knowledge of the land and its unique personality. The plot is a good standard whodunit for a cozy. The pace a few sections that raised interested until the next section that slowed too much, making it feel like a stop-and-start loop at times in the story.

The climax was a great killer reveal that had danger and desperation. The follow up was full of promise for a much longer stay in Scotland for Eden.

This debut novel for a new series packs a lot into it: the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, an American woman getting a new start in a foreign land and making friends while thrown into the middle of murder. The requisite highlander love interest is supplied and is more than eye-candy in his kilt. A great setting, characters you want to spend more time with, and a murder plot that engages all make this a very enjoyable story and great start to a new series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

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The book opens as Search and Rescue are searching for a teen girl. The search is sadly called off after a week. We are then introduced to Gracie's new job working as a ropes and climbing instructor at a residential church summer camp. It becomes clear that something isn't right at the camp, but when Jett McKenna's car goes over the side of a mountain after leaving a frantic call on Gracie's answering machine, it becomes critical to uncover just what is happening and who is involved. Gracie begins to realize that she can't trust anybody at camp, not even the pastor director -- and especially not his wild brother. The more Gracie digs into the dark activities at the camp, she discovers illegal activities, and is in the path of vicious criminals who target her.

Gracie seems to have more baggage this time around, or perhaps she is just terrible at relationships all around. She makes some progress by acquiring a dog, Minnie, in this outing. This time some of her actions seem erratic, though. She manages to hurt her dear friend Ralph Hunter. Ralph is a fellow Search and Rescue member and was introduced in the previous book. Ralph would like to take care of Gracie, but seems to still cling to his deceased wife. Rob Christian, the mega-star British actor that figured prominently in the last book, is back for a brief appearance in this book. Jett is the Ponderosa Camp friend who dies when her car goes over the side of a mountain. She is dark and troubled, trying to find her way. show more Brothers Jay, who runs the camp, and Eddie are obviously up to no good, but is it just petty stuff or more serious?

Timber Creek County and Camp Ponderosa's rugged beauty are vibrantly described. Rowland weaves the wilderness into the story as a character. The plot is uncomplicated but rather dark, so be warned. The pacing is inconsistent with a too slow parts then speedy sections. The climatic showdown has some hair-raising moments that got my blood racing. Kudos there. The wrap-up is without cheer and adds more complications to her life.

If you like your suspense characters with a bit more edge and somewhat harder and a few more dark notes in the story telling, this is your book.

Rating: Good - An intense read, but not suited for everybody. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

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Like many small town cozy stories, the town is preparing for a local event. In this case it is the Memorial Day Great Fudge Cook-off. The main character, Michelle, is in charge of this event during the Memorial Day weekend festivities. The news that Hillary Punkin, a celebrity pastry chef from a cable cooking network has Michelle nervous, since Hillary can make or break her business with a one word.

In the midst of the preparations, a local photographer, Denise, on the brink of her career taking off with a Washington D.C. gallery showing is found dead in Michelle's chocolate shop, apparently poisoned from a box of Michelle's chocolates. Michelle is fighting to keep her business afloat, so she and her business partner Erica begin their own investigation. Yet, the Mayor and town businesses are rabid to have a successful Memorial Day celebration since they need the tourist business they anticipate.

Side stories are Erica's old high school flame and why they are still angry with each other after all these years, and Michelle getting warm and fuzzy feelings around Erica's brother, a world renowned reporter home visiting.

Michelle, curious but skittish, she feels most comfortable when she is making chocolate and is mortified when having to do a cousin's x-rated chocolates for her bachelorette party. Erica, the level headed and driven business partner and room mate. She is an integral part of the story and in some ways she is as much a main character as Michelle. Officer Bobby, show more Erica's high-school sweetheart who may/may not be pining for Erica is an interesting character. Leo, Michelle's brother and an Afghanistan war vet missing a leg. So much potential with this character and I really hope Leo gets more page time! Benjamin "Bean" Russel, Michelle's childhood crush and Erica's brother who is the well known reporter and newly a published author. At least he isn't the cliche cop boyfriend. Of course, there is a question as to how long he will stick around and if he is an adrenaline junkie reporter. Finally there is Reese, a local blog reporter who has had a grudge against Michelle since high school and keeps implicating Michelle as the killer on her blog.

The setting of West Riverdale seems like most any other small town, except it is somewhat close to D.C. So it doesn't do much more than be the backdrop. The plot is on par for a cozy...what could a local photographer have done to get killed? The pacing was steady with multiple suspects and the investigation, Michelle in danger, and the subplots sprinkled throughout. The climax had a twist regarding the killer, which I only partially got right. The wrap up was short but endearing.

This debut novel for a new cozy mystery series combines chocolate, books, murder, and sweet romance in a small town. What's not to love?

Ratings: Excellent - A fun read, I enjoyed it!

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Victor suspects he is being set up when a Russian mob boss he once worked for asks to meet him. He naturally comes to the meeting and disables several of his mobster guards expecting trouble. But rather, Norimov asks him to save his estranged daughter from what appears to be a ruthless attack by a competitor, but he isn't even sure where the danger originates.

Victor has never been a body guard, but for the sake of the girl's mother, who Victor fondly remembers, he vows to keep the young lady safe. In London he must find her, because she has either been taken already or is in hiding. Thus begins a rocket fast ride.

Victor is a well-dressed man who dislikes swearing and is regimented in his safety routine because he has made many enemies. He sleeps maybe 4 hours at a time. His cold assassin's mind occasionally turns to such things as relationships, but he has been doing the job too long and would only put somebody else in jeopardy. He is very detached when he kills. Gisele is the step-daughter of a Russian mob boss, Aleksandr Norimov, whose life is in danger. She offsets Victor's coldness with her caring for others. She can be naive, a little spoiled, and hates her step-father for his "career choices". The Russian mobsters are a wildcard thrown into the mix, just how loyal can they be? The woman apparently behind everything is somewhat a mystery until further in the story when Victor and Gisele piece together what is happening.

London is portrayed with familiarity and show more detail. The sense of place is finely tuned. The pacing is rocket-fueled and lets up only occasionally for a breather. I do have to note that towards the last fourth of the book, I was struck by how improbable a prolonged fight scene was with broken ribs and a damaged ankle, yet Victor is doing round-house kicks etc.

The plot hinged on two things, an assassin caring enough about a kind woman to risk his life to save her daughter, and the hardened assassin's humanity in the first place. The likelihood of either in reality is slim, but that aside - Victor is a unique anti-hero who you actually end up cheering for.

The climax is appropriately intense, and even personal as Victor fights for Gisele's life after a few twists and many injuries. The wrap-up completes the remaining story threads with a surprise there too.

Comparisons are being made of Victor to Jason Bourne. They have enough differences so Victor doesn't appear as an imitation of Bourne, yet both involve fast action and intense fight scenes with highly skilled killers as the main character. The Bourne series incorporates much more internal angst while Victor's emotions are very buttoned down. If you are wanting to read a well plotted, heart-racing thriller, then definitely give this series a try.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

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Georgia has a good friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, whose cousin

A cousin of Georgia’s dear friend, Lady Phyllida Monthalf, is murdered in her home. It is suspected the murder occured during the theft of blueprints of a new battleship designed by her husband. Kenneth Gattenger, the husband is now accused of her murder…and treason. The Duke of Blackford helps the government in this situation and he in turn enlists Georgia and the Archivist Society to assist in the investigation. But the twist, Georgia gets to go under-cover as the Duke's new Society lady conquest.

Georgia moves among the upper echelons of London’s elite to uncover a master spy and recover the stolen ship plans. The other society ladies make sure that Georgia knows she isn't titled and thus the Duke could never actually marry her. Sadly, in the course of the clandestine investigation, the Duke and Georgia grow closer, but Georgia always has the cloud of the difference in their societal positions hanging over her. Besides Lady Phyllida's cousin being killed, there is another murder as well. Additionally, at one point in the investigation, Georgia spots the man who murder her parents over a decade ago and she is torn between staying the course with the undercover investigation or following the man. She also frets over leaving her bookstore without her guidance, afraid that her business is in jeopardy.

Georgia, a middle-class trades-person who is bright, brave, determined, loves her mundane bookstore is show more endowed with a methodical mind. Emma, her best friend, whose former life made her very street-wise and good with a knife, plays her lady's maid in the investigation. Lady Phyllida Monthalf must leave the bookstore and face her troubled past to provide Georgia her society cover story. The Duke of Blackford is dangerous and perhaps a touch conniving. Naturally, there is a cast of suspects and a few twists to keep things interesting.

I love Victorian England in this series, not too grimy nor romanticized. The sense of propriety in public is shown as a thin veneer over affairs and indiscretions. I feel this plot was even better than the first book, and pacing that kept me turning the pages. The climax was well concieved and executed. The wrap-up was heart wrenching and definitely left me wanting the next book immediately.

This second novel in the series is gripping and sweeps the reader into a heady mix of intrigue, murder, high society manipulation and game playing, with just enough romance to tantalize. Well played Ms. Parker.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Pru was working on her degree to be an animal behaviorist, but when Pru starts hearing the animals it isn't the sunny world of Dr. Doolittle for her. She ends up sleep deprived and overwhelmed and consequently drops out of school with only a few weeks remaining to have completed her degree, and pulls up stakes to go to her small hometown. The idea was to get away from New York with its multitudes of pets while going home to take care of her ailing mother.

The story begins with Pru restraining Lily, the pit bull of her best customer in her animal behavior business. Lily is hysterical because she witnessed the murder of her human. Since Pru discovered the body and Lily, frantically trying to awaken Charles, is covered in blood, the police believe that either the dog turned violent or Pru trained the dog to kill Charles. Pru is still coming to terms with her growing ability to hear animals while she starts piecing together who would want to kill the kind-hearted and geeky Charles. Lily is not much help since she is traumatized, so Pru must deal with people - not her strong suit. Her relationship with her crotchety cat Wallis goes through rough spots, but that is all Pru has to bounce ideas around with.

Pru Marlowe is mostly why this is considered Pet Noir. She is a little hard-boiled, a splash anti-social, and sowed some wild oats in her youth. Pru is a bit resentful about this "gift" of talking with animals, but Charles' murder forces her to come to some degree of utilizing show more it. Wallis, the snippy tabby cat of Pru's, has plenty of attitude and doesn't understand Pru's drive to help Lily. Wallis has some serious snark and is a solid character in her own right. There is the Officer Creighton that may qualify as a love interest in following books since a little flirting was done in this book. The hard part for characters is that Pru really only has a cat for her sidekick and the other characters are either suspects or minor characters thus far. This results in the story leaning heavily on just Pru, which leaves the book feeling a touch flat.

The Berkshires is a standard small town thus far and doesn't add much to the story per say. The plot has some good twists I did not see coming and I did not suspect the killer until just before the confrontation. The pacing had a few periods where it slowed a tad, but picked up before long and suspense builds as the story develops.

The "pet noir" aspects probably are not what you really expect. The noir part is only partially met with Pru being fairly cynical, but bleak or sleazy settings are not a main feature. The pet psychic part is more a vehicle to get a few clues, sometimes obscure and not obvious. Except for Wallis, Pru's cat, the animals aren't chatty and their minds work differently. Not a Beverly Hills Chihuahua style at all, more serious and much less silly animal fluff. Undoubtedly, this is not for everybody, but it just might surprise you.

The killer confrontation had some tense moments, which was closer to the noir label. The wrap-up could have had a little more to it, the end came quickly after the killer was revealed. The premise is great, but the story would have benefited from a stronger supporting cast and a more enticing ending to bring the reader back. Overall it was a solid mystery with a good plot that didn't succumb to stereotypes with the pet communication.

Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying.

Series: 1st in Pru Marlow Mysteries

Main Characters: Pru Marlowe, animal psychic

Setting: Modern day, Berkshires

Obtained Through: Library

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Picking up shortly after the end of the first book, this book finds Maggie struggling to meet the physical demands of MI-5 training. Her first assignment looms before her and she fears she will get a desk job because of her short comings in the physical training. But she is assigned to Windsor castle undercover as a private Math teacher for Princess Elizabeth. Intelligence reports indicate a plot to kill the king and replace him with his brother who is sympathetic to Hitler. In order for that plan to work, the heir to the throne, fourteen year old Princess Elizabeth would have to be eliminated too. Maggie quickly joins the staff at the war beleaguered castle and suspects something is definitely suspicious when a lady-in-waiting is killed during a ride with the Princesses. Personally, Maggie is trying not to worry herself sick over her boyfriend, a pilot in the Royal Air Force, who was shot down over Germany.

Maggie is smart, sensible, and grateful to do everything she can to help the war effort. She is not sure about her father who remains aloof. She is human in the story, and makes some mistakes that she kicks herself over. She finds the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret to be delightful and the details of their young lives are fascinating. Maggie's dear friend, David Greene, the aide to Churchill also has a key part in the story. I really like his character and appreciated his getting some of the spotlight. The surprise breakout character was actually Princess Elizabeth, show more with her sense of duty to the people while still a child herself.

Windsor Castle during the war is well portrayed, with hiding in the old dungeons during air raids, the royal jewels simply boxed up and tucked away, and all the paintings removed from frames and stored bringing the stark reality to the situation. The war is ever present.

Obviously, to write a fiction book about significant historical events and people is ambitious and risks criticism. I found the scenarios and overall plot suspenseful and not outrageous. There is some creative license, but that is true in any fiction, and always more so in intrigue. The pacing slows a bit as Maggie adjusts to the castle and the reader is introduced to all the characters and their activities. Events begin to speed up rather quickly and tension is maintained.

The climax is full of nail-biting tension that I fully enjoyed. The wrap-up left the reader with a cliff-hanger, setting up the next book. This creatively utilizes WWII as a rich tableau for Maggie to come into her own. It easily mixes history with suspenseful fiction which makes for enjoyable intrigue and drama. The writing style is not necessarily poetic or high literature, but it cleanly and effectively transports the reader to 1940s England for quite a ride with a few twists and surprises.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on
your watch list.

Series: 2nd in Maggie Hope Adventures

Main Characters: Maggie Hope, American in London

Setting: 1941, London England

Obtained Through: Personal Purchase

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The book begins at the Great New York Cookie Swap where pastry chefs bake up their very best for charity. Clare is in charge of the beverage service. Clare and the owner of a bakery share an employee, Moirin Faigan, who disappears during the event. Clare later finds her murdered beside the broken down carousel. Naturally the police feel there is a connection with a serial "attacker." Normally Clare works well with the police, but her boyfriend Mike Quinn is working in D.C. these days and there is a new cop, egotistic Detective Fletcher Endicott, who places all his faith in forensics only. Clare quickly decides she will have to do some asking around and do the police's legwork. Clare soon realizes that she knew very little about the real Moirin, some good and some bad. But was any of it worth killing her over?

Clare has nearly taken to doing the policework in this addition to the series. She checks backgrounds, questions witnesses and acquaintances etc. Which gives an odd feel to the story. Even the snobbish Detective Fletcher Endicott eventually just starts turning to Clare. This is the improbable part of the storyline. I have missed a few books since the last Coffeehouse mystery I read, but Clare seems like a different character. The good side is she is game to go in disguise and investigate, which brings a certain level of daring adventure to the plot. The bad side of that coin is she thinks nothing of hunting a killer. Additionally, her life has begun to revolve around show more Mike, yet he is gone for most of the story. She bases many decisions on how Mike might handle things, or what Mike would like. Her number one barista and Assistant Manager Tucker is the best sidekick. Tucker has become my favorite sidekick in this series and I am thrilled he is getting more involvement in the plots. Madame goes undercover at the Evergreen Recreation Center, which is a great chapter, but is essentially the only time we really get with Madame.

Mateo's character doesn't have much left to offer in his philandering self-absorbed personality, which is why their divorce remains so plausible. Mike was never a favorite of mine and I was okay with his being only a part-time character. The surprise character was the aging ex-rock star. I can't reveal more without saying too much.

The setting of New York during the holidays is depicted with a mix of glitz and realism that has become a trademark of this series. I like how the author can give us the good and the bad of New York without the reader feeling like they have been to the Bowery.

Sometimes this series gets a bit more gritty than a standard cozy, while other times it remains solidly in the cozy arena. This book remains squarely in the cozy field, which works perfectly for a holiday themed mystery. The pacing is pretty steady and keeps your interest. Just as you think this is beginning to drag a little, something happens and you are engaged again. Although the killer was not a complete surprise to me, the motive took some pieces to be revealed as Clare dug up information before the reader could figure it out. That worked well to keep the readers interest also.

The climax was exciting including a fight with the killer. The wrap-up was a touch bittersweet. This book has a heady mix of an aging ex-rock star, two "Real Housewives" divas, a nursing home, a casanova hockey player, and even Irish mob influences for an enjoyable mystery.

Of course there are the many amazing recipes too!

Rating: Good fun read - Enjoyed it! But not the best in the series to begin with if you haven't read this series before. Followers of the series will not want to miss this one, but bare in mind it is a lighter holiday plot than others.

Series: 12th in A Coffeehouse Mystery

Main Character: Claire Cosi, manager of Village Blend Coffeehouse

Setting: Modern Day, New York City - holiday season

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

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Lady Georgiana escapes the increasing tensions at the family's Scottish property where she is reminded of how she is a financial burden on her brother's family. Desperate to escape the hostile family environment, she answers an advertisement for a well bread lady to be a social hostess for a country house party over the holidays.

Lady Camilla Hawse-Gorzley is quick to snatch up a royal for her festivities and pays Georgie’s way. Georgie has no idea that Lady Hawse-Gorzley is coincidentally Darcy's aunt. Georgie quickly discovers that Lady Camilla Hawse-Gorzley, like many of the upper-crust, have fallen on hard times and this gathering is for paying guests to experience a fading British traditional country holiday season. Georgiana is the star, being related to the king and queen. To make Georgiana's holiday complete, her mother is staying incognito in the village to assist writer Noel Coward with a play and her grandfather is in tow as well.

But the season is ruined by deaths that follow the 12 days of Christmas, starting with Mr. Freddie Partridge dead in a pear tree from a shooting accident, the next day one of a pair of secret lovers (turtle doves) has a fatal slip, and so it continues - all appearing to be accidents. Could it be the local jail break of three prisoners, or possibly the local "Lovey curse" laid on the villagers by a witch the villagers burned at the stake centuries ago? The only newcomers are the guests staying at Lady Hawse-Gorzley's. show more Tiddleton-under-Lovey is the quint village, complete with a simpleton (every village must have an "idiot"), and a crazy woman (said to be descended from the witch who was burned.) The accidents seem random and unrelated, or are they?

Georgie is facing some tough times, she must take control of her future because her brother's meddling wife is determined to get her married off, or reduced to a servant. She is also facing that her dreams of marrying Darcy are less than sure because of a snag, just as Darcy seems to be expressing a desire for more between them. It is in the midst of her complicated personal life that the "accidents" happen. Georgie is growing and about to take her destiny into her own hands. Darcy is also showing signs of maturing and wanting more from his life. I liked getting to see more of Darcy, among his relatives especially, in this book. Georgie's mother does not have a large role in this book like in the one just prior. But, I love that her grandfather gets to be involved with the investigation and we get to know him better. He is the character that I still would like to see more of, I just love him. A delightful character in this book is Darcy's aunt who hired Georgiana, Lady Camilla. She quickly realizes that she took on a bit more than she realized with this venture and struggles with guest expectations while the news of deaths pile up. The break out minor character was the dowager Countess Albury who doesn't put up with much nonsense and speaks her mind.

The setting is perfect for the sense of danger lurking everywhere, particularly since Georgiana and most of the other guests are out of their element. There are thick freezing fogs and dangerous sink-hole bogs that give eerie touches, and colorful village traditions that add to the flavor. There is even a Christmas guide with recipes and party games at the back for a bit of historical holiday explanations.

I have to say this plot was engrossing. There are plenty of false trails to follow and the real motive and murderer aren't as easy to nail down as you initially think. The pacing is steady and doesn't let loose of the reader. Beware, this is one of those books that you will want to neglect everything else for and end up reading all night long.

The killer confrontation is exciting, with plenty of blood pumping suspense set in the dangerous countryside. The whole story leads you to this heart-pounding climax with Georgiana in severe danger. Ms Bowen masterfully crafted the entire story and then wraps up with hope for a brighter future for Georgiana. Well played, well played indeed!

Rating: As always, near perfect - buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Series: 6th in Royal Spyness Mysteries

Main Character: 22 year old Lady Georgiana Rannoch, 35th in line to the throne of England

Setting: 1933, Small English town of Tiddleton-under-Lovey

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

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Seventy-five-year-old Oscar, Lord Footrustle, has invited all of his dysfunctional family to spend the holiday season at Chedrow Castle with him, his twin sister Lady Baynard, and her adopted grand-daughter Lamorna. Greed and entitlement abound as the relatives are each trying to get into Lord Footrustle's good graces, and thus his will. But when both Lord Footrustle is found stabbed to death and his sister dead in the flower hot-house, the local law enforcement heading up the investigation asks for Father Max to assist. Father Max, in an improbable move, becomes a guest staying at the castle, chatting up the suspects, and sitting in during official questioning sessions. All the family members are forced to stay at the castle while the investigation proceeds, creating tensions and tempers.

This is the classic English country house mystery in the Miss Marple tradition. There are no car chases or explosives, no nail biting suspense, just a puzzle to be worked among a specific number of people - who committed the murder and how did they pull it off. A large part of the book is the piecing together who was where, and the timing of the deaths. Most everybody has a motive, so the focus is on opportunity and means.

Father Max Tudor has a lot of potential and only some of it was displayed in this second book. His MI-5 background that drove him to a "paying-it-back" life as an Anglican (non-celibate) priest allows for a more enlightened and progressive view of the pagan love show more interest Awena. Unfortunately, his background did not seem to provide much insight into murder until the very end. His only benefit is that people will talk more openly to a priest, theoretically. I expected a modern version of Brother Cadfael, but I was wrong. I would like to see his MI-5 training to be more instrumental, like Cotton Malone or Oliver Stone of the Camel Club, even if more along a cozy plot-line rather than suspense. I am looking for Max Tudor to reach his potential as a character, then he will be compelling, but currently he is an okay character. I felt the character Awena was displayed to better advantage than Father Max. The unlikely and improbable relationship between them is a nice side story that adds to the storyline.

The setting of Chedrow Castle and the small country town of Nether Monkslip are well done backdrops. The traditional English country house style provided a good puzzle, but lacked a sense of immediacy to engage the reader through the slightly slow middle. That somewhat dragging middle is a common trap in traditional mystery plots. Typically the characters will keep the reader's interest and pick-up the pace through these investigative slow parts. The suspects are all too dysfunctional and unlikable, and the regular cast of townspeople are removed from the castle, so the characters did not carry the slower investigation parts.

The killer confrontation was done during a gathering of all the suspects where Father Max presents his theory of events and who the killer is. This is how the first book revealed the killer, so this seems to be the signature confrontation method, a la "Ellery Queen." This falls within the traditional mystery concept easily, but I still prefer a blood pumping confrontation. The wrap-up is tender and heartwarming, while giving some complications for future books.

This is a traditional British country house mystery with a few twists in the plot. The main focus being the investigation among a dysfunctional family all cloistered in a castle. Some humor and romance are sprinkled throughout and the main character has yet to reach his full potential, so readers can watch him come into his own as the series develops.

Rating: Good - A fun read with minor flaws. Maybe read an excerpt before buying - particularly if you aren't a fan of traditional British country house mysteries.

Series: 2nd in Max Tudor Mysteries

Main Characters: Max Tudor, Anglican priest and former MI5 agent

Setting: Modern day, Nether Monkslip England and Chedrow Castle

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Claire Hanover, her husband, and her daughter Judy are in Breckenridge skiing. Judy has been away in France for college and this is an opportunity for the family to spend time together. Except Judy's new boyfriend, Nick Contino, and his family are also staying in Breckenridge. The book opens with Nick's sister, Stephanie, joining the Hanovers on the slope. The skiing turns tragic when Stephanie dies from hitting a tree, but Claire notices a few things that causes her to believe somebody purposely ran Stepanie into that tree.

Because Stephanie had skied ahead of the rest, they did not see what happened. But there was a hot dog snowboarder who is either the prime suspect or a witness. Claire begins to ask around while Judy is comforting Nick and his mother. Nick's father, Anthony, seems increasingly despondent over Stephanie's death. Judy and Claire have struggles as mother and daughter, which only gets worse when Claire feels that Judy is in danger and is in protective mode. But none of the Hanovers could have imagined the truth behind Stephanie's death and just how dangerous it will get for all of them.

I loved having a realistic middle-aged woman who is assertive and wrestling with an empty-nest for the main character. She was well balanced between the aches and pains that come with an active person getting older and a gutsy woman who will go to any length for her family. Claire's husband, Roger, is a good guy with a level head who balances Claire. They make a cute couple show more stealing some romantic time. Judy was my least liked character. Occasionally she would act more like a huffy teen than a blossoming woman who attends college in Europe. The breakout character was Leon, the crime boss Claire met previously (book one) and turns to for information on what she suspects is going on. Leon is dangerous, but seems to respect Claire on some level. I also liked Detective Owen Silverstone who is leading the investigation into Stephanie's death. Claire and the detective manage to understand each other with only a few tense moments, which is a refreshing alternative to the common cop boyfriend or the adversary cop.

The Colorado high country and ski slopes and portrayed intimately and faithfully. Beauty, cold, snow, and wilderness all give a good backdrop for the action. Their is plenty of action with close calls, hair's breadth escapes, and chases that moved this to "amateur sleuth" status in my mind.

The plot has international implications, which gives it more of a dose of heightened drama than a typical murder mystery without a cop as the central character. The investigation process moved along smoothly and kept my interest fully engaged. The reader is doled out pieces and information along with Claire, and that doesn't allow for getting ahead of Claire much in figuring out the overall puzzle. The investigation and revelations were nicely done, fostering the maximum reader investment by the climax.

The climax had its edge-of-your-seat moments that were well thought out and executed. The wrap-up had its touching aspects and felt complete.

This was a great adventure murder mystery that will be hard to top. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series to see where Ms. Groundwater will take Claire and what she will throw at her.

Ratings: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Series: 2nd in Claire Hanover Mystery

Sensuality: mild foreplay mentions

Mystery Sub-genre: Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Claire Hanover, part-time gift basket creator

Setting: Modern Day, Breckenridge Colorado

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

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Time-wise, this book picks up closely after the finish of the second in the series. This book can stand on its own, but is richer if the prior two books have been read. We join Lady Arianna and her new husband Sandro, the Earl of Saybrook, as they travel with their friend Henley to Scotland to follow up on their discovery of a traitorous plot against England. They are ambushed on the road, and while in Scotland it is clear the adversary is one step ahead of them. Could their be a traitor among the English government? Who can be trusted grows more murky as Arianna and the Earl of Saybrook race against the clock to keep explosive plans from striking a blow against England.

To add to the personal stakes, the Earl's long standing friendship with a society lady, Miss Sophia Kirtland, is brought to the forefront since her assistance is needed. Arianna's conflicted feelings are swirling amidst the cat-and-mouse game of intrigue, which notches up the tension overall.

Arianna is a smart action oriented character, perfect for intrigue and improvisation as she dons disguises and chases shadows. The marriage of convenience with the Earl is getting more difficult as her feelings become stronger for him. In this addition to the series, the reader isn't as sure about the Earl's feelings as in the last book, which combines with the intrigue for an emotional ride. The Earl is more of a forceful presence as he and Arianna risk their lives. Their friend Hennley takes some emotional hits and show more his loyalties are even questioned. The Earl's friendship with Sophia Kirtland brings a new, strong female to the mix. She throws a few twists for Arianna, but adds to the overall story in her own right. Sophia was the breakout character that the reader can't help but become invested in.

This series takes full advantage of the regency time period with the innovations to hot air balloon travel and the rumors of Napolean attempting to escape exile and make a power grab. Scotland and London are wonderously portrayed taking the reader vividly to that time and place in the past.

The plot is an enjoyable romp with a few areas to catch your breath. The pacing is taut and finely balanced to create a page-turner. Well done! The climax has a well conceived and executed suspenseful chase. The wrap-up answers some questions, but leaves others dangling to entice the reader with the next book.

This book is on the verge of tipping over into a historical thriller with its breathless intrigue worthy of a regency-era Laura Croft-esque heroine and equally adventurous hero, yet with developed characters to contribute to the recipe.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend. It really is that good. I am still surprised this isn't released in hard-cover. If you enjoy C.S. Harris or Tasha Alexander, you should love this book too.

Series: 3rd in Lady Arianna Regency Mysteries

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Intrigue

Main Character: Lady Arianna Hadley

Setting: England, 1814

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

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Kiera's husband died unexpectedly a year and a half ago. Sir Anthony Darby married her for one reason only, to use her artistic ability to illustrate his book. He was an anatomist and surgeon, one of the men who dissected scores bodies to document how the human body functioned back when medicine was getting more scientific. Kiera was forced to do the illustrations of internal organs etc. during the dissections. When her husband suddenly died, the truth was revealed about her husband's work and her part. She is considered unnatural and evil by the majority of people and thus is an outcast. She has been treated very badly by society and has taken refuge, for most of the past eighteen months, at her sisters home in Scotland healing from the many emotional scars.

Kiera's sister and her husband, Alana and Philip, decide to host a grand house party and have several people stay for a few days. The book opens with the screams of one guest as the body of Lady Godwin is found in the popular shrubbery maze. The son of a London investigator, Sebastian Gage, is in attendance and begins the investigation while everyone awaits the nearest official to arrive, in about six days. Since Lady Darby is the closest thing to a medical examiner they have (after all her illustrations of bodies and internal medicine), she is pressed into lending a hand.

Kiera's past comes back to haunt her when the consensus is that she must be the murderer and she is plagued, even in her sanctuary, by slander and show more vile gossip. Kiera can't be sure that Gage isn't just keeping an eye on his number one suspect rather than really needing her assistance. Upon Kiera's examining the body, it is clear Lady Godwin died from a slit throat, but the surprise is how she had been pregnant - obviously due to an affair since her husband has long been out of the country.

Kiera is a phenomenal character. She is deeply wounded from being blatantly and coldly used during her marriage, then nearly terrorized after his death. She trusts only her sister and is fiercely loyal to her. Her assistance in the investigation shows that no matter how wounded and tormented, she has an inner strength that sees her through it all. She has her vulnerable moments, which are completely realistic, yet she steels herself and rises to strike down the killer amongst them. Sebastian Gage is a capable enough investigator, but he is also a ladies-man. His character transforms from a shallow flirt to a serious investigator that shrewdly eyes all the guests. He also shows he can have compassion. I liked his character and feel there is far more to him yet to be discovered. There is a tentative attraction between them that is so precarious it could crumble easily, which adds to the complexity and layers of this story. Alana is the paragon of a loyal sister and devoted mother with a surprising sharp tongue and fighting spirit. Her husband Philip is a good guy who loves his wife and clearly cares about Kiera and her rough life. His character was a careful balance of brotherly concern and Lordly authority. Lady Stratford was the surprising breakout character, but I can't share any more without some spoilers - so enough said.

The setting of isolated Gairloch Castle in Scotland was used to its fullest advantage. This setting gave some Gothic touches and helped to heighten the suspense. Well done. There is less a focus on heavy Scottish brogues and plaids and more on taking advantage of the castle in the challenging landscape. I think this strategy paid off well.

This is a traditional mystery in the sense that there are a limited number of suspects all staying at the castle, and figuring out the murder's timing and movements are almost as important as the motive to the solving the case. The plot unfolds as more information about the victim is revealed during the investigation, providing many suspects. I did pick up on the subtle clues and had fingered the killer, but the motivation was a surprise. The climax was high suspense and got the blood pumping. The wrap up promises a reunion of Kiera and Mr. Gage for the next book.

Great historical, great traditional mystery, and great suspense all woven together into an edge-of-your-seat story that leaves a lasting impression. I LOVED this book, I keep thinking about it after finishing it!!

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy several copies: one for you and one for each of your historical-mystery-loving friends for gifts.

Series: 1st in Lady Darby Mysteries

Sensuality: Mild period references to promiscuity

Mystery Sub-genre: Historical Suspense

Main Characters: Lady Kiera Darby, an accomplished artist and widow, society outcast

Setting: 1830, Scotland - isolated Gairloch Castle

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Summer is on a twelve-week project for the National Park Service at Olympic National Park, writing a management report to join new land into the park. She also helps out as a volunteer fire-watcher, which is how she hears an explosion and calls in a fire. After the fire is put out, they discover a park trail crew member, a young woman named Lisa Glass, who is badly burned and hanging onto life by a thread. They also discover a hole blown in the earth uncovering an old forgotten mine. There is local resistance to the adding of land to the park service because hunting is stopped. Signs pop up throughout the new park land defying the new park management rules, which hints at an underground resistance to the Park Service management and authority. Summer is confronted by an armed camo-wearing man outside any hunting season, which doesn't look good for a newly introduced bear into the park.

A parallel subplot is Summer's relationship with FBI Agent Chase Perez that is sporatic with their busy schedules, but is taken to the next level during this book. Agent Perez and his partner are in the area traking down robbers which may cross over into the activities Summer is facing. There is another subplot of Ranger Joe Choi asking Summer to help with his thirteen year old daughter Lili who may be getting in over her head with a teacher and a clique that share the same tattoos as the burned trail crew member.

Summer is a passionate wildlife biologist who is stubborn, has a hard time show more taking orders, is vulnerable, and yet tough. We find out more about Summer's precarious relationship with her authoritarian father, and her fear that her vagabond wilderness lifestyle is not agreeable to a long-term relationship.

Olympic National Park in the Pacific Northwest is a beautiful setting and you understand Summer's love of the park through the moonlit lake and lookout sunsets. The author makes the park an integral player in the story, not just a backdrop. The realities of Park Service management, wildlife conservation, and good old boy hunters thrown together are realistically portrayed.

The plot builds suspense by revealing more to the reader to keep you a few steps ahead of Summer and Agent Perez. But the full scope of the true motivations and ultimate goal is slowly revealed even with the reader being more "in-the-know." This builds the suspense to an edge of the seat climax where Summer is specifically in the cross-hairs. The wrap up leaves the reader anxious to read the next book in the series.

This is a great second book with a solid suspenseful plot and pacing that will likely keep the reader up all night turning pages. I feel it tops the debut book, which is a challenge for every author. It is hard to not compare this series to Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series because of the theme of wildlife and parks, but the character of Summer Westin and the unique writing style carves a niche out all its own.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Series: 2nd in Summer Westin Mysteries

Sensuality: sex scenes

Main Characters: Wildlife biologist Summer Westin

Setting: Modern day, Olympic National Park in the
Pacific Northwest

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Darcy and her Aunt Ve run a personal concierge service called "As You Wish". Darcy is hired to clean out a hoarder's house by the daughter, Elodie. Elodie has tried to care for the house ever since her mother disappeared 18 months ago, but it is time to clean out the hoards of stuff and try to move on. Darcy manages to uncover the mother's body in the piles of stuff, and she was definitely murdered. As if that weren't bad enough, Darcy's house is being watched by somebody in the woods, and even gets threatened. All of this on top of Aunt Ve being sick and nothing is helping her get better. With Aunt Ve sick, it falls to Darcy to finish the preparations for Ve and Sylar's wedding fast approaching. But there is somebody who is trying to sabotage the wedding as well. Darcy has plenty to keep her busy, but how will she stay safe?

I enjoyed Darcy, a thirty-something divorcée, and her interactions with the other magical people. I enjoyed her Aunt Ve and younger sister Harper as well. Her growing relationship with Nick moves naturally and without rush. Of course, Nick is a policeman, driving a mini-cooper in a pastel yellow. But he is also a dad, which I did not get to see him as a dad much. Darcy seemed to spend more time with Mimi than Nick. Some whimsical characters are Pepe, a mouse, and Archie, a scarlet macaw who loves movie trivia, who help Darcy. I think a breakout character was Marcus Debrowski, a young Lawcrafter interested in Harper. There were many characters show more populating the village and at times I wish there had been a cheat-sheet listing the townspeople.

The Enchanted Village of Salem is just that. The magical town has magic rules and an Elder that keeps the rules enforced. This is an entertaining backdrop that adds to the enjoyment. The plot had several things going on that kept the pace and interest up. Everything does get sorted out and explained by the end.

The confrontation with the killer had some great tense moments and was not who I expected. Good job with misdirection. The wrap up was touching and did a great job of making the reader want to return to Enchanted Village.

This is a delightful paranormal cozy with touches of whimsy for a light enjoyable mystery that will even put a smile on your face.

Rating: Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Series: 2nd in Wishcraft Mysteries

Main Characters: Darcy Merriweather, A Wishcrafter (a witch who can grant wishes for others)

Setting: Modern day, Salem Massachusetts

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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The book opens with Felicity, a friend of Charolotte's, barging in Nightlife's kitchen in tears. She is a wedding and event planner whose chef quit on her with only days till the wedding event of the social pages. Felicity talks Charlotte into stepping in as chef for the wedding of a wealthy witch and a vampire. Dollar signs were in her eyes or she would not have taken a job that Chef Oscar Simmons had run from. Charlotte soon discovers that this isn't just any witch family, it is the Maddox witches, headed-up by grandpa Lloyd Maddox, who has been pushing to deny legal rights to vampires and make killing them legal again.

Then there is a fake ICE raid during one of the dinners at the mansion, supposedly to catch unregistered vampires from the groom's family, but turns out to provide a distraction for the theft of a powerful witch talisman. Then Chef Oscar dies of a stroke, or was it poisoning? On top of that, the bride's family is crazy dysfunctional, with a vengeful sister-of-the-bride and secrets everywhere. Charlotte is up to her eyeballs in this volatile situation. Brendon, her kinda-sorta boyfriend, is on the case too, as well as the golden haired vampire Anatole. Anatole is still trying to woo Charlotte away from Brendon.

Charlotte is developed better in this book. It still bugs me that the character is full figured and dark haired, but the covers insist on a pencil thin blond. Charlotte deals with her relationship with her brother more in this book, realizing that show more she may be older, but Chet has some things right. That is an interesting break through for her. I liked Chet much better in this book. She is not very successful in resisting Anatole's charms even though she is clearly falling for Brendon. I am not sure about the chances of her relationship with Brendon based on this book. They just don't seem to really connect meaningfully. Brendon needs to have more "page-time" for the reader to get to know him. I enjoyed Charlotte's staff, they are a great group with a lot of potential there. A breakout character is the groom's brother, Jacques, who is a great surprise with some depth.

The mansion of the Bride's family is where the majority of the story unfolds. It adds to the story mostly because it is outside Charlotte's comfort zone. This was a perfect setting to add a few gothic suspense touches, but no.

I did take issue with one scene towards the end of the book. Charlotte has been staying at the mansion so her roommates have not been part of the story on any level. Charlotte stops by her apartment and her roommate gets demanding of her. It seemed completely out of place. Otherwise, the plot kept moving and there were enough suspects and secrets everywhere to be entertaining.

The killer confrontation is devised as a trap for Charlotte that isn't obvious. It was suspenseful and even tragic. The wrap-up has touches of bittersweet, some may need a tissue. It does make me want to read the next book immediately.

For the second entry in a new series, this one tops the debut for drama and twists. This was nicely developed and kept me reading.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Series: 2nd in Vampire Chef Mysteries

Main Characters: Chef Charlotte Caine, Owner of Nightlife Restaurant catering to day-bloods and night-bloods both.

Setting: Modern day, New York City

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Alexia, a preternatural, accidentally kills a vampire and has to endure Lord Maccon's questioning. He is a Scottish Alpha werewolf and government official who seems flustered by Alexia's self-assurance.

The vampire she accidentally killed is part of a disturbing pattern of vampires appearing newly turned that have no concept of the rules of society, unlike those who have been legally turned and are associated with hives that manage them. This pattern is happening all over Britain apparently as well as many vampires just disappearing - POOF!

This was my first steam-punk and perhaps my expectations were too high, but this is primarily a paranormal romance, since Lord Maccon and Alexia find it hard to keep their hands off each other - in the parlor, in a public street, in his office etc. I am amazed any investigating was accomplished at all. This was the difficulty for me to maintain believability, if it weren't for Maccon's second in command, Professor Lyle, this would have been only a romance. There is a slight amount of sleuthing amid all the liaisons.

I realize this is a popular book that has developed quiet a fan base, but I just felt the plot was simple and revolved around the liaisons firstly. I think there is tremendous potential in the steam-punk fantasy world Carriger has developed - if only it had a stronger plot. My two cents worth, fans may be surprised, but at least others considering the book can weigh this input.

Rating: Okay – A few good points, but with show more significant flaws. Library/swap/borrow if you want. show less

Sarah Dearly is only months old as a vampire (due to a blind date with an undead), but she is now engaged to a 600 year old Master Vampire named Thierry de Bennicoeur. Thierry takes a fifty-year job with a shadowy group called "the Ring," essentially a vampire counsel. He admits it was an offer he couldn't refuse. This job entails a lot of travel over that next fifty years as well. Thierry is surprised, and a little pleased, that Sarah refuses to sit in Vancouver, but insists on traveling with him. Beginning immediately with an assignment in Las Vegas to coral a vampire child beauty pageant contestant, Victoria Corday, that could expose the existence of vampires when people notice she never grows up.

As soon as they arrive at their hotel they are confronted with a vampire serial killer on the loose, leaving bodies along the strip with fang marks showing on their necks. Then before you know it, another high-profile master vampire and old nemesis, Bernard DuShaw, is staked and Thierry is taken away by the Ring's top Hunter. The Ring's Hunter's are widely feared and it looks like Thierry has been setup for DuShaw's murder by an expert. Sarah refuses to go back to Vancouver where it is safe, and finds herself alone on the streets trying to figure out who killed DuShaw. While she is at it she finds a Starbucks blood bar and ends up in several dangerous run-ins.

Sarah Dearly is honest to a fault and is genuinely kind to people. In this debut of the mystery incarnation of show more Immortality Bites, Sarah is challenged to find her inner courage and bad-ass. As a character, she is a likeable optimist that seems to fall into bad situations. Thierry is full of secrets and epitomizes the tall, dark, and dangerous vampire. But Thierry himself came across as a chess piece being maneuvered and I found myself wanting more from his character. The relationship between Sarah and Thierry is tested and the emotional strain is portrayed well without becoming dark. The character of Victoria Corday is a surprising breakout and is setup to be a continuing one. The concept of a child vampire who has a couple of centuries of worldliness yet is still a child is great and was written well. The Ring's top Hunter, Markus Reed, is a mystery on top of being a deadly vampire with a license to kill. He clearly has some ulterior motive, but we don't get any hint as to what or why. The ending leaves Markus free to appear in future editions.

Las Vegas was good for this debut novel because of its nightlife and wide-open possibilities for characters like magicians and unique stores. The gambling or elaborate show aspects were not in evidence as part of the storyline. The idea of the shadowy Ring who employs hunters and investigates vampires creates a layer of sinister puppet masters that was more prevalent than the city for atmosphere.

There were several things going with this and the initial assignment is the least important. The murder of DuShaw and the Vampire serial killer are more critical in the plot. I had not read the initial Immortality Bites romances but the necessary background was filled in easily. The story maintains a good pace and seemed to go quickly. My interest was maintained throughout and I just enjoyed the story. There is plenty of humor as we hear Sarah's commentary. The humor and the writing style make this lighter than I expected. The confrontation with the serial killer was tense and the wrap up was emotional.

This novel setup the basis for the ongoing mysteries with Thierry's job having them investigating, as well as hints of revelations from his past, and ongoing power-plays with the Ring. It is essentially a cozy with a pretty good fantasy world for the paranormal framing the story for a series thread early on. I would say that the move from romance to mystery was smooth and successful. I am certainly looking forward to the next book in the series.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list.

Series: 1st in An Immortality Bites Mystery

Sensuality: n/a

Mystery Sub-genre: Paranormal Amateur Sleuth

Main Character: Sarah Dearly, newbie vampire

Setting: Modern Day, Las Vegas Nevada

Obtained Through: from publisher for an honest review

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Lily gets to attend an Art Deco fancy ball, but the evening barely gets underway when a women falls ill in the ladies room. Lily is convinced it is a hex on the corsage as Miriam slips into a coma right there in the bathroom. Lily just has to help, who else is going to know a "Sleeping Beauty" curse and how to deal with it? Additionally, Inspector Carlos Romaro has asked Lily to help him investigate Tarra Dark Moon's death since her coven members aren't opening up to him. Lily realizes that Miriam and Tarra belonged to the same coven and suspects the two instances could be related. As if this weren't enough, there is a group calling themselves the "Defenders of Morality" vandalizing anybody's business involved in pagan spirituality, and Lily could be a prime target.

Lily is a great character, a powerful witch who doesn't know her own strength, has low self-esteem, and is finally developing friendships for the first time in her life. Her familar, Oscar, a Gargoyle-Goblin mix, who appears as a pot-bellied pig when other people are around, is the comic relief with mixed loyalties. Aidan continues to be a shady character that Lily can't really trust since he is involved in the cases but won't explain how. Sailor is back in this book and major developments between Lily and Sailor occur since he must help her to save Miriam.

San Francisco is always a great setting in this series, providing a cosmopolitan panorama with a variety of interesting locals to utilize. The plot was well show more developed, sending Lily and the reader following a few red herrings. The motivations of the Miriam/Tarra cases are murky enough to keep the reader guessing through the investigating. The confrontation with the killer is great magickal suspense. The wrap up is bittersweet and leaves the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger to ensure eager anticipation of the next book. It can't come soon enough!

This is another rock solid entry in the series that seems to keep getting better with each book. The secrecy surrounding Aidan and Sailor have revealing tidbits in each entry providing a tantalizing thread through the books. Great addictive story telling.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Series: 4th in A Witchcraft Mystery

Sensuality: mild heat

Main Character: Lily Ivory, hereditary witch

Setting: Modern day, San Francisco

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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Nela Farley is a newly unemployed investigative reporter - and she is grieving the loss of her fiance. So she helps her free-spirited sister Chloe by temporarily doing her job at the Haklo Foundation while Chloe goes on a free trip to Tahiti. Nela thinks she is expressing her grief by imagining that she can hear cats lately.

Nela arrives and finds that she is staying in the apartment over a garage on the grounds of a mansion. Within minutes of arriving, the resident cat, Jugs, that she is also to care for, seems to be talking to her. That is disturbing enough, and then Jugs shares that his former owner died when the "board on the second stair moved" and Nela thinks a suspicious skateboard was placed on the stair. Her first night is disturbed by an intruder searching and smashing possessions.

Monday morning rolls around and Nela plunges into the political hotbed at the Foundation. Then there is the matter of the newspaperman with the troubling blue eyes who is investigating a long string of vandalism over the last few months at the foundation. Unfortunately, the killer is watching and does strike again.

Nela is a great amateur sleuth, reasonable, calm, and thoughtful. Her grieving is not too much, but makes her real. The Reporter Steve is a great addition as he deals with his distrust of women since his divorce, yet he finds himself drawn to Nela. The various employees at the Foundation are all detailed portrayals, and all are suspects. It makes for a large field of show more possibilities. Jugs, the cat, is such a dear. But don't think that Nela hears Jugs often. You can count the instances on one hand. It is not a lynchpin to the story.

Craddock makes a good smallish town where you grow up knowing all your neighbors. This makes the reporter and the police really stretch to understand the events. Unfortunately, it is easy to blame the new people, like Nela and her sister Chloe.

The story grabs you in the first few paragraphs and the pacing keeps the reader engaged. I found it hard to put down. The plot felt very natural and the believability held strongly.

The climax was wonderfully tense and exciting. The reveal of the killer was not necessarily surprising, simply because I had seriously considered all the suspects by that time. The wrap-up leaves the the possibility of another Nela Farley mystery and I am looking forward to it.

This is a suspenseful cozy reminiscent of a traditional mystery. It may not be set in England, but I see it as very close to a modern American Christie in the style of mystery.

Rating: Truly Near Perfect - Buy two copies: one for you and one for a friend.

Series: 1st in Nela Farley Mysteries

Main Characters: Nela Farley, unemployed investigative reporter

Setting: Modern day, Craddock Oklahoma

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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The book picks up with FBI agent Manny Tanno in the middle of the South Dakota Badlands examining three recently discovered bodies found in an old 1940's car long forgotten. The area had once been used for bombing practice in the '40s and it looks like the bodies are from back then. Initially it looks like the car wondered on the range and a bombing run killer the occupants. But one of the three bodies is obviously a recent addition to the car, apparently from the late '60s. It looks more and more like murder, and that means Manny gets the investigation of this very cold case. Manny quickly finds that he has a political powder keg since the most recent body was college roommates with the newly nominated Supreme Court Justice - Judge High Elk, who doesn't want anything standing in his way for the nomination, especially a cold case. Then more murders occur to people connected to the case.

Several chapters take you back to the 1940s as you follow Moses Ten Bears, a spiritual leader and renowned painter, through the events that lead up to his death in a car on the bombing range. Those chapters break up the flow a little bit, but it makes for an interesting look into the what made Moses so mythical for the tribe. The reader also sees Manny and tribal cop Willie Looks Twice struggle with some personal issues. Manny's childhood menace is still chief of the Tribal police, and still taunts Manny.

The characters are all nicely drawn. We get to know the tribal medical examiner show more Precious, nicknamed Pee Pee, whose biggest pleasure in life is outbidding the Chief for Elvis memorabilia. The Chief of Tribal Police also hires his niece as a tribal cop, who brings her own drama into the picture.

The setting is the eerie and otherworldly Badlands for most of the story. There is one particular stand-out scene where Manny is playing a deadly cat and mouse dance, in the middle of a storm, in the dark, and in the Badlands. It will stay in my memory for a while I think.

The plot takes a winding route as the investigation proceeds. It has some spots that slow a little too much, and the Chief's niece is a distracting side-story. I didn't like that particular character, and her purpose wasn't clear even upon completion. The confrontation with the killer had some tense moments while being believable.

As the second entry in the series, it is setting a high bar with intricate story telling. FBI Agent Manny Tanno makes a fine troubled hero dealing with life at 40 something as he is discovering his culture and himself.

Rating: Excellent - Loved it! Buy it now and put this author on your watch list

Series: 2nd in Spirit Road Mysteries

Main Characters: Lakota FBI Special Agent Manny Tanno

Setting: Modern day, Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota

Obtained Through: Publisher for honest review

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