Litfuse Tour & Review: The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder by Rachel McMillan

About the book:

In 1910 Toronto, while other bachelor girls perfect their domestic skills and find husbands, two friends perfect their sleuthing skills and find a murderer.

Inspired by their fascination with all things Sherlock Holmes, best friends and flatmates Merinda and Jem launch a consulting detective business. The deaths of young Irish women lead Merinda and Jem deeper into the mire of the city's underbelly, where the high hopes of those dreaming to make a new life in Canada are met with prejudice and squalor.

While searching for answers, donning disguises, and sneaking around where no proper ladies would ever go, they pair with Jasper Forth, a police constable, and Ray DeLuca, a reporter in whom Jem takes a more than professional interest. Merinda could well be Toronto's premiere consulting detective, and Jem may just find a way to put her bachelor girlhood behind her forever--if they can stay alive long enough to do so.

My rating:
 
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Review: Vines of Entanglement by Lisa Cox Carter

About the book:

A tangled web of lies characterizes the life Laura Mabry has built for herself and her son after the tragic death of her husband. But Laura’s carefully constructed world slides off its axis when she stumbles upon the body of a young college student on the recreational trails of Raleigh’s Greenway. What’s worse, Detective Jon Locklear is Laura’s worst nightmare...and her dream come true.

Jon has spent years trying to forget Laura. Past experience has taught him that he can’t trust her, but old habits—like old loves—die hard. When the killer turns his attention on Laura, Jon may be the only one who can save her.

Truth and murder lurk just around the corner for Laura. Can she find the courage to face her deepest fears and unravel the lies of her past before she and her son become the Greenway Killer’s next victims.

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Review: Andi Unexpected by Amanda Flower

About the book:

After the sudden death of their parents in the jungles of Central America, twelve-year-old science geek Andora “Andi” Boggs and her diva teenaged sister, Bethany, move to rural Killdeer, Ohio to live with their eccentric twenty-something aunt. And while the timeworn house has been home to the Boggs family for generations, Andi feels far from at home. Exploring the attic in her grief, she discovers proof of another Andora Boggs in the family tree hidden in a Depression-era trunk. Despite the meddling of the citizens of Killdeer, Andi and her new friend, Colin Carter, are determined to find out who this first Andora was, how she vanished, and why no one in town wants to talk about her. As more and more unanswered questions pile up, Andi and Colin must decide who they can trust with their secrets and who is interested in Andora’s story for the wrong reasons.

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Review: Strangers in the Night by Patricia H. Rushford

Strangers in the Night by Patricia H. Rushford
Summerside Press / 2013
Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

All she wants is to protect her daughter and avoid notice. But the handsome stranger with Frank Sinatra eyes threatens to change everything. 

For two long years, Abbie Campbell has been on the run with her four-year-old daughter, Emma. Then she receives a visit from Jake Connors, a friend of her parents, who convinces her to join them in the beautiful town of Cold Creek, Oregon. Jake is determined to help Abbie clear her name of the accusations that sent her into hiding.

Being with her family again—and with Jake—fills Abbie with a peace she hasn’t felt in years, and the prospect of turning an old lumber town into an artists’ retreat gives her new purpose. But then comes an unknown threat worse than all that Abbie has already faced, worse even than the fear of discovery that’s haunted her for two years. For lurking in the beautiful hills of Cold Creek is a killer determined to stop her at all costs.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Strangers in the Night was a good read - a little predictable, but I still enjoyed it. I liked the characters and thought the romance was sweet, though I wish the ending would have had a bit more closure.

The mystery was good and, while I did end up guessing the guilty party, there were still a few surprises in the story and Strangers in the Night kept me interested.

This is the first book I've read from the "When I Fall In Love" collection, but it won't be my last, as I'm really excited to read "Unforgettable" by Trish Perry when I have the time.

If you enjoy books with some romance and suspense, I think you might enjoy Strangers in the Night. 

*I did not get this book for review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

A Matter of Trust by Lis Wiehl with April Henry

A Mia Quinn Mystery: Book One

Thomas Nelson / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

When life is murder, who can you trust?

One minute Mia Quinn is in her basement, chatting on the phone with a colleague at the prosecutor's office. The next minute there's a gunshot over the line, and Mia listens in horror as her colleague and friend Colleen bleeds to death.

Mia's a natural for heading up the murder investigation, but these days she has all she can do to hold her life together. As a new widow with a pile of debts, a troubled teenaged son, and a four-year-old who wakes up screaming at night, she needs more time with her family, not less--and working Colleen's case will be especially demanding. But Colleen was her friend, and she needs to keep her job. So she reluctantly teams up with detective Charlie Carlson to investigate Colleen's death. But the deeper they dig, the more complications unfold--even the unsettling possibility that someone may be coming after her.


Lis Wiehl's signature plot twists and relatable characters shine in this absorbing series debut . . . with an intriguing cameo from her best-selling Triple Threat series.

My rating:

My thoughts:

A Matter of Trust is the first book I've read by Lis Wiehl and, while it's definitely not a favorite, I did still like the book.

The first and last few chapters of this book were really good and very suspenseful, but the middle of A Matter of Trust, when the story seemed to be more about relationship and family issues with little to no suspense, was kind of boring to me and I had a hard time connecting with it.

The mystery was good and I didn't guess who Colleen's killer was until a couple chapters before the reveal. I found it interesting how Mia was working on two different cases at the same time - made for an unique story.

Overall, A Matter of Trust was a nice one-time read. If you tend to like slower-paced books with suspense and some legal aspects, I think you might enjoy A Matter of Trust. I don't know whether or not I'll be reading the next Mia Quinn book.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Deadly Devotion by Sandra Orchard

Port Aster Secrets Series: Book One:

Revell / 2013

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads

About the book:

Kate knows the truth is out there--but if she's right, that means a killer is out there too.

Research scientists Kate Adams and Daisy Leacock were on the brink of a breakthrough for treating depression with herbal medicine when Daisy was suddenly found dead. Kate knows that her mentor's death wasn't suicide or a careless accident--and she's determined to do whatever it takes to unearth the truth about what happened to the woman who changed her life.

Former FBI agent Tom Parker is finding it hard to adjust to life back in his hometown of Port Aster. Though an old buddy gave him a job as a detective on the local police force, not everyone approves. Tom's just trying to keep a low profile, so when Kate Adams demands he reopen the investigation into her friend's death, he knows his job is at stake. But despite his attraction to her, Tom thinks Kate may have something to hide.

As evidence mounts, a web of intrigue is woven around the sleepy town of Port Aster. Can Kate uncover the truth? Or will Tom stand in her way?

My rating:

My thoughts:

Deadly Devotion was a really good mystery novel. I had thought for a long time I knew who was behind it all, but my first guess was totally off! One thing I loved was how everything clicked and made sense in the end.

The characters in Deadly Devotion were nice and I liked them, but it annoyed me slightly that the characters in the book kept jumping to conclusions and switching their opinions on who they thought was guilty.

The ending definitely makes me want to read the next book in the Port Aster Secrets series - it sounds really good! I'm excited to see where Kate and Tom's relationship goes.

Overall, while not my favorite of Sandra Orchard's books, it was still a good read that I enjoyed. If you enjoy mystery novels with some romance, I definitely think you'll like Deadly Devotion.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

*Available June 2013 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.*

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Review: The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello

The Stars Shine Bright by Sibella Giorello

Raleigh Harmon Series: Book 5

Thomas Nelson / 2012

Find on: Amazon, Goodreads, Christianbook

About the book:

After the FBI suspends her for bending its rules, Special Agent Raleigh Harmon is looking for a chance to redeem her career and re-start her life. 

Sent undercover to a thoroughbred horse track, Raleigh takes on a double life to find out who's fixing the races. But when horses start dying and then her own life is threatened, Raleigh realizes something bigger-and more sinister-is ruining Emerald Downs. 

Yet she's never felt more alone.

Her one contact with the FBI is Special Agent Jack Stephanson, a guy who seems to jump from antagonistic to genuine friend depending on the time of day. And she can't turn to her family for support. They're off-limits while she's undercover, and her mother isn't speaking to her anyway, having been confined to a mental hospital following a psychotic breakdown. Adding insult to her isolation, Raleigh's fiance wants them to begin their life together-now-precisely when she's been ordered not to be herself. 

With just days left before the season ends, Raleigh races to stop the killing and find out who's behind the track's trouble, all the while trying to determine if Jack is friend or foe, and whether marrying her fiance will make things better-or worse.

Raleigh is walking through the darkest night she's faced, searching for a place where the stars shine bright.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I was pleasantly surprised by The Stars Shine Bright and how much I liked it. This is the first book I've read by Sibella Giorello, so I didn't know whether or not I'd like it and if my not having read the earlier "Raleigh Harmon" novels would affect my enjoyment of this book. For the most part, I don't think it did. There were a few things that I think if I would have read the earlier books I wouldn't have found as confusing, but mostly things were explained very well.

The characters were nice and I particularly liked Jack. The story was good throughout with a little suspense sprinkled throughout - more so towards the end. The Stars Shine Bright did, at times, seem a little long - I don't know how to explain this well, but sometimes it seemed like the story should be almost done, but there were still a lot of pages left. I will say, though, I don't think I was ever bored while reading this book, but it wouldn't have been hard to put down either (until the end, then it was great).

I liked how the main character, Raleigh, was working undercover - it was interesting to read and neat to see some of the things she did (especially regarding the lie detector test).

Overall, The Stars Shine Bright was a good book that I enjoyed reading. I hope there will be another book in this series because the ending didn't seem finished and I'd like to see what happens next in Raleigh's life.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

Was my review helpful? If so, please click "yes" on Amazon. Thanks! :)

~♥~

Novelist Sibella Giorello is celebrating the release of the latest book in her praiseworthy Raleigh Harmon series by giving away a Kindle Fire! 

Find out what the reviewers are saying here!

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A brand new Kindle Fire
• The entire 5-book Raleigh Harmon series.

Hurry, the giveaway ends on 8/25/12. The winner will be announced on 8/27/12 on Sibella's blog!

Just click one of the icons below to enter. Tell your friends about Sibella's giveaway on FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning.

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Review: Love in Disguise by Carol Cox

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing Love in Disguise Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012) by Carol Cox

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Native Arizonan Carol Cox has an abiding love for history, mystery, and romance. The author of more than 25 books, she believes in the power of story to convey spiritual truths. Carol lives with her husband and daughter in northern Arizona, where deer and antelope really do play--within view of the family's front porch.

A word from Carol:

As a native of Arizona, I have a longtime interest in the Southwest and its history. My family shares my love of the Old West, as evidenced by this photo taken back in the halcyon days before my son turned to a life of crime and started robbing trains for a living...


ABOUT THE BOOK

When costume-maker Ellie Moore suddenly finds herself out of a job in the middle of a bleak Chicago winter, she uses her knowledge of theatrical disguise to secure a position as an undercover operative with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Her assignment: find the culprit behind the theft of silver shipped from the mines near Pickford, Arizona.

Disguised as Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow, Ellie begins her investigation. Soon she finds she must also pose as the dazzling young Jessie Monroe, whose vivacious personality encourages people to talk.

If you would like to read the first chapter of Love in Disguise, go HERE.

My rating:

My thoughts:

Love in Disguise is one of those books where I'm not sure if I should give it 4 or 5 stars - so I decided to give it 4.5 stars. At times I loved the story (especially towards the end) and the whole book was entertaining/enjoyable.

I loved the characters! Ellie was probably my favorite because of how she juggled being "Jessie" and "Lavinia" - and all of her struggles made her very personable.

The mystery of who was behind the thefts was interesting and I was kinda surprised about who one of them was (not saying who). I also really liked how this novel features the Pinkerton Detective Agency - I seem to almost always enjoy novels that have them in it.... don't know why that is. =)

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Love in Disguise and am very glad I read it. Part of me is even hoping for a sequel because I did love the characters and setting.

I recommend Love in Disguise if you enjoy historical romance/mystery novels.

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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Review: Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

Gone to Ground by Brandilyn Collins

B&H Publishing Group / 2012

Amazon / Goodreads

About the book:

Amaryllis, Mississippi is a scrappy little town of strong backbone and southern hospitality. A brick-paved Main Street, a park, and a legendary ghost in the local cemetery are all part of its heritage. Everybody knows everybody in Amaryllis, and gossip wafts on the breeze. Its people are friendly, its families tight. On the surface Amaryllis seems much like the flower for which it’s named—bright and fragrant. But the Amaryllis flower is poison.

In the past three years five unsolved murders have occurred within the town. All the victims were women, and all were killed in similar fashion in their own homes. And just two nights ago—a sixth murder.

Clearly a killer lives among the good citizens of Amaryllis. And now three terrified women are sure they know who he is—someone they love. None is aware of the others’ suspicions. And each must make the heartrending choice to bring the killer down.

But each woman suspects a different man.

My rating:

My thoughts:

I'm quite familiar with Brandilyn Collins' books (I think I've read every suspense book she's published so far) and she is one of my favorite authors! Gone to Ground might just be my favorite of hers to date! I absolutely loved it!!

The way the chapters were set up was great! They were written in first person, but the POV went back-and-forth between Cherrie Mae, Tully, and Deena. Also, every once in a while, there was an excerpt from The Jackson Bugle.


Gone to Ground was a great mystery - it kept me guessing! It wasn't until the last moment that I guessed who "The Closet Killer" was and even then there were some twists left.

I can only think of one thing I didn't like in Gone to Ground - how it portrayed God talking to Cherrie Mae. Other than that, I completely loved this book and it is one of my favorite books now.

If you are looking for a great mystery novel, you should definitely try Gone to Ground. I think you'll have a hard time guessing what happens. :)

*I received this book for free for my review. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

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