4 Star – Page 21 – Books-n-Kisses

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019

What’s New: Kelly reviews First Dangle And Other Stories by Kevin Hearne

TITLE: First Dangle and other Stories
SERIES #: The Iron Druid Chronicles

AUTHOR: Kevin Hearne
NARRATOR: Luke Daniels
RUN TIME: 4 Hours & 16 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: June 5, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon| B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:

Owen and his sloth, Slomo, are off to see the world when Coriander, Herald Extraordinary of the First among the Fae, interrupts to ask for the tiny favor of solving a supernatural murder. That sets the pair off on a trail that leads from Granada, Spain, to London, England and then to Austin, Texas. Owen and Slomo will have to outwit an Irish goddess of wisdom, some nasty spriggans, and streak across the Kew Gardens to find the culprit. They’re going to see the world after all—just not the way they thought.

This collection also includes other Iron Druid stories. “The Naughtiest Cherub” is narrated by Loki and takes place directly before the events of Scourged, book 9. “The Waters” is narrated by Granuaile and takes place after the events of Scourged. And “Friendly Emily” is a piece of science fiction that appeared in Fireside magazine.

The audiobook edition will also include a recording of “The Chapel Perilous” recorded by Luke Daniels for the first time; that story is sold separately in ebook.

REVIEW:

First Dangle and other stories is a fun visit to the Iron Druid Chronicles world. A couple of these stories are re-record by Luke Daniels from previous analogies. It was really nice to hear these stories all in Luke’s talented voice. We get a story from Loki, Granuaile and of course Atticus. But the gem of this collection is Owen and Slomo’s adventure. How can you go wrong with a murder Sloth on your side.

I really enjoyed this book and I hope that Kevin will give us more stories in the IDC soon. I am excited for the new spin off Ink & Sigil too. But the IRC, Atticus and Oberon will always have a special place in my heart. Plus, I really really want another Atticus and the Morrigan story.

As always Luke brings these characters to life in a way that I am not sure any other narrator could. Great job Luke!!! Can’t wait to hear more!!!

Disclaimer:

I purchased this book from Audible and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 17, 2019September 16, 2019

Kelly reviews Save Your Breath by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: Save Your Breath
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #6
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane, Lance Kruger, Olivia Cruz & Lincoln Sharp
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: September 17, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible |B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger investigate the mysterious disappearance of a true-crime writer.
When true-crime writer Olivia Cruz disappears with no signs of foul play, her new boyfriend, Lincoln Sharp, suspects the worst. He knows she didn’t leave willingly and turns to attorney Morgan Dane and PI Lance Kruger to find her before it’s too late.
As they dig through Olivia’s life, they are shocked to discover a connection between her current book research on two cold murder cases and the suicide of one of Morgan’s prospective clients.
As Morgan and Lance investigate, the number of suspects grows, but time is running out to find Olivia alive. When danger comes knocking at their door, Morgan and Lance realize that they may be the killer’s next targets.

REVIEW:
This time is personal.

Morgan, Lance and Sharp are going to have to work fast if they want to solve this case. But where to start when one of their own has disappeared in the middle of the night. Trying to solve Olivia’s kidnapping will open a huge can of worms on a few different cases that Olivia has been researching. The question is which lead to follow first.

This was another great read in the Morgan Dane Series. I always enjoy reading Melinda’s stories. I am sad to see the Morgan Dane Series come to an end but I am hopeful that we will see these characters again in the future.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley & Montlake Romance in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 11, 2019September 10, 2019

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews A Wedding In December by Sarah Morgan

TITLE: A Wedding In December
CHARACTERS: The White Family
AUTHOR: Sarah Morgan
PUBLICATION DATE: 09/24/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
This funny, charming and heartwarming new Christmas novel is USA TODAY bestselling author Sarah Morgan at her festive best!

In the snowy perfection of Aspen, the White family gathers for youngest daughter Rosie’s whirlwind Christmas wedding. First to arrive are the bride’s parents, Maggie and Nick. Their daughter’s marriage is a milestone they are determined to celebrate wholeheartedly, but they are hiding a huge secret of their own: they are on the brink of divorce. After living apart for the last six months, the last thing they need is to be trapped together in an irresistibly romantic winter wonderland.

Rosie’s older sister, Katie, is also dreading the wedding. Worried that impulsive, sweet-hearted Rosie is making a mistake, Katie is determined to save her sister from herself! If only the irritatingly good-looking best man, Jordan, would stop interfering with her plans…

Bride-to-be Rosie loves her fiancé but is having serious second thoughts. Except everyone has arrived—how can she tell them she’s not sure? As the big day gets closer, and emotions run even higher, this is one White family Christmas none of them will ever forget!

REVIEW:
This story is about romance but I think it is more about the love of family. Rosie doesn’t always make the best decisions and is a bit impulsive so when she tells her family she is getting married to get boyfriend of only a few months the family worries.

Her older sister, Katie, is protective of Rosie since she has medical issues. Katie has even gone into medicine because of her baby sister. But the best man has her mind heading where it shouldn’t.

And then there is Maggie, the girls mom. She is separated from her husband but hasn’t told the girls yet and of course the happy occasion of a wedding doesn’t need to be spoiled by the news of divorce. But Maggie is finding she needs to figure out what her next chapter of life is. Her girls are grown and don’t need her the same way anymore, so what now?

I found myself wanting to attend the wedding and help the family out as if I was one of them. When you want to crawl into a book I think that says a lot about it. There is so much to this story about finding love but also finding yourself.

What a great book to put you into the Christmas spirit. Perfect to light a fire and enjoy a glass of egg nog.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 9, 2019September 8, 2019

Kimberly reviews The Viking’s Witch by Kelli A Wilkins

TITLE: The Viking’s Witch
CHARACTERS: Rothgar & Odaria
AUTHOR: Kelli A Wilkins
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/01/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Scotland, 803 A.D.

About to be burned at the stake by her fellow villagers, Odaria does what any betrayed witch facing certain death would do. She calls down a curse. Within seconds, rampaging Norsemen raid the village, capturing everyone except her.

But her reprieve is short-lived, and Odaria lands in the clutches of the Norse leader Rothgar. Can she remain true to herself and fight her growing attraction to this domineering man, or will she fall under his influence and be used for his ambitions?

After Rothgar witnesses Odaria’s powers firsthand, he strikes a bargain with her. The raven-haired beauty will use her magical abilities to help him with his quest in exchange for safe passage off the isle. But can this cunning woman be trusted, or is she using him to exact vengeance on her village?

Together they must fight bloodthirsty villagers, battle a mutinous band of Norsemen, find a missing Norse ship, and learn to trust each other . . . before time is up.

REVIEW:
INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR FEATURED TOMORROW!

3.75 Hearts This book is a bit different. At least in my opinion. The author contacted me to review the story which I was happy to do since it sounded out of the norm.

In this story Odaria is a witch who is ready to be burned at the stake. She is saved by a Viking who is looking for a Prince. Once she is in the nest of the Viking’s she is expected to use her powers to get Rothgar what he wants.

I liked that this was not a love at first sight kind of love. There is a lot of conflict between the two but the sexual chemistry is hot and can not be denied.

As I said this story was a bit different than I am used to. I am not one that reads the Pirate bodice ripper novels. But I found myself liking this story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

September 5, 2019September 1, 2019

Kelly reviews Fledgling by Molly Harper

TITLE: Fledgling
SERIES #: Sorcery and Society #2
CHARACTERS: Sarah Smith, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel
AUTHOR: Molly Harper
NARRATOR: Amanda Ronconi
RUN TIME: 7 Hours & 42 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: July 23, 2019
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“Molly Harper’s Changeling is masterful fantasy—a spunky Cinderella story with a heroine who’s equal parts compassion, determination, and pure magical delight.” —Rachel Vincent, author of the Soul Screamers series and The Stars Never Rise, on Changeling
Days away from becoming completing her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies, Changeling-born Sarah Smith might just get away with posing as an upper-class Guardian girl named Cassandra Reed.
But strange visions of a Lightbourne destroyed by Miss Morton’s revenant army keep Sarah from enjoying her achievement. Plus, the Mother Book, Sarah’s one secret advantage and the ultimate entrée in Guardian society, suddenly stops revealing itself to her…putting her in a precarious position with the Guild. On top of all that, her former lady’s maid left Miss Castwell’s, and the new hire is, well, taking some getting used to.
If it weren’t for her two best friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel, who will do anything to protect her secret, Sarah doesn’t know if she’ll make it another year. When the three girls take summer holiday with Alicia’s family (chaperoned by an exacting and very disapproving Mrs. McCray), a relaxing vacation in Scotland is the last thing they’ll find.
Mrs. Winter is thrilled that Sarah is spending time with the influential McCray family, but Sarah can’t help but feel that her real purpose is to find other Changeling children like her, and free them to realize their own magic. Can she find genuine satisfaction in her accomplishments when she knows there are others like her out there who need her help? Will the three girls uncover the deeply-held secrets they’re looking for in the mysterious mountains of Scotland? Will the Mother Book finally start talking to her again? And will Sarah come to understand the importance of her connection with Ivy and Alicia, and the true nature of her own power…before it’s too late?
“Witty and classic, Changeling had everything I wanted from a coming of age story: friendship, scandal, and a heroine learning to flex her magical muscles. If you liked Harry Potter, you will love CHANGELING!” —Kristen Simmons, critically acclaimed author of the Article 5 series, on Changeling.

REVIEW:
Fledgling pickups up shortly after the events of Changeling (I would highly suggest reading this series in order). Sarah (aka Cassandra), Alicia and Ivy back at school and dealing with their actions. But when Sarah is summons to the counsel to answer questions about the Mother book. She has to think fast on her feet and is able to hold off the counsel for the time being. But Sarah has a more important mission in mind. She must find the other Changelings. But what will she do if she actually finds any.

Another grand adventure with Sarah , Alicia and Ivy. I can’t wait to see what is next for these three. I do hope the Gavin and Owen and will be joining them too.

As always the amazing Amanda Ronconi lends her talented voice to bring life to Molly’s characters. I really enjoy listening to Amanda narrate a book. She really gets into character and doesn’t just read. Amanda is also really good at getting the correct level of snark that is needed in a Molly Harper story.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley &INscribe Digital in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

September 4, 2019September 1, 2019

Winter Romance Wednesday! Kimberly reviews The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice by Kauffman, Angell & Charles

TITLE: The Bakeshop At Pumpkin And Spice
CHARACTERS: Bree, Cassie & Lara
AUTHOR: Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell & Allyson Charles
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/27/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Every autumn, Moonbright, Maine, is the picture of charm with its piles of crisp leaves, flickering jack-o’-lanterns … and a touch of the sweetest kind of enchantment.

Witches, goblins, the occasional ghost—they’re all sure to be spotted at the annual Halloween parade, where adults and children alike dress in costume to celebrate Moonbright’s favorite holiday. And no place has more seasonal spirit than Bellaluna’s Bakeshop, a family business steeped in traditional recipes, welcoming warmth—and, legend has it, truly spellbinding, heart-melting treats …

Between good-natured Halloween tricks, frothy pumpkin lattes, and some very special baked goods, for three Moonbright residents looking for love—whether they know it or not—the spookiest thing will be how magical romance can suddenly be …

REVIEW:
This is three novellas combined into one novel. As a fan of Donna Kauffman I requested the book from NetGalley and I am glad I did. The stories mesh so well. Having a bit of magic and romance.

The magic is in and around the bakeshop and the cookies that Nana bakes. In the first one Bree is learning her own way around the bakeshops magic as well when Caleb enters the bakery just as Nana knew he would.

The second and third are from authors I do not remember reading before. The second story is about Cassie trying to make one man interested in her when maybe it is a complete stranger she needs to be made aware of. And the third is about Lara who seems to be having a bad day until love walks in.

This is a great story to read around the Halloween season. A magical romance!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 27, 2019August 26, 2019

Kimberly reviews Beware The Darkness by Alexandra Ivy

TITLE: Beware The Darkness
SERIES #: Guardians Of Eternity #14
CHARACTERS: Tarak & Waverly
AUTHOR: Alexandra Ivy
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The enemy may have changed, but the battle between good and evil burns hotter than ever in this scintillating new installment in Alexandra Ivy’s Guardians of Eternity series.

There is only one thing more precious to vampire Tarak than his newfound freedom after five centuries of captivity, and that’s the promise of revenge. At last, he can destroy Riven, the merman who has drained his power in order to make himself king. But at the very moment when justice is a fang’s breadth away, Tarak’s quest is complicated by the beautiful mermaid princess who kept him sane and fed during his ordeal.

Waverly hoped that once Tarak escaped, he’d return to his own kind and enjoy the rest of his immortal life. She also hoped she might one day stop dreaming about the darkly handsome vampire. Instead, Tarak’s return draws Waverly into an unlikely alliance—and a passion that eclipses all her fantasies.

Hatred for Riven has sustained Tarak this long. But only Waverly’s love can give him the strength to claim eternity with her . . .

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts Alexndra Ivy is simply one of the Queens of Paranormal Genre. I have never found a novel of hers that disappointed and this was no exception.

The vampire world that Ivy writes is exciting, sexy and fun. Waverly and Tarak are unexpected but perfect. I loved Tarak. I knew after reading his story in the last novel that it would take a while to like Tarak but as always Tarak is a diamond in the rough. Waverly is interesting but I really liked her. The Mer world is one I do not normally read about. Never been a mermaid kinda girl but this was different and I actually enjoy it. Would I grab a different series about it. Probably not but there is never a book that Ivy writes that is not worth the read.

Dive in. You won’t be sorry. But I do suggest reading at least #13 before this one so you know Tarak’s story. And Levet is always worth visiting!

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 26, 2019August 25, 2019

Kimberly reviews Old Bones by Preston & Child

TITLE: Old Bones
SERIES #: Nora Kelly #1
CHARACTERS: Nora Kelly
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/20/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The first in the groundbreaking Nora Kelly series from #1 bestselling authors Preston & Child blends the legend of the Donner party with a riveting suspense tale, taking the dynamic duo’s work to new heights.

Nora Kelly, a young but successful curator with a series of important excavations already under her belt, is approached by the handsome Historian, Guy Porter, to lead an expedition unlike any other. Guy tells his story–one involving the ill-fated Donner Party, who became permanently lodged in the American consciousness in the winter of 1847, when the first skeletonized survivors of the party stumbled out of the California mountains, replete with tales of courage, resourcefulness, bad luck, murder, barbarism–and, finally, starvation and cannibalism.

Captivated by the Donner Party, Nora agrees and they venture into the Sierra Nevada in search of the camp. Quickly, they learn that the discovery of the missing starvation camp is just the tip of the iceberg–and that the real truth behind those long-dead pioneers is not only far more complex and surprising than they could have imagined…but it is one that puts them both in mortal danger from a very real, present-day threat in which the search for the lost party, and its fabled fortune in gold, are merely means to a horrifying end.

REVIEW:
4.25 Hearts As a fan of the Pendergast series by Preston/Child I was looking forward to starting this new series. And it doesn’t hurt that I lived in the Sierra Nevada mountains and frequently visited Donner and knew the story of the Donner Party well. But then on the other side I was worried because of being close to the story I wasn’t sure they wouldn’t get facts and lore correct. But I should not have worried.

Preston/Child are two authors that team up to write their stories and somehow it works. The flow they have together is incredible. I am not quite sure of their collaboration techniques but it is one of the best.

In this new series we meet Nora Kelly, who is a character brought over from the Pendergast series. But you do not have to have read the old series to pick up the new one. There is also FBI agent Swanson.

The two meet as Nora is looking for a possibly hidden camp and Swanson is looking for treasure hunters on government land.

I really enjoyed this story and I am thrilled that Preston/Child have started a new series but I do hope that they haven’t stopped with Pendergast because there is never enough of him.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 22, 2019August 21, 2019

Kimberly reviews Templar Secrets by Andreas Enonomou

TITLE: Templar Secrets
CHARACTERS: Hiram & George
AUTHOR: Andreas Economou
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/26/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FROM THE TEMPLE OF SOLOMON TO THAT OF THE FREEMASONS
Hiram—the tragic hero of Masonic tradition—is brutally murdered in Solomon’s Temple, three thousand years ago. An event which very much influences the founding of the Knights Templar two millennia later, and the discovery they made. But that not’s all! Largely because of it, Templars escaping the 1307 arrests go on to set up the precursor of modern Freemasonry.
Flash forward to the present day: George, a young Mason is struggling to unravel the origins of the institution he just joined. Was Freemasonry created by English medieval stonemasons, like they told him? And what do all its secret handshakes and passwords still protect? Can he solve these puzzles in time?
These questions (and many more) are all answered within this powerful, era-weaving journey.
If you liked Dan Brown’s “The Da Vinci Code” you’ll love this!

REVIEW:
I found this novel interesting if not all of it was true. I wish I knew exactly what part of it is true and which is not.

As with The Da Vinci Code it is based on truth with a splash of fiction. I have already found this subject interesting. There is so much mystery wrapped around the subject that again I am not sure exactly what part of the leaked information is myth or legend.

That being said the story makes you think and puts a new spin on the subject. The story is well written and interesting.

Any person interested in the subject will enjoy this story. Well worth the read.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 15, 2019August 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews Womby’s School For Wayward Witches by Sarina Dorie

TITLE: Womby’s School For Wayward Witches
SERIES #: Not So Cozy Witches 1-5
CHARACTERS: Varies
AUTHOR: Sarina Dorie
PUBLICATION DATE: 01/10/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A magical boarding school. Budget cuts. Missing teaches. A not-so-cozy mystery.
You think you know the world of magical boarding schools? Not from a teacher’s perspective at a school for at risk youth.

This book bundle includes: Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells, Hex-Ed, Witches Gone Wicked, A Handful of Hexes, Hexes and Exes, and BONUS MATERIAL. Personal Ads for Witches and Thirteen Ways to Tell if You are a Witch are also included in this bundle.

Book 1: Tardy Bells and Witches’ Spells (A prequel before Clarissa teaches at Womby’s School for Wayward Witches.)
Most of us have faced the fact that an owl will never come with our acceptance letter to Hogwarts. Find out what this teen does to take matters into her own hands. Will she become a witch, even if the price is higher than she expects?

Book 2: Hex-Ed
Consider what would happen if a bumbling character like Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum had been told with the quirky voice of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and she was trying to get a job at Hogwarts.

A gang of evil Fae wants to kidnap and enslave Clarissa for accidentally using magic at the wrong place and the wrong time. Clarissa must escape little old ladies in gingerbread cottages, the evil school district psychologist who has always been out to get her, and a hoard of harpies before she can prove to the Witchkin that the bad apple falls farther from the tree that they’d guessed.

If she can do this, then maybe, just maybe her dreams will come true and she’ll land that job teaching the dark arts and crafts.

Book 3: Witches Gone Wicked
As if being the new “arts and crafts” teacher isn’t hard enough at a school for juvenile delinquent witches, budget cuts are just as severe in the magic community, administrators are as unrealistic in their expectations of teachers, and the job is a hazard if the students find out you can’t actually do magic.

As if this isn’t enough pressure, she has to figure out why teachers are mysteriously disappearing. If she doesn’t, she might be next.

Book 4: A Handful of Hexes

When Clarissa finds her mother’s diary outlining her experiments with the Fae Fertility Paradox, she is desperate to uncover the mysteries of her mother’s past that will help with her own magic problems of the present. She suspects this book will solve the feud between Fae and Witchkin.

Either that or it will cause an all-out war.

Book 5: Hexes and Exes
Dear Jezzy: Love Advice for Paranormals

The ghosts of boyfriends past are haunting Clarissa Lawrence, the most unmagical teacher at Womby’s School for Wayward Witches.

When Clarissa’s problems aren’t filled with her exes, they are filled with hexes. Everything in her life revolves around letting go of her past so she can accept her future. Clarissa must save Derrick before the Raven Queen gets him for good, even if it means she must join the dark side to do so.

REVIEW:
This is the first 5 in a series that I would describe as an adult version of Harry Potter. Maybe not as well written but still a really good series.

Clarissa finds out she is a witch and ends up teaching at a magical school. But she finds out that no one wants her in the school because of her heritage of her descendents being an evil witch.

What I liked best is this is a boxed set so I was able to start at the beginning and continue reading. This is still ongoing so I look forward to continuing the series.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 14, 2019August 12, 2019

Kimberly reviews When He Vanished by TJ Brearton

TITLE: When He Vanished
CHARACTERS: Jane & John
AUTHOR: T.J. Brearton
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/14/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A HEART-POUNDING THRILLER WITH A STUNNING TWIST

WHAT IF YOUR HUSBAND DISAPPEARED AND THE POLICE THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE KILLED HIM?

Jane Gable returns from her shift at the hospital one night to find her two children asleep in bed and her husband gone, his phone and wallet left behind.

John has long been a responsible and dependable man, maintaining a predictable schedule. He is a former alcoholic, and so Jane fears he has relapsed and may be in trouble.

An ‘old friend’ of John’s, Bruce Barnes, turned up on their doorstep the day before his disappearance.

Jane’s son Russ had seen a mysterious blonde woman at the house.

An SUV keeps showing up. Jane feels watched and under threat.

Then John’s abandoned car is found with blood on the steering wheel and Jane fears the worst. And there is a revelation that will make her question her own sanity.

Jane desperately begins investigating on her own. Suspects include her ex-husband, her stepbrother, and the mysterious blonde.

Is she being framed? Can she even trust herself?

HOW FAR WILL SHE GO TO SAVE HER FAMILY?

Perfect for fans of Rachel Cain, Harlan Coben, or Julianne MacLean.

REVIEW:
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com

3.75 Hearts This is a true psychological thriller that makes you a bit unsure of your own surroundings.

When Jane’s husband goes missing the cops automatically look at the wife as the suspect. So Jane takes the role of detective on to herself.

What she finds puts her (and the reader) into a suspenseful mindset.

I really found this story interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had a hard time figuring out who-dun-it. Everytime I thought it was one thing a twist turned my thoughts around.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

August 8, 2019August 5, 2019

Kimberly reviews Asylum by Jack Adams

TITLE: Asylum
SERIES #: Delaney & Murphy #1
CHARACTERS: Nathan Delaney & Adam Murphy
AUTHOR: Jack Adams
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/02/19
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Something happened here. Behind these walls, in these rooms, on the grounds, at the river. The inmate sketched it all – fine lines. See there, in the negative space, the truth in the pencil strokes. Then he was gone.

Joe was their friend; the man they spoke to through the wire fence of the Lunatic Asylum, and 10-year-old best friends, Nathan Delaney and Adam Murphy, knew he wasn’t insane. Then, one day, Joe was gone. Now hitting their thirties—jobs and divorces in their wake—ex-cop, current P.I. Nate and psychologist Adam decide to share office space and a receptionist. That’s when the letter arrives advising them that they have received ‘Expectations’. A quaint, old-fashioned bequest delivered by a solicitor which amounts to an inheritance for two boys – left by Joseph O’Connell, a missing-believed-deceased former patient at the River Park Lunatic Asylum.

REVIEW:
3.75 Hearts I have never read anything like this book which I found very amazing considering how much I read. But this book was different and kept me intrigued throughout most of the story. I saw most because there did seem some extra side stories that were a bit out of the flow of the book but even with that being said the story of Nate and Adam, as well as Joe.

I liked the relationship of the boys/men. As boys, Nate and Adam, became friends with Joe, a patient at the Asylum but years later as men Joe shows up again and there are a lot of questions.

I found this really enjoyable even if there was a bit that didn’t need to be added. I liked that the book didn’t make the patients into insane monsters. They were people who need help and shows them as lonely and kind.

Better than I thought.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.