Suspense – Page 22 – Books-n-Kisses

December 3, 2018December 2, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Pharaoh Key by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child

TITLE: The Pharaoh Key
SERIES #: Gideon Crew #5
CHARACTERS: Gideon Crew
AUTHOR: Douglas Preston & Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/12/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Don’t miss the this exciting, New York Times bestselling adventure from Preston & Child, in which the secrets of a mysterious ancient tablet may point the way to untold treasure–or unspeakable danger.
“I just want to be crystal clear about this: if it has value, we’re gonna steal it. Are you with me?”
Effective Engineering Solutions has been inexplicably shut down and the head of the company, Eli Glinn, has all but vanished. Fresh off a diagnosis that gives him only months to live, Gideon Crew is contacted by one of his coworkers at EES, Manuel Garza, who tells him the two have mere hours to collect their belongings before the office closes forever. After years of dedicated service and several high-risk missions, theirs seems like the most ignoble of terminations-until Gideon and Garza happen upon an incredible discovery. After centuries of silence, a code-breaking machine at EES has cracked the long-awaited translation of a centuries-old stone tablet, the Phaistos Disc, that dates back to an otherwise completely unknown, ancient civilization. The mysteries of the message itself hint at incredible treasures, and perhaps even a world-altering secret. No one remains at EES to take on this most remarkable mission but Gideon and Garza. The two agree to solve the mystery of the disc’s message and split the spoils: the perfect parting gift their employer doesn’t know he has given. What lies at the end of the trail may save Gideon’s life-or bring it to a sudden, shocking close. As Gideon and Garza soon discover, some missions are more dangerous than others. But as Gideon has proved again and again, there’s no such thing as too great a risk when you’re living on borrowed time.

REVIEW:
Oh how I enjoy these authors. Any Preston/Child book is worth picking up. These books always keep me enraptured.

If you are a fan of movies like National Treasure or books by Brad Meltzer you will enjoy this series.

Gideon is a great character. Garza is really cool too.

You will be on the edge of your seat figuring out this secret.

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

November 20, 2018November 18, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Crooked Staircase by Dean Koontz

TITLE: The Crooked Staircase
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #3
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/08/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
“I could be dead tomorrow. Or something worse than dead.”

Jane Hawk knows she may be living on borrowed time. But as long as she’s breathing, she’ll never cease her one-woman war against the terrifying conspiracy that threatens the freedom–and free will–of millions. Battling the strange epidemic of murder-suicides that claimed Jane’s husband, and is escalating across the country, has made the rogue FBI agent a wanted fugitive, relentlessly hunted not only by the government but by the secret cabal behind the plot. Deploying every resource their malign nexus of power and technology commands, Jane’s enemies are determined to see her dead . . . or make her wish she was.

Jane’s ruthless pursuers can’t stop her from drawing a bead on her prey: a cunning man with connections in high places, a twisted soul of unspeakable depths with an army of professional killers on call. Propelled by her righteous fury and implacable insistence on justice, Jane will make her way from southern California to the snow-swept slopes of Lake Tahoe to confront head-on the lethal forces arrayed against her. But nothing can prepare her for the chilling truth that awaits when she descends the crooked staircase to the dark and dreadful place where her long nightmare was born.

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series and I would suggest reading the other two books before reading this one.

I really enjoyed this character. Jane is capable and not a princess in need of rescue type. She can do it all herself.

The other thing is this is set in Lake Tahoe which I visited a number of times so I was really able to “see” the scenes as they played out.

A very enjoyable read.

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

November 5, 2018November 4, 2018

Kelly reviews An Easy Death by Charlaine Harris

TITLE: An Easy Death
SERIES #: Gunnie Rose #1
CHARACTERS: Lizbeth Rose
AUTHOR: Charlaine Harris
NARRATOR: Eva Kaminsky
RUN TIME: 9 Hours & 48 Minutes
PUBLICATION DATE: October 2, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Audible | Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The beloved #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sookie Stackhouse series, the inspiration for HBO’s True Blood, and the Midnight Crossroad trilogy adapted for NBC’s Midnight, Texas, has written a taut new thriller—the first in the Gunnie Rose series—centered on a young gunslinging mercenary, Lizbeth Rose.
Set in a fractured United States, in the southwestern country now known as Texoma. A world where magic is acknowledged but mistrusted, especially by a young gunslinger named Lizbeth Rose. Battered by a run across the border to Mexico Lizbeth Rose takes a job offer from a pair of Russian wizards to be their local guide and gunnie. For the wizards, Gunnie Rose has already acquired a fearsome reputation and they’re at a desperate crossroad, even if they won’t admit it. They’re searching through the small border towns near Mexico, trying to locate a low-level magic practitioner, Oleg Karkarov. The wizards believe Oleg is a direct descendant of Grigori Rasputin, and that Oleg’s blood can save the young tsar’s life.
As the trio journey through an altered America, shattered into several countries by the assassination of Franklin Roosevelt and the Great Depression, they’re set on by enemies. It’s clear that a powerful force does not want them to succeed in their mission. Lizbeth Rose is a gunnie who has never failed a client, but her oath will test all of her skills and resolve to get them all out alive.

REVIEW:
When I saw that Ms. Charlaine Harris has a new series coming out I knew I had to give it a try. I love the Sookie Stackhouse series. I have not read Midnight Texas yet but I love the TV series. So I grabbed an audio copy of An Easy Death, book one in the Gunnie Rose series.

An Easy Death is a good first book. There is a lot of world building so the book is a bit slow. But it does pick up as the story goes on. Lizbeth Rose is a gun for hire and she is good at her job. But things are not going right for her. Her prior job is gone and now she must figure out her future. Being hired by a pair of Russian Wizards was not on her list of potential jobs. Lizbeth can’t turn down the money that they offer even if it makes her uncomfortable.

This is also my first audiobook narrated by Eva Kaminsky. I really enjoyed having Eva read this story and bring these characters to life. I will be continuing this series on audio as long as they keep Eva as the narrator (I will also be looking up more of her audiobooks).

Looking forward to the next book and were Ms. Harris takes Lizbeth. I really do hope that we get to see more of Eli and a possible relationship between these two.

If you are a fan of Ms. Harris, magic, fantasy and westerns I would suggest giving this new series a try.

Disclaimer:
I purchased this audio book and this review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

November 2, 2018October 31, 2018

Kelly reviews Close To The Bone by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: Close to the Bone
SERIES #: Widow Island #1
CHARACTERS: Cate Wilde & Henry Powers
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: October 23, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back home on a remote Pacific Northwest island when she gets the call: a teenager’s skeletal remains have been found on a nearby island.
Together with Tessa Black, a childhood friend turned local deputy, Cate confronts dreary weather and bleak leads to make sense of the death. The complications pile up as Cate is distracted by the coroner on the case—and by nagging memories that draw her twenty years into the past. The remains suggest eerie similarities between this victim, and Cate and Tessa’s friend Samantha, who disappeared when she was fourteen.
Cate finds herself up against closemouthed locals, buried town secrets, and even her own heart. As the case unravels, will she be able to cut through the fog and find justice for the missing and the dead

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I was so excited when Kendra & Melinda announced that the were teaming up again to bring us a new novella series!! It is always exciting when these two team up. The new series takes us to Widow’s Island up in the Pacific Northwest. Close to the Bone brings us not one by two mysteries that need to be solved.

FBI Special Agent Cate Wilde is back on Widow’s Island to recover from her injuries. But when a call come in the middle of the night that a bone of what looks like a young girl are found. Cate will not let her injuries stop her from getting answers to who it is. As Cate approaches the crime scene the passed floods back to her of another missing girl from her past. Could this be here? Will they finally have the answers they have seeked for 20 years?

You will have to pick up a copy of Close to the Bone to find out!!!

I am on to book two in this series A Bone to Pick.

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.

October 30, 2018October 29, 2018

Kelly reviews A Bone To Pick by Melinda Leigh

TITLE: A Bone to Pick
SERIES #: Widow’s Island #2
CHARACTERS: Tessa Black & Logan Wilde
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: October 30, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Audible

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Deputy Tessa Black gave up her career as a detective with the Seattle PD and returned to the Pacific Northwest island she calls home to care for her ailing mother. Tessa thinks her mother’s illness is the worst thing she’ll face—until she responds to a routine call in the state park and discovers a local man harpooned to a sign.
As the murder investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the victim harbored secrets. Together with her FBI agent best friend, Cate, and park ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa must connect the pieces before the murderer strikes again. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more she finds herself—and the ones she loves—in harm’s way.
Pressure mounts as Tessa attempts to juggle the current case with her search for the truth behind her childhood friend Samantha’s disappearance twenty years ago. Can Tessa find the murderer and uncover answers about Samantha without jeopardizing everything she holds dear?

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts A Bone to Pick is the second book in the Widow’s Island novella series. In a Bone to Pick starts off with another murder on the small island. Deputy Tessa gets called about a man screaming in the park. When she gets there Park Ranger Logan is there to help. What they find is very disturbing. A man with a harpoon through his chest. But who would do this to this man.

While Tessa tries to solve this latest murder the unknown of what happened to Samantha still haunts her. Will the ever find out what happened to her?

Another great installment in Melinda & Kendra’s latest series!! I enjoy when these two team up! I am already excited for book 3 & 4 in this series!

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.

October 19, 2018October 17, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver

TITLE: The Cutting Edge
SERIES #: Lincoln Rhyme #14
CHARACTERS: Lincoln Rhyme
AUTHOR: Jeffery Deaver
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/10/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
DANGEROUSLY GOOD. DISTINCTIVELY DEAVER.
Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs return to New York City to confront a killer terrorizing couples at their happiest–and most vulnerable.
In the early hours of a quiet, weekend morning in Manhattan’s Diamond District, a brutal triple murder shocks the city. Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Sachs quickly take the case. Curiously, the killer has left behind a half-million dollars’ worth of gems at the murder scene, a jewelry store on 47th street. As more crimes follow, it becomes clear that the killer’s target is not gems, but engaged couples themselves.
The Promisor vows to take the lives of men and women during their most precious moments–midway through the purchase of an engagement ring, after a meeting with a wedding planner, trying on the perfect gown for a day that will never come. The Promisor arrives silently, armed with knife or gun, and a time of bliss is transformed, in an instant, to one of horror.
Soon the Promiser makes a dangerous mistake: leaving behind an innocent witness, Vimal Lahori, a talented young diamond cutter, who can help Rhyme and Sachs blow the lid off the case. They must track down Vimal before the killer can correct his fatal error. Then disaster strikes, threatening to tear apart the very fabric of the city–and providing the perfect cover for the killer to slip through the cracks.

REVIEW:
This is the 14th in the Lincoln Rhymes series. 14! And just as fresh as the first one.

Lincoln is now married to Amelia. This story is about murders in the Diamond district. And Diamonds are the key word.

This story had me wondering the entire time who-dun-it. I love stories that I can not figure it out and this one had me a bit stumped.

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

October 16, 2018October 15, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Weight Of Silence by Gregg Olsen

TITLE: The Weight Of Silence
SERIES #: Nicole Foster #2
CHARACTERS: Nicole Foster
AUTHOR: Gregg Olsen
PUBLICATION DATE: 08/14/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A heart-pounding novel of unspeakable crimes and unforgivable sins from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Sound of Rain.
Homicide detective Nicole Foster has finally balanced an unsteady life and is anxious for a second chance. There’s no better place to start over than at the beginning—back at her childhood home on the Washington coast, where’s she raising her niece and keeping an eye on her increasingly fragile father. But Nicole’s past is never truly behind her—not when a disturbing new case stirs dark memories of the haunting investigation that shattered her career.
In the middle of the hottest August in a century, a toddler is found dead inside a parked car. Her father says he forgot her. It’s an unthinkable crime. And for Nicole, it’s made all the more unbearable by her own suffocating secrets—those shared by an old rival who has reappeared from the shadows and is pushing Nicole to the edge once again.
Now, wherever the truth lies, solving this case and avenging an unforgivable death is the most important move in Nicole’s career. But to see it through to the end, how far is she willing to go? And what is she prepared to risk this time?

REVIEW:
2.5 Hearts Not high on my Olsen favorites even though I enjoy most of his books. I never really connected with any of the characters. I thought the story was very slow and well a bit boring.

I will pick up the next in the series but I just didn’t enjoy this story.

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

October 1, 2018September 30, 2018

Kelly reviews Hidden by Rebecca Zanetti

TITLE: Hidden
SERIES #: Deep Ops #1
CHARACTERS: Pippa Smith and Malcolm West
AUTHOR: Rebecca Zanetti
PUBLICATION DATE: September 25, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | Kindle | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Hide. That’s all Pippa can do to escape the terror chasing her. But now that she’s off the grid in a safe house, she finds plenty of interesting things to watch through the window. Like her new neighbor, with his startling green eyes, killer smile, and sexy bad-boy tattoo . . .
Run. Malcolm West is fleeing the hell he unleashed in his last assignment as an undercover cop. A backwoods bungalow sounds like the perfect place to start over. Until he discovers he’s been set up . . .
Fight. Someone’s gone to a lot of trouble to bring them together. No matter how much he resents that, and his own driving needs, Malcolm will have to dig deep and let loose the banished killer inside himself, or Pippa’s fears could come true faster than the flip of a bolt in a lock

REVIEW:
Hidden is the first book in Mrs. Zanetti’s new Deep Op’s Series. This was a good start to a new series. I enjoyed the world that Mrs. Zanetti build with a bunch of rejected hero’s who are being a given a second chance. A second chance at a career, a second chance at a family and possibly a second chance at love.

I really enjoyed Malcolm and Pippa’s story. It was a little fast but you can’t fight love. And all the other characters are great! I really loved Roscoe. Who is Roscoe only the coolest dog ever (that has some very interesting quirks *wink, wink*). And the little kitten owned by Wolfe (I can’t wait to see this kitty’s personality grow).

I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series!!!!

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

September 21, 2018September 19, 2018

Kelly reviews The Voice Inside by Brian Freeman

TITLE: The Voice Inside
SERIES #: Frost Easton #2
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: January 16, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
One cop’s lie has set a killer free.
Four years after serial killer Rudy Cutter was sent away for life, San Francisco homicide inspector Frost Easton uncovers a terrible lie: his closest friend planted false evidence to put Cutter behind bars. When he’s forced to reveal the truth, his sister’s killer is back on the streets.
Desperate to take Cutter down again, the detective finds a new ally in Eden Shay. She wrote a book about Cutter and knows more about him than anyone. And she’s terrified. Because for four years, Cutter has been nursing revenge day after stolen day.
Staying ahead of the game of a killer who’s determined to strike again is not going to be easy. Not when Frost is battling his own demons. Not when the game is becoming so personal. And not when the killer’s next move is unlike anything Frost expected.

REVIEW:
Frost has to make a very tough choice. Keep what he has learned to himself and keep everyone safe or do the right thing and end a friends career and set a killer free.

This was a great story from Mr. Freeman that takes us on a journey that is filled with twists and turns. While I was not completely surprised by the ending and result the ride to the end was enjoyable.

I am looking forward to the next installment in Frost’s story.

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

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018

Kimberly reviews The Secret by KL Slater

TITLE: The Secret
CHARACTERS: Louise, Alice and Archie
AUTHOR: KL Slater
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/27/18
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
You turn your back for a minute. And now your son is in terrible danger …

Louise is struggling to cope. As a busy working mum, she often has to leave her eight-year-old son Archie at her sister Alice’s flat.

Alice and Louise used to be close. But there’s a lot they don’t know about each other now – like the bottle of vodka Louise hides in her handbag, Alice’s handsome new friend and the odd behaviour of her next-door neighbour.

Archie is a curious little boy. He likes to play on his own at his auntie’s flat until one day when he sees something he shouldn’t. Now he has a secret of his own. One he can’t tell his mum. One that could put him and his family in terrible danger.

The most gripping psychological thriller you’ll read this year from the top five bestselling author K.L.Slater. Perfect for fans of The Girl on the Train and Gone Girl.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts This story kept me on the edge of my seat. Because I so badly wanted to figure out the secret.

Archie is going through a hard time and has become withdrawn and secretive. When Louise leaves for a bit she leaves Archie with her sister, Alice. She is determined to find out the secret and help her beloved nephew.

This was so well written and engrossing. Can’t wait for another story from Slater.

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

September 17, 2018September 16, 2018

Kelly reviews Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

TITLE: Stillhouse Lake
SERIES #: Stillhouse Lake #1
CHARACTERS: Gwen Proctor
AUTHOR: Rachel Caine
PUBLICATION DATE: July 17, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.
With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.
But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts Stillhouse Lake is a great book. It started a tad but slow but there is a lot of back story that had to be covered. But once the book got going it was filled with lots of twists and turns to keep us guess as to who and what was next. I really enjoyed this story and am looking forward to the next book. As Stillhouse Lake ended leaving me with a lot of unanswered questions.
Make sure you read this book before you pick up book 2!!

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

September 13, 2018September 12, 2018

Kelly reviews A Merciful Silence by Kendra Elliot

TITLE: A Merciful Silence
SERIES #: Mercy Kilpatrick #4
CHARACTERS: Mercy Kilpatrick & Truman Daly
AUTHOR: Kendra Elliot
PUBLICATION DATE: June 19, 2018
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In the fourth book of the Wall Street Journal bestselling series, FBI agent Mercy Kilpatrick must unlock the mystery of a mass murder, and the secrets of its silent witness…
For Mercy Kilpatrick, returning to rural Oregon has meant coming to terms with her roots. Raised as a prepper, Mercy is now relying on her survivalist instincts to defend her town from the people the law can’t reach. But this time, an investigation calling up a dark past for her and police chief Truman Daly may be hitting too close to home.
A rainstorm has uncovered the remains of five people—a reprise of the distinctive slaughter of two families twenty years ago. Except the convicted killer is in prison. Is this the case of a sick copycat, or is the wrong man behind bars? One person might have the answer. The lone survivor of the decades-old crimes has returned to town still claiming that she can’t remember a thing about the night she was left for dead. As the search for the truth becomes more dangerous, Mercy fears that the traumatized woman may not have buried her memories at all. She might be keeping them a secret. And there’s a price to be paid for revealing them.

REVIEW:
4.75 Hearts If Mercy thought being shot was going to give her time to rest and relax (which she doesn’t really know how to do) the discover of the remains of five people put a stop to that right away.

But will Mercy be ready to face her past and the issues that this case will bring up?

A Merciful Silence takes us on a very dark and twisting journey. Kendra does an excellent job of giving us many red herrings and paths for us to chase down. Once you think you know what is what you are proven wrong.

Another excellent story from Kendra!! As always I am looking forward to the next installment in Mercy & Truman’s series (even if I think they deserve some well needed rest time :D)

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.