Kimberly reviews Arrowood by Mick Finley

ArrowoodTITLE: Arrowood
CHARACTERS: Arrowood
AUTHOR: Mick Finley
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.

The Afghan War is over and a deal with the Irish appears to have brought an end to sectarian violence, but Britain’s position in the world is uncertain and the gap between rich and poor is widening. London is a place where the wealthy party while the underclass are tempted into lives of crime, drugs and prostitution. A serial killer stalks the streets. Politicians are embroiled in financial and sexual scandals. The year is 1895.

The police don’t have the resources to deal with everything that goes on in the capital. The rich turn to a celebrated private detective when they need help: Sherlock Holmes. But in densely populated south London, where the crimes are sleazier and Holmes rarely visits, people turn to Arrowood, a private investigator who despises Holmes, his wealthy clientele and his showy forensic approach to crime. Arrowood understands people, not clues.

REVIEW:
There is one phrase I kept thinking while reading this book “a poor man’s Sherlock”. As a fan of Sherlock Holmes I guess I should have realized I would have a hard time not comparing the characters. But I have to say the tag line caught me “London Society takes their problems to Sherlock Holmes. Everyone else goes to Arrowood.” I mean come on any fan of Holmes and Watson would fall for this line.

I think the story was ok. Nothing more, nothing less. Not sure I will be picking up the next in the series.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Little One by Timothy G. Huguenin

little oneTITLE: Little One
CHARACTERS: Kelsea Stone
AUTHOR: Timothy G. Huguenin
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/18/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N (Coming Soon)

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Death is cold.

Kelsea Stone can’t remember her childhood, and frankly, she doesn’t really care. She’s doing fine on her own in L.A. without any family to tie her down. But when she finds out her estranged birth parents have died and left her their house in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, she discovers more than just an inheritance waiting for her in the mountains. An angry presence lingers there, and it won’t rest until it has had its revenge.

REVIEW:
Here is what I think. You either love this story or think it is ok. No in between. At least I do not think there would be any who hate it. And my other thought is there are no longer any true ghost stories.

I really hoped this story would prove me wrong and be a true ghost story but it wasn’t. I mean seriously, I don’t think the ghost has done more than look at people for ¾ of the book. What is scary about that? However in the beginning the story seemed to catch my attention it just never stayed caught. The good thing is it is a short book (200+ pages) and a quick read.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews The Silent Corner by Dean Koontz

silent cornerTITLE: The Silent Corner
SERIES #: Jane Hawk #1
CHARACTERS: Jane Hawk
AUTHOR: Dean Koontz
PUBLICATION DATE: 06/061/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
A dazzling new series debuts with a remarkable heroine certain to become a new icon of suspense, propelled by the singular narrative genius of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

I very much need to be dead.

These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demands: find the truth, no matter what.
People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why, she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so important so terrifying that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
But all their power and viciousness may not be enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never comprehend. Because it is born of love.

REVIEW:
The best compliment I can give this story is it is typical Koontz. Koontz has a way of wanting you to read his books, at least most of them, in one sitting and this was one of those.

What is different is the concept. I can’t even imagine where Koontz came up with this story of people changing into robots which is just beyond odd and yet there is so much to the horror that you can’t put it down.

The characters are riveting and I can’t wait to read the next in the series. Koontz rarely disappoints and this one certainly doesn’t.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Never Stop On The Motorway by Jeffrey Archer

never stop on motorwayTITLE: Never Stop On The Motorway
CHARACTERS: Diana
AUTHOR: Jeffrey Archer
PUBLICATION DATE: 07/04/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Taken from Jeffrey Archer’s third collection of short stories, Twelve Red Herrings, comes this irresistible, witty and ingenious short read. Diana, a busy single mother, looks forward to her regular retreat into the countryside to have dinner with friends. A horrible shock she receives as she is driving along the motorway unsettles her – and when she realizes that a black van is increasingly in her rear-view mirror, Diana begins to feel seriously scared. Soon terrified for her life, she does whatever it takes to stick to the stark warning given to motorists: never stop on the motorway . . . Praise for Jeffrey Archer ‘Probably the greatest storyteller of our age’ Mail on Sunday

REVIEW:
This story is very short, only about 25 pages, so it is a very quick read. Even though short it is complete. There is suspense and Diana is a fully developed character. This story will keep you on the edge of your seat but not for long.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

natchez burningTITLE: Natchez Burning
SERIES #: Penn Cage #4
CHARACTERS: Penn & Cailtlin
AUTHOR: Greg Iles
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the first novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes The Bone Tree and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy that interweaves crimes, lies, and secrets past and present in a mesmerizing thriller featuring Southern lawyer and former prosecutor Penn Cage.
Raised in the southern splendor of Natchez, Mississippi, Penn Cage learned all he knows of duty from his father, Dr. Tom Cage. But now the beloved family doctor has been accused of murdering the African American nurse with whom he worked in the dark days of the 1960s. Once a crusading prosecutor, Penn is determined to save his father, but Tom, stubbornly invoking doctor-patient privilege, refuses even to speak in his own defense.
Penn’s quest for the truth sends him deep into his father’s past, where a sexually charged secret lies. More chilling, this long-buried sin is only one thread in a conspiracy of greed and murder involving the vicious Double Eagles, an offshoot of the KKK controlled by some of the most powerful men in the state. Aided by a dedicated reporter privy to Natchez’s oldest secrets and by his fiancée, Caitlin Masters, Penn uncovers a trail of corruption and brutality that places his family squarely in the Double Eagles’ crosshairs.
With every step costing blood and faith, Penn is forced to confront the most wrenching dilemma of his life: Does a man of honor choose his father or the truth?

REVIEW:
I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

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

Kelly reviews Say You’re Sorry by Melinda Leigh

say youre sorryTITLE: Say You’re Sorry
SERIES #: Morgan Dane #1
CHARACTERS: Morgan Dane & Lance Kruger
AUTHOR: Melinda Leigh
PUBLICATION DATE: May 16, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
In a new series from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh, former prosecutor Morgan Dane faces the most personal—and deadly—case of her lifetime.

After the devastating loss of her husband in Iraq, Morgan Dane returns to Scarlet Falls, seeking the comfort of her hometown. Now, surrounded by family, she’s finally found peace and a promising career opportunity—until her babysitter is killed and her neighbor asks her to defend his son, Nick, who stands accused of the murder.

Tessa was the ultimate girl next door, and the community is outraged by her death. But Morgan has known Nick for years and can’t believe he’s guilty, despite the damning evidence stacked against him. She asks her friend Lance Kruger, an ex-cop turned private eye, for help. Taking on the town, the police, and a zealous DA, Morgan and Lance plunge into the investigation, determined to find the real killer. But as they uncover secrets that rock the community, they become targets for the madman hiding in plain sight.

REVIEW:
4.5 Hearts I really enjoyed the twists and turns that this story took. From page one I know this story was going to be a twisted one. Ms. Leigh did a wonderful job of keeping us on our toes with who our killer could possibly be.
I loved the Morgan is flawed. She is a young widow and mother of three young girls. I enjoyed watching her find her footing and learn to live again. Lance is great!! I love the scene of Lance and Ava it is so sweet and I can’t wait for little Sophie to realize that Lance is the bomb!
Wonderful story!! I am so glad that Ms. Leigh is writing a new series that is in Scarlet Falls. I love seeing some of the old characters along with all the new ones. I have very high hopes for Morgan’s series!! I can’t wait for the next installment 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.

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews Full Wolf Moon by Lincoln Child

full wolf moonTITLE: Full Wolf Moon
CHARACTERS: Jeremy Logan
AUTHOR: Lincoln Child
PUBLICATION DATE: 05/16/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
The New York Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Room and Deep Storm is back with a new thriller that follows the trail of a killer who cannot exist…featuring Jeremy Logan, the renowned investigator of the supernatural and fantastic.

Legends, no matter how outlandish, are often grounded in reality. This has been the guiding principle behind the exhilarating career of Jeremy Logan, the “enigmologist”–an investigator who specializes in analyzing phenomena that have no obvious explanation–previously seen in The Forgotten Room, The Third Gate, and Deep Storm. Logan has often found himself in situations where keeping an open mind could mean the difference between life and death, and that has never been more true than now.
Logan travels to an isolated writers’ retreat deep in the Adirondacks to finally work on his book when the remote community is rocked by the grisly discovery of a dead hiker on Desolation Mountain. The body has been severely mauled, but the unusual savagery of the bite and claw marks call into question the initial suspicions of a wild bear attack. When Logan is asked to help investigate, he discovers no shortage of suspects capable of such an attack–and no shortage of locals willing to point the finger and spread incredible rumors. One rumor, too impossible to believe, has even the forest ranger believing in werewolves. As Logan gets to know the remote deep-woods landscape, including a respected woman scientist still struggling with the violent loss of her father in these very woods, Logan realizes he’s up against something he has never seen before.
His most action-packed and white-knuckled novel to date, Full Wolf Moon is the perfect combination of exotic locales, provocative science, and raw action that make for a deeply entertaining Lincoln Child blockbuster.”

REVIEW:
3.5 Hearts This is the 5th in the Jeremy Logan series. Logan is one who studies odd phenomenon. So when he goes up to the mountains to work his friend from the area asks him to help investigate some problems that seem to happen when there is a full moon. Logan can also feel the feelings of others when he touches items. Be ready for a bit of paranormal/psychological storyline.

This is a quick read mainly because it has your interest from the first chapter. All stories from Lincoln Child are a bit out of the norm but that is what makes his books so interesting.

This can be a stand alone but I really feel like the reader would understand the story better if the others in the series have been read. Logan is not a normal character and having read his whole background.

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

3hearts-68-77

Kimberly reviews Natchez Burning by Greg Iles

natchez burningTITLE: Natchez Burning
SERIES #: Penn Cage #4
CHARACTERS: Penn & Cailtlin
AUTHOR: Greg Iles
PUBLICATION DATE: 03/13/14
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles comes the first novel in his Natchez Burning trilogy—which also includes The Bone Tree and the upcoming Mississippi Blood—an epic trilogy that interweaves crimes, lies, and secrets past and present in a mesmerizing thriller featuring Southern lawyer and former prosecutor Penn Cage.
Raised in the southern splendor of Natchez, Mississippi, Penn Cage learned all he knows of duty from his father, Dr. Tom Cage. But now the beloved family doctor has been accused of murdering the African American nurse with whom he worked in the dark days of the 1960s. Once a crusading prosecutor, Penn is determined to save his father, but Tom, stubbornly invoking doctor-patient privilege, refuses even to speak in his own defense.
Penn’s quest for the truth sends him deep into his father’s past, where a sexually charged secret lies. More chilling, this long-buried sin is only one thread in a conspiracy of greed and murder involving the vicious Double Eagles, an offshoot of the KKK controlled by some of the most powerful men in the state. Aided by a dedicated reporter privy to Natchez’s oldest secrets and by his fiancée, Caitlin Masters, Penn uncovers a trail of corruption and brutality that places his family squarely in the Double Eagles’ crosshairs.
With every step costing blood and faith, Penn is forced to confront the most wrenching dilemma of his life: Does a man of honor choose his father or the truth?

REVIEW:
I requested this book seeing only the name of the author, who is a author I really enjoy, but after reading the description I realized I had already read this book when it came out. This is the fourth in the series of Penn Cage but a trilogy inside the series.

Penn is an interesting character. But since this is a trilogy inside the series you can pick this up and not be confused about the characters. What I enjoyed was how much Penn wants to protect his father but also he needs to prove the truth to everyone.

If you are a fan of suspense Greg Iles is a great author to turn to. Don’t miss this book.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kimberly reviews The Hangman by Mary Burton

HangmanTITLE: The Hangman
SERIES #: The Forgotten Files #3
CHARACTERS: Julia & Jim
AUTHOR: Mary Burton
PUBLICATION DATE: 04/25/17
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Julia Vargas is a cop with a mission. When she’s not chasing down bad guys, Julia dedicates her time to investigating the Hangman serial killer…the same unsolved case that her father, Jim Vargas, was working on when he supposedly shot and killed himself three decades before. While rumors continue to swirl around her father’s death, Julia attempts to hunt down the truth.

The case once again hits dangerously close, however, when a woman’s bones are discovered in a historic downtown home, together with a photograph of Jim and Julia as a young girl. As horrifying as this discovery is, it may just be the break Julia has waited for. Working alongside Tobias Novak, a homicide detective with whom she shares a complicated—and steamy—history, she’s forced to confront her own past even as the Hangman looms in the shadows. But as the mysterious killer circles closer, Julia can feel her own noose begin to tighten…

REVIEW:
This is the third in the series but can be read as a stand alone since the characters have not carried over. These stories are more of a suspense with romance. The male and female characters of this book are already starting a relationship but the evidence that Tobias finds has him call Julia in to check out. The evidence includes a picture with her and her father. Because of this she starts up the investigation her father had started years ago. But now she has Tobias to help her.

Mary Burton is quickly becoming a favorite authors of mine. She does follow the same outline on a lot of her books but they are really well written that they are enjoyable.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Kelly reviews Quieter Than Killing by Sarah Hillary

quieter than killingTITLE: Quieter Than Killing
SERIES #: DI Marnie Rome #4
CHARACTERS: DI Marnie Rome
AUTHOR: Sarah Hillary
PUBLICATION DATE: March 9, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
It’s winter, the nights are dark and freezing, and a series of seemingly random assaults is pulling DI Marnie Rome and DS Noah Jake out onto streets of London. When Marnie’s family home is ransacked, there are signs that the burglary can have only been committed by someone who knows her. Then a child goes missing, yet no-one has reported it. Suddenly, events seem connected, and it’s personal.

Someone out there is playing games. It is time for both Marnie and Noah to face the truth about the creeping, chilling reaches of a troubled upbringing. Keeping quiet can be a means of survival, but the effects can be as terrible as killing.

REVIEW:
Quieter Than Killing takes us on a ride of murder, kidnapping and revenge. DI Rome and DS Jake have new mystery on their hands. At first things don’t seem to fit any kind of normal profile. But as they dig deep and deep the connections start to from. And just when you think you have all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed you learn something new. So you have to ask yourself…… How far would you go for revenge?

Another wonderful story by Ms. Hillary. Just when I thought that Marnie’s life couldn’t get more complicated Quieter Than Killing brings out some very troubling issues. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts

Natasha reviews Never Let You Go by Chevy Stevens

never let you goTITLE: Never Let You Go
CHARACTERS: Lindsey, Sophie and Andrew
AUTHOR: Chevy Stevens
PUBLICATION DATE: March 14, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Eleven years ago, Lindsey Nash escaped into the night with her young daughter and left an abusive relationship. Her ex-husband, Andrew, was sent to jail and Lindsey started over with a new life.

Now, Lindsey is older and wiser, with her own business and a teenage daughter who needs her more than ever. When Andrew is finally released from prison, Lindsey believes she has cut all ties and left the past behind her. But she gets the sense that someone is watching her, tracking her every move. Her new boyfriend is threatened. Her home is invaded, and her daughter is shadowed. Lindsey is convinced it’s her ex-husband, even though he claims he’s a different person. But has he really changed? Is the one who wants her dead closer to home than she thought?

With Never Let You Go, Chevy Stevens delivers a chilling, twisting thriller that crackles with suspense as it explores the darkest heart of love and obsession.

REVIEW:
I have to be honest, I am not typically a fan of domestic violence novels. However, I will read Chevy Stevens darn grocery list so of course I jumped at the opportunity to read this book. I have to say; from the beginning, I was invested. I assumed it would follow the typical battered wife storyline and that the whole story would be fairly predictable. I was pleasantly surprised. The story switches perspective between Lindsey and her daughter Sophie. I enjoyed getting to know the characters in this way. Like all of Chevy’s characters, these characters are uniquely written in a way that makes you truly care for each of them.

I read the book in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. I kept assuming the ending was going to be so obvious, but it wasn’t! Such a good read! If you’re looking for some good entertainment I highly recommend giving this book a go.

Disclaimer:
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.

5hearts-68-77

Kelly reviews The Night Bird by Brian Freeman

the night birdTITLE: The Night Bird
SERIES #: Frost Easton #1
CHARACTERS: Frost Easton
AUTHOR: Brian Freeman
PUBLICATION DATE: February 1, 2017
ORDER LINKS: Amazon | B&N

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Homicide detective Frost Easton doesn’t like coincidences. When a series of bizarre deaths rock San Francisco—as seemingly random women suffer violent psychotic breaks—Frost looks for a connection that leads him to psychiatrist Francesca Stein. Frankie’s controversial therapy helps people erase their most terrifying memories…and all the victims were her patients.

As Frost and Frankie carry out their own investigations, the case becomes increasingly personal—and dangerous. Long-submerged secrets surface as someone called the Night Bird taunts the pair with cryptic messages pertaining to the deaths. Soon Frankie is forced to confront strange gaps in her own memory, and Frost faces a killer who knows the detective’s worst fears.

As the body count rises and the Night Bird circles ever closer, a dedicated cop and a brilliant doctor race to solve the puzzle before a cunning killer claims another victim.

REVIEW:
This is my first Brian Freeman book. I have very high hopes for Detective Easton and I am already looking forward to the next installment in this series! If you are a suspense lover you should pick up The Night Bird. It is very disturbing. I mean what could possible go wrong with a therapist that has learned how to mess with you memories.

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

4 Hearts
4 Hearts