Tag: Mystery

Book Review · Books

The Halo Conspiracy

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Homicide detective Lucas Nash has a fairly basic existence solving crimes, until he’s asked to cover the murder of a big high tech muckity muck. At first Lucas thinks it’s a simple death of natural causes, until the doctor examining the victim gets sick herself. There are a number of individuals who were around the headhauncho before he died and Lucas has to figure out who the culprit is fast.

The only challenge is that Lucas has to help protect one of the potential suspects and she’s far from ugly. In the process of keeping her safe he witnesses that this particular lady has some very unusual characteristics. Can Lucas keep this suspect safe or will he let her beauty distract him from his job?

This novel’s theme of futuristic technology is sobering. Things we thought not too long ago were mere fantasy are now a part of our every day reality. If you like futuristic themed novels then you may enjoy this fast paced, fun read. The characters are quirky, unique and you can’t help, but keep rooting for Lucas.

I received my complimentary copy of The Halo Conspiracy by Michael Murphy, care of the author for my honest, at will review. Thoughts presented are mine. If you need a fun, light, yet thought provoking read I highly recommend this novel. It’s short, but a fast paced storyline that will keep you guessing.

Book Review · Books

Burn Our Bodies Down

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Margot’s life is within the walls of the place she shares with her over worked, emotionally closed off mom. Her mom always tells her to keep a candle burning. Margot thinks this is a tad weird, but any time she deviates her mom gives her an earful. Margot’s life consists of her, her mom and school. No one else.

One day to be thoughtful to her mom, Margot decides to go to the local pawn shop to buy back an item her mom pawned. While trying to find the special item she discovers her mom’s childhood Bible. Inside she discovers a message she’s not expecting and proof her mom had a childhood. She purchases the Bible. The proof contains the name of a place and number. Does she have extended family?

While her mom is at work Margot decides to risk calling the number. Will this family member answer? Do they know she exists? As a person answers the phone her mom appears at the phone booth and demands her to hand over the receiver. There are words exchanged and Margot’s mom slams the payphone down. What’s so terrible about possible family?

Margot decides she has to find out. With the money she skimmed from her mom she hitchhikes to the town referenced. Will Margot find a long lost, loving family member? Can she ever gain the home life she yearns for that her mom seems unable to provide? Why is her mom keeping Margot from family? What could her mom be hiding?

I received my complimentary digital copy of Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power from Delacorte Press, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. This novel is a whirlwind of different emotions. It’s a roller coaster that keeps you hanging on till the end of the ride wondering what the heck just happened. I’m still trying to mentally wrap my brain around Margot’s story. This novel captures the challenges of family and what family means. If you enjoy YA suspense with a dash of surrealism jump on to this hair raising ride.

Book Review · Books

The Sea Of Lost Girls

Openly Bookish3 Comments

I love when I discover a new author whose writing style I can just dive into and can’t put down. The Sea Of Lost Girls is a story that will naw at your mind and heart after you’ve finished the final page.

Tess is a teacher at a fancy boarding school that her husband works at as well. This boarding school has a unique past of originally being a place for wayward girls to be sent to. Her son Rudy attends there and has a girlfriend Lila who seems to be a great influence on him. Life seems like its perfect until the night Rudy asks Tess to come pick him up from their safe spot and Rudy’s girlfriend is found dead later that early morning.

Who killed Lila? Tess is sure it can’t be Rudy. He loves his girlfriend. Yes, he has anger issues, but not to the point of murder. Tess wants to uncover who killed Lila, but in sleuthing she discovers there’s more to the sordid history of the boarding school. Is there something to maiden stone?

I received my complimentary copy of The Sea Of Lost Girls You by Carol Goodman from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. To grab a gorgeous copy visit HarperCollins and find out more about the author.

Book Review · Books

10 Days Gone

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Police detectives A.L. and Rea have a serial killer that needs to be caught, but will they let their personal struggles distract them? Rea is trying to get pregnant, but her husband seems distracted and aloof. A.L.’s teen daughter is starting to act out. Can’t life ever not include extra drama?

When they figure out what the past victims have in common the serial killer becomes even more mysterious. Will Rea and A.L. be able to figure out whose next on his/her list? Will they get to the next upcoming victim in time?

This book was a fun, intense read that keeps you guessing. The characters are relatable and lovable. The setting of the story is in a small town where you think you know everyone, until women start dying with no signs of struggle. I am definitely going to seek out other titles in this series with A.L. and Rea.

I received my complimentary digital copy of Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long from MIRA Books, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. If you enjoy mystery, suspense with some romance thrown in then I recommend this title. This book makes me want to become a detective. Yes. It’s that engrossing.

Book Review · Books

Postmark Berlin

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Father Burke was at the pub drinking away his worries while Meika Keller was needing to speak with him. Why ten at night? The next morning she is found dead, floating in the water of the Halifax coast. Father Burke is overcome with remorse. His gift of sight doesn’t help him sleep at night when all he can see is her expression as she’s floating in the water.

Why would Meika be killed off or kill herself off? From outer appearances she seemed to have a wonderful life teaching at a prestigious university, her stepchildren adored her, as did her husband. Who would want such an accomplished, beautiful woman dead?

Father Burke knows a little bit of her past from Meika sharing with him that she’d escaped East Germany in the 70’s and that her daughter had not survived the escape. He decides he wants to figure out why she died. His conscious won’t let him rest till he figures out the mystery. Father Burke decides to travel to Germany with his brother Terry after they discover that Meika received a cryptic postcard from Germany.

Father Burke is not only dealing with Meika’s sudden death, but the drama at the school where he teaches music. He has one troublesome student who thinks he can get away with bullying since his parents are one of the main financial donors. One of his students, Normie is a young girl who cares about her priest and is worried about how much he’s known to drink. Will Father Burke be able to cut back on his addiction?

I received my complimentary digital copy of Postmark Berlin by Anne Emery from Baker and Taylor Publishing Services, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. This novel is filled with twists and turns that will keep you reading to find out what happened to Meika. This novel was a tad long, but interesting enough to keep you guessing what happened. The characters are complex and interesting. I will have to read the other books in the Father Burke series.

Book Review · Books

When We Believed In Mermaids

Openly Bookish6 Comments

Josie and Kit are sisters, best friends and soulmates of sorts. Their lives are dominated by their dad’s Italian restaurant and their parents fiery marriage. Both sisters look out for each other the best they can. Their lives improve when Dylan washes up on their doorstep one stormy night. He’s only a kid himself, but lies to appear older. Josie and Kit’s mom takes Dylan into their family, like one of their own. He becomes Josie and Kit’s surrogate brother, parent and best friend.

When the big earthquake of 89′ hits their California town all their lives change drastically. To numb from the grief Josie buries herself into surfing, drugs and boys. Kit keeps to herself reading and studying. Josie takes off to numb her grief.

One day Kit and her mom get the news Josie has died in France. Can Kit and her mom handle any more grief? Kit moves forward becoming a doctor and pushing away the grief of loosing her wayward older sister.

Years later there’s a news report. Kit glances at the newscaster and notices a familiar looking woman in the background. Is it Josie’s ghost? Does her sister have a secret twin out there? Kit’s mom calls to ask if she saw what looked like Josie on the news. Why would her sister be in New Zealand? How is it that she’s alive? Kit’s mom begs her to go find her sister. Kit relents and goes to New Zealand. Will Kit find Josie? If Josie is alive, why would she fake her own death?

I received my complimentary copy of When We Believed In Mermaids by Barbara O’Neal from TLC Book Tours and the author. This novel is a masterpiece of literature that will leave you craving for more. This story delves into the complicated world of fractured families that are trying the best they can, how siblings can be your lifeline when it feels like you are all alone in the world and how we don’t always share everything with our family. If you are sensitive to the topics of alcohol and drug use and abuse then this novel may not be the best fit. I thought I’d read my top favorite book for 2019 and I was wrong. This novel wins 100%. To find out more about Barbara O’Neal check out her website and purchase your copy via B&N.

Book Review · Books

Just One Bite

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Timothy Blake is helping out wanted criminal Charlie Warner. She’s a badass blonde that doesn’t take crap from anyone. Charlie is giving Timothy a great deal. He helps dispose the bodies she’s had killed. The only challenge is Timothy has been asked to help out the FBI on a case. Agent Reese is back in his life and the chemistry flairs up again. Can he handle the attraction he has for her? Will Reese figure out Timothy’s secret? Will Charlie find out who he’s helping out on the side? Can Scary Timmy curb his craving?

I received my complimentary digital copy of Just One Bite by Jack Heath from Harlequin Trade Publishing, care of NetGalley. The views expressed are my own and of my own will. It’s rare to get a sequel where you don’t necessarily have to read the first book. This is one is just that kind. This novel is fast paced, funny, gruesome and thought provoking. If you are a fan of Dexter you’ll want to keep up with what happens to Timothy Blake. If you want to read the first book look for a copy of Hangman.

Book Review · Books

Hangman

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Do you like mysteries that keep you turning page after page? Hangman is a short, fast paced, engrossing read. If you are a fan of Dexter then you’ll want to add this novel to your TBR.

Timothy Blake is a man whose had the life from Hell. He grew up in the foster care system after his parents died tragically and lived on the streets after he aged out of the system. He managed to survive long enough to snag a special job assignment with the FBI. In exchange he’s got his own special prize for helping solve cases.

When he’s asked to solve a missing teen case he’s assigned to Agent Reese. She’s attractive and seems to get along with him, but Timothy always keeps others at arms length. When they start to get talking about life they both realize their pasts are connected. When she uses an old nickname for him “Scary Timmy,” he wonders if Agent Reese will figure out his secret?

While researching the case Timothy keeps getting stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. He just wants to solve it so he can get his reward. Will Timothy solve the case in time, or will his secret be his undoing?

I received a complimentary copy of Hangman by Jack Heath from Harlequin Trade Publishing as a courtesy before I dive into the upcoming sequel. The views are mine and of my own will.

Book Review · Books

Dark Blossom

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Cynthia is a therapist whose still putting her and her daughter, Lily’s life back together after her divorce. When a new client named Sam comes in for his appointment, Cynthia has no idea how this man’s story might affect her own life. Sam is reeling from the sudden passing of his wife and young teenage son, William.

Lily is a teen going through her punk phase and not too, thrilled with her mother. No matter how much Cynthia tries to open up to her daughter regarding the divorce Lily just keeps shutting her out.

When Lily and Sam meet it seems they are strangely two peas in a pod, which weirds out Cynthia. Sam seems to be good at talking with Lily, which Cynthia has been attempting to for months. When Lily and Sam mention they both have secrets, Cynthia wonders just what kind of secrets they are.

I received my complimentary digital copy of Dark Blossom by Neel Mullick from Rupa Publications, care of NetGalley. The views expressed are my own. This debut novel had me hooked. I love how Cynthia has a special journal for each of her clients. That one detail as a journal addict connected with me. The characterization of Cynthia, Sam and Lily is so realistic that I wish they were real people. This is a novel that will stay with you long after the final page.

Book Review · Books

The Death & Life Of Eleanor Parker

Openly BookishLeave a comment

Eleanor Parker wakes up one day to find herself soaked on the side of the local river. She doesn’t recall how she got there. When Eleanor goes home she can’t get warm and she can’t fall asleep either. Not recalling the night before doesn’t help.

A year earlier her brother’s girlfriend is found dead in the same river. Eleanor’s brother has been the lead suspect, though she’s sure he’s innocent. When a mutual classmate goes missing and the witch hunt starts again Eleanor is not sure who to believe. Why can’t she seem to sleep and food alludes her? Did someone try to murder Eleanor? Follow Eleanor on her journey to uncover the truth.

This novel is fast paced with twists and turns. If you love puzzles then this one is for you. This story deals with the topics of death, friendship, family, small town life and what it means to truly live again.

I received my free digital ARC copy of The Death & Life Of Eleanor Parker by Kerry Wilkinson care of NetGalley from Bookouture in exchange for my honest feedback. If you love YA mysteries and stories set in the U.K. then I recommend this novel. I couldn’t put it down. For some reason I gravitate toward first person novels. It does remind me a lot of the novel 13 Minutes, which is one of my favorites from last year.