Deception Bay by Chris Patchell @chris_patchell

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I have been reading Chris Patchell for some time now and am always eager to get my hands on another one of her books. Deception Bay is another mystery that had me wondering what was buried beneath the waves and hooked from the beginning.

Deception Bay

Amazon / Goodreads

MY REVIEW

I know some people don’t like a prologue, but I love to be teased and it hooked from the opening pages, and Chris did that very well.

It didn’t take me long to figure out some of the mystery from the prologue. I’m still working on the whys,and I don’t have any idea of the who, so the mystery is still very much alive.

Austin’s heading home, to Whidbury Island to see about his mom, who has been in an accident. He has a panic attack on the ferry and meets Ellie.

The cat…he named it CAT, after Inspector Clouseau’s valet. I have always loved the Pink Panther series and the bumbling Inspector Clouseau. CAT does sneak attack him when he comes into the house, freaking him out, and it makes me laugh every time I think about it.

Pink Panther.png

From Wikipedia

If he wasn’t a writer, I might mistake him for Rockford, from the Rockford files. He’s constantly getting beat on.

But who would want to hurt his mother? His mother had issues before she was hurt, so I have a feeling he came to visit but may never leave.

He is forced to face his past and the inner demons that he can’t seem to get past. He grows, changes, forgives and solves a couple of mysteries too.

Three deaths, past and present.

Well, all in all, a wonderful tale of romance, murder and mystery, and love, forgiveness and laughter.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Deception Bay by Chris Patchell.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

She’s armed. He’s dangerous. Together, can they stop a killer from tearing a small island community apart?

When wise-cracking cozy mystery author, Austin Martell, left his hometown on Whidbey Island for the bright lights of New York, he vowed he would never go back. But some promises are impossible to keep, and when Austin discovers that his mother has suffered a serious accident, he has no choice but to return. Austin soon learns that her accident may be no accident at all, and secrets that were laid to rest after his brother’s tragic death off the coast of Deception Bay, have now begun to surface.

Austin finds himself in the center of a real-life murder mystery, when Police Chief Ellie Sharpe uncovers a curious connection between the author and the death of a local businessman. Born and raised on Whidbey and trained as a New York cop, Ellie is smart, and tough, and determined to solve the mystery behind the killing before more people die. Sparks fly as the two pair up to figure out who is responsible for the murder. The closer they come to discovering truth, the more desperate someone is to keep the sins of the past from coming to light.

Someone close to Austin harbors a deadly truth. Can Ellie unmask a killer before Austin becomes one more secret buried beneath the waves of Deception Bay?

ABOUT CHRIS PATCHELL

Chris Patchell

Chris Patchell is the bestselling author of In the Dark and the Indie Reader Discovery Award winning novel Deadly Lies. Having recently left her long-time career in tech to pursue her passion for writing full-time, Chris pens gritty suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her family and two neurotic dogs.

Website  /  Twitter  / Facebook

 MY CHRIS PATCHELL REVIEWS

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Giveaway – The Boneseeker Chronicles by Brynn Chapman @rrsmythe @PrismBookTours


On tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Boneseeker
by Brynn Chapman

The BONESEEKER CHRONICLES is a four book series, following the life, love and misadventures of Sherlock Holmes and John Watson’s children. We hope you enjoyed learning about them! If you missed any of the stops you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch – Note from the Author

BONESEEKER, is book one of the four book series, chronicling the adventures and love story of Arabella Holmes and Henry Watson. . .

All my books plop my characters into real, strange anomalies and events that happened once upon a time. Bella appeared in my imagination fully formed, and Henry wasn’t long to follow her. As is his way…

I hope you enjoy reading it, and spending time in their company as much as I do.

— Brynn

Singing Librarian Books with Interview

5. What do you want readers to take away from reading Boneseeker?

I am a character writer. If you remember my people, find yourself thinking about them, wondering what will happen to them—well that’s the goal. As a copious reader myself, that was always my litmus test of the writer’s worth.

Reading Is My SuperPower – Review

“Boneseeker by Brynn Chapman is compelling and intriguing. The familiarity of Holmes and Watson makes way for the next generation, and Bella & Henry hold their own quite nicely. While some aspects of the plot could have been a little tighter, overall this is an enjoyable read that is perfect for a chilly winter’s night.”

Wishful Endings – A Study in Sensory

(Get it—instead of a Study in Scarlet)

Bella has been with me so long now, I honestly can’t recall when the idea formulated. I believe it was while watching Robert Downey Jr.’s interpretation of Sherlock Holmes. There are a number of scenes in the movie which were “Ah-ha” moments for me…About Holmes’s brilliance, and his inability to play well with others.

I lecture about sensory processing—which in case you have never heard of it, here is a definition…

Biblio Virgo Blogs – Review

“For a person who doesn’t typically read mystery books I really enjoyed Brynn Chapman’s Boneseeker. I remember when I was little I read the entire Nancy Drew series but this book is much more complex than those tween novels. . .

Filled with violence, suspense and questions, this books makes a great read. . .

I recommend this novel for mystery and historical fiction lovers aged 16 and up as you not only get to sort through clues but you also get a taste of history in the mix.”

YA/NA Book Divas – Excerpt

“Human footprints, preserved in rock, measuring thirty-three inches, with six toes.”

“I must see your notes.”

My eyes open wide, my hand shooting to my hip. “I don’t have notes.”

“Of course you don’t.” He sighs. “Would you write some for me?”

I walk back to the bed and sit. “I suppose.”

“We lesser mortals appreciate notes.

It’s All About the Romance – Holmes and Watson, Like Father, like son…and daughter

For the record, I have, to date, read 90 percent of the Sherlock Holmes canon—and his predecessors, Wilkie Collins et al.

The new Sherlock Holmes characters in the recent films, however, ignited a fire in my brain. The following is from my author’s notes in the Book, BONESEEKER…

Colorimetry – Excerpt

“This! This is what I mean, Earnest. She”—he jabs an accusing finger at Arabella—“she is impulsive and arrogant and unnatural. She should not be considered for such an important expedition. A woman is much better suited for curation.”

Father steps forward, staring Stygian full-on despite the fact he’s a head taller. “Sir. You’ve forgotten innovative and cunning and possesses her father’s talent for ciphering and detection. Is this expedition not about bones?”

“Of course.”

“I dare venture no one on this eastern seaboard could match Miss Holmes’s knowledge of bones.”

Rockin’ Book Reviews – She Blinded Me with Science

This is a hashtag I often use when discussing BONESEEKER. I am an ardent student of science.

I have dissected cadavers, dug through troughs of arms and legs at University, to ensure your specimen was not missing any muscles so as to miss them on the practical exam. I have witnessed a craniotomy (post mortem), plastic surgeries, among others.

I have toured asylums, and have an ongoing obsession with historical medicine, when did what occur, and how?

Hearts & Scribbles – Excerpt

I hear a bawdy laugh, and I wrench my eyes away from her earnest gaze, scanning the dance hall. I scan over the myriad of colors and gowns and faces and finally, I see her. My heartbeat bombards my ribcage. My hands are sweating. While they are in Priscilla’s hands.

This is not normal. Not for me, anyway. I am dumbstruck. Arabella is so lovely I can scarcely breathe.

She stands, hesitating at the top of the stairs, undoubtedly searching the crowd for familiar faces.

Locks, Hooks and Books – Review

“It is interesting to read with the children of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. John Watson. Like their fathers, Arabella Holmes and Henry Watson are quite the team. The two sure do find themselves in quite a suspense filled adventure. There are some action-packed scenes that kept me on the edge of my seat, making me want to continue to turn the pages. . .

I can not wait to see what happens next.”

Lukten av trykksverte – Review

“Personally I really enjoyed reading the book, especially the portrayal of how it is to have anxiety and Asperger’s and it was a bit refreshing that the love story between Arabella and Henry was downplayed a bit (no offence to YA authors, but sometimes love stories take up too much space in a book).”

SilverWoodSketches – Review & Excerpt

“Bonseeker is so layered and complex but very accessible to old and new fans of historical fiction. An absolute must-read for fans of strong corset-wearing heroines and the requisite danger of the best Holmes mystery.”

“For the love of all that’s holy, Henry. That’s almost like being married to Holmes.” He gives a little shudder.

“I daresay you’re one to talk. For years, you chose a life with Holmes over matrimony, so that argument is full of holes. Do as I say, not as I do?”

Father’s face softens, and he lifts a placating hand. “I love Arabella too, you know that. But, be reasonable. She doesn’t fit into polite society.”

“Neither does Holmes and he’s almost legendary now.”

“She is unruly, headstrong, and will never, ever listen.”

“I know. She fascinates me.”

A Night’s Dream of Books – Interview

Maria: What type of research did you have to do for this novel?

I do a copious amount of research for every novel. For BONESEEKER, I expanded my library and study of Forensic Anthropology books ( I do have an anthropology minor), and also made a study of historical non-fiction resources on murders and relevant science beliefs, and societies of the time period. The science of phrenology, for instance, was very much alive and en vogue in 1910.

Bookworm Lisa – Review

“This book contains elements that I love… suspense, Nephilim, mystery, and a little romance. I also love that the characters are children of two beloved literary characters, Sherlock Holmes and John Watson. . .

If you love Sherlock Holmes, mystery, and a little of the paranormal. You should definitely give this book a try.”

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven’t already…

Boneseeker
(The Boneseeker Chronicles #1)
by Brynn Chapman
Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 213 pages
January 10th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn’t fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a “Boneseeker.”

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

*This is a new version of a previously published edition

Praise for BONESEEKER:

Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest

“Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!” ~Grace Burrowes, NY Times Best Selling Author

“The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored.” ~Best Books Ever Blog

“The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!” ~Christy’s Cozy Corners Blog

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleWild Rose Press

About the Author

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love–not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she’s a descendant of the House of Stuart.

WebsiteGoodreadsFacebookTwitGiveterPinterest

Other Books by the Author

The Requiem Red

Tour Giveaway

GIVEAWAY #1: To enter to win a BONESEEKER audiobook and the pictured charm necklace (“And though she be but little, she is fierce.” – Shakespeare), send a copy of your kindle purchase of BONESEEKER to publicity.brynnchapman@gmail.com. US only.

 

GIVEAWAY #2: To enter to win a BONESEEKER ebook and a $10 Amazon Gift Card, enter via the Rafflecopter below. Open internationally. Ends January 24th.

 

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Giveaway – The Mer Chronicles by Errin M Stevens @errinstevens @SDSXXTours

 
Updrift
The Mer Chronicles Book 1
by Errin M. Stevens
Genre: Paranormal Romantic Suspense
 
Since her father died, Kate Sweeting’s home life has been in the pits,
her well-being on life support. Her future looks desolate until she
and her mother, Cara, make another plan: abandon their shriveled
existence for more promising prospects on the coast, where Cara can
play small-town librarian-bachelorette and Kate can figure out what’s
up with that secretive Blake family from the beach.
Everyone is eerily captivated with Kate and her mother, and Cara is the first
to figure out why when the man of her dreams arrives all dripping and
devoted and closed-mouthed about what he intends. Kate is willing to
go along with their subterfuge for a while, but eventually makes a
charge for the water to learn what her mother is hiding. Gabe Blake
is there waiting for her…and so is someone considerably less
friendly. By the time Kate navigates her way home, everything will
have changed for her—what she feels, what she wants, and what
she’ll risk to be with the man she loves.
 
 
 
 
 
Breakwater
The Mer Chronicles Book 2
 
 
The sirens of Griffins Bay are in trouble, and the recent slew of royal
suicides looks to be the least of their worries.
 
For one, unless a blood relative of the queen shows up, no one’s around
to staff the monarchy. Well, except for a whack-job bureaucrat and he
seriously won’t do. Worse is the community unrest threatening siren
society, a problem caused by too many humans in the pool, which means
Simon and his off-limit girlfriend will have to run and hide if they
want to make more of their flirtation…
 
The solution doesn’t inspire confidence at first, but the Blakes have
everything at hand to set their world to rights – namely, a hidden
queen, a dead prince, and a facility for human manipulation. Once
they find their sea legs, they’ll restore order, distribute smart
phones, and drive that conniving bureaucrat to a grisly, satisfying
end.
 
 
 
Errin Stevens writes paranormal fiction and reads practically everything
she can get her hands on. She’s currently working through the Time
100 with all her rabid reader buddies at Carpe Librum, and will think
about posting reviews if she can get to it… Her first novel,
Updrift, debuted Nov. 2015; and the sequel, Breakwater, released Nov.
2016.
 
 
 
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
 
 
 
 
 

 

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One Sentence Review – The Cursed Canoe by Frankie Bow @Frankie_Bow

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Anyone up for a cozy mystery? Watch out for The Cursed Canoe by Frankie Bow.

I love this fun cover and couldn’t say no to it.

The Cursed Canoe (Professor Molly Mysteries, #2)

Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

The Cursed Canoe by Frankie Bow had some good writing and interesting characters, but I wanted more of the mystery and what saved the story for me is that I didn’t guess the ending, which is a huge plus for me, a very good thing.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of The Cursed Canoe by Frankie Bow.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 3 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Professor Molly Barda investigates a mysterious paddling accident near Hawaii’s Mahina State University, and realizes it isn’t just business majors who cheat to get what they want. Whether it’s moving up in the college rankings, getting a seat in the big canoe race, or just looking out for themselves, some people will do whatever it takes-including murder.

My Black Thumb Review

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Monsters Are Real!!! Bitter Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff @AlexSokoloff

OMG..Alexandra Sokoloff did it again in Bitter Moon, Book IV in the Huntress/FBI Thriller series.

Bitter Moon (The Huntress/FBI Thrillers, #4)

Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

I had received several books of this series and loved them so much, I binge read all three. So apt this book comes after the others. I think I got a lot more from it, because I am totally engrossed in how Cara came to be a vigilante.

In Bitter Moon, Cara relives her tragic past and it is brutal, horrifying, terrifying, and haunting. The insight into her motivation makes me see evil in its purest form. It’s no wonder she takes her revenge as a vigilante on all the users and abusers. The atrocities committed on defenseless children by family, friends, strangers, they need a guardian angel and Cara will fight to her dying breath for herself and for them.

Roarke has walked away from the FBI because of his conflicted feelings about her. He is lost, isolated, confused…As he tries to find answers for himself, Roarke tracks her past. He walks where she walked, meeting some people she knew, gaining insight. The nun simplified if for him, he is on a mission.

Can evil be drawn to a particular person? Can someone attract the bad through no fault of their own?

It is frightening and horrifying as I read of her past and know these things really happen, that the depravity of humans are going on right now. I am at a loss for words with an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness.

I love Cara and don’t know how she can have a happy ever after, but I so much want it for here. If any character I have ever read about deserves something good in her life, Cara does. She is dogged by evil, she never quits, never gives up, willing to take them out one by one.

She runs from IT, but IT follows here everywhere she goes.

Monsters are real!

Research? If half of what Alexandra Sokoloff has written about rape and trafficking, the women and children, throwaway kids, the predatory people out there is true, we should all be afraid. It may be easier to turn the other way, but you never know when EVIL might come for you.

I had wondered if there would be more, because the rest of Cara and Roarke’s story needs to be told, and I am so happy to know…there is.

There are so many great quotes, that I had to share a few of them.

“Look too long into the abyss and the abyss looks back into you.”

“Fear the wolf, or be the wolf.”

Bad men need nothing more to compass their ends, than that good men should look on and do nothing.” John Stuart Millshad

Alexandra Sokoloff had me wound so tight, I felt like I would explode. My emotions were all over the place and I did breathe a sigh of relief…and regret…when I was done. The characters have captured my heart and I miss them as soon as I close the ‘cover’. Stay safe everyone, I’ll be back.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Bitter Moon by Alexandra Sokoloff and these novels will be sitting on my reread shelf!!!!

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  5 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

FBI agent Matthew Roarke has been on leave, and in seclusion, since the capture of mass killer Cara Lindstrom—the victim turned avenger who preys on predators. Torn between devotion to the law and a powerful attraction to Cara and her lethal brand of justice, Roarke has retreated from both to search his soul. But Cara’s escape from custody and a police detective’s cryptic challenge soon draw him out of exile—into the California desert and deep into Cara’s past—to probe an unsolved murder that could be the key to her long and deadly career.

Following young Cara’s trail, Roarke uncovers a horrifying attack on a schoolgirl, the shocking suicide of another, and a human monster stalking Cara’s old high school. Separated by sixteen years, crossing paths in the present and past, Roarke and fourteen-year-old Cara must race to find and stop the sadistic sexual predator before more young women are brutalized.

ABOUT ALEXANDRA SOKOLOFF

Alexandra SokoloffI’m the Thriller Award-winning and Bram Stoker and Anthony Award-nominated author of the Amazon bestselling crime and supernatural thrillers The Harrowing, The Price, Book of Shadows, The Unseen, The Space Between, and the new Thriller Award- nominated Huntress/FBI thriller series: Huntress Moon, Blood Moon, Cold Moon. Bitter Moon, Hunger Moon. The New York Times Book Review has called me “a daughter of Mary Shelley” and my novels “some of the most original and freshly unnerving work in the genre.”

I’m a California native and a graduate of U.C. Berkeley, where I majored in theater and minored in everything that Berkeley has a reputation for. After college I moved to Los Angeles, where I’ve made an interesting living doing novel adaptations and selling original thriller scripts to various Hollywood studios.

In my stories I like to cross the possibility of the supernatural with very real life explanations for any strangeness going on, and base the action squarely in fact. THE UNSEEN is based on real paranormal research conducted at the Duke University parapsychology lab, and BOOK OF SHADOWS teams a Boston homicide detective and a practicing Salem witch in a race to solve what may be a Satanic killing. THE SPACE BETWEEN, is an edgy supernatural YA about a troubled high school girl who is having dreams of a terrible massacre at her school, and becomes convinced that she can prevent the shooting if she can unravel the dream.

I also have written paranormal romance (THE SHIFTERS, KEEPER OF THE SHADOWS) and the non-fiction workbooks SCREENWRITING TRICKS FOR AUTHORS and WRITING LOVE, based on my internationally acclaimed workshops and blog (http://screenwritingtricks.com)

I live in Los Angeles and in Scotland, with Scottish crime author Craig Robertson.

When I’m not writing I dance: jazz, ballet, salsa, Lindy, swing – I do it all, every chance I get.

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook Pinterest

MY REVIEW LINKS FOR ALEXANDRA SOKOLOF

I love these gorgeous covers.

Huntress Moon (The Huntress/FBI Thrillers, #1)Blood Moon (The Huntress/FBI Thrillers, #2)Cold Moon (Huntress/FBI Thrillers, #3)Bitter Moon

 

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Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan Hutchins @pameloth

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I am a cover girl and when I saw the cover for Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan Hutchins, I had to have it. I love anything to do with water and this one is a beauty. What do you think?

Cover by Heidi Dorey

Saving Grace (What Doesn't Kill You, #1)

Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

I love the cover and the location, the Virgin Islands, for Pamela Fagan Hutchins’ Saving Grace. It was all I hoped it would be.

I was relating to Katie quickly, wrapping her napkin neatly around her beer, playing pool and winning, but that’s where the similarities ended. I don’t drink and text and neither should she. I find it terrible that a lawyer would act like she did, especially in a room with all her coworkers. She acts like an obsessively love struck teenager.

The beginning is abrupt and I was thrown right into the story and I don’t much like Katie right now. But, let’s see if there is a reason for her being so out of control and sophomoric.

The name dropping got a bit annoying…Dennis the Menace, Bon Jovi, Direct TV, iPhone, Ihop, Hooters, Vaio, Dell, Blackberry…you get the drift.

An intervention sent her to St Marcos in her quest to solve the mystery of her parents death and get her act together. Enter Ava, who in her way introduced Katie to Annalise, Hebrew for Grace, an abandoned mansion that spoke to Katie. Now Pamela has my attention! Who…or what… is really doing the talking?

Katie loved walking on the beach and it cleared her mind. Now, we’re getting together.

Oh man, guess it had to happen, but I’m disappointed how her trip ended. I have a feeling that will change. It was just getting good for me, but I feel there is a lot more to come.

When the news came over the phone after one of the worst days of her life, I got super excited too. My heart beat faster, a smile came to my face, and I began racing through the pages. Oh yeah, now we’re cooking with Caribbean heat.

She got a pick up with a lift kit and cruised off to her new life. I want to be there!! I love to bury my feet in the sand and I have enjoyed a PainKiller or two.

I’m afraid for her and her friends. In the islands anything can happen. The suspense is mounting, the tension building. I can feel it. I see it coming. Does she?

I didn’t like Katie’s whining and sniveling for the longest time, but her growth and development, her willingness to see herself as she really was and make changes, made me like her more and more.

Now…after thinking I wasn’t going to like this so much…I find myself hating for it to end and wanting more.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Saving Grace by Pamela Fagan Hutchins.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

2010 Winner of the Writers League of Texas’s Romance Manuscript contest
2012 Winner of the Houston Writers Guild’s Ghost Story contest

Katie Connell is a high-strung attorney whose sloppy drinking habits and stunted love life collide hilariously in a doomed celebrity case in Dallas. When she flees Texas for the Caribbean, Katie escapes professional humiliation, a broken heart, and a wicked Bloody Mary habit, but she trades one set of problems for another when she begins to investigate the suspicious deaths of her parents on the island of St. Marcos. She’s bewitched by the voodoo spirit of an abandoned house in the rainforest and discovers that she’s as much a danger to herself as the island’s bad guys are. As the worst of her worlds collide, Katie drags herself back to the courthouse to defend her new friend Ava, an island local accused of stabbing the senator she’s been sleeping with.

Pamela Fagan Hutchins, a former attorney and native Texan, lived in the U.S. Virgin Islands for nearly ten years. She refuses to admit to taking notes for this novel during that time.

  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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Paralyzed By Fear – Four by Jane Blythe @jblytheauthor

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Jane Blythe has become a must read author for me. I don’t know how she escaped my attention before I started blogging, but you are in my sights now, Jane.

If you are a romantic suspense lover, these are must reads for your TBR.

Four (Count to Ten #4)Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

I have been reading the Count to Ten series by Jane Blythe and I am so happy to be back with old friends and meeting new ones. Each story of the series focuses on a particular couple with supporting characters playing their roles. These romantic suspense novels stand alone, but I believe once you start, you won’t be able to stop, so I recommend beginning at the beginning.

I’m back with Jack Xander and we have another dead body. It’s murder!

I love his trusty sidekick Rose.

Jack and Rose are a great team. He has a calming presence and a way to get the most out of the victim’s and witnesses and I love that she deals with the suspects.

He seemed to want a family, yet was haunted by something in his past, keeping him from having a meaningful relationship. She is happy go lucky, enjoying the single life.

Laura is agoraphobic and has spent the last ten years of her life in her apartment, cut off from the outside world…by choice. I know where this is going, but Jane Blythe’s writing draws me in, letting the creepiness and suspense build.

I love the cast of characters that hold each other up when they need support and kick some ass when they are in danger.

The villain…Ooooo I love that evil mofo too. Cocky, sneaky, elusive and bold. How he’ll get the one he wants is a frightening climb to the ultimate goal…her death…and there are those determined to stop him.

I had a couple problems with a characters actions, but, hey, ya never know what you’ll do til you walk in their shoes.

A sense of menace permeates every page…lurking….creating an overwhelming sense of anticipation. I know the shit will hit the fan, I just don’t know when and how. I love the edge of my seat reading, faster and faster fly the words, because I can hardly wait to get there.

I may need a tissue to finish this.

I love damaged characters that rise to the occasion. I love the dark and disturbing, and Jane Blythe is happy to oblige. I love an author jerking my chain, making me know I don’t have all the answers and I was brought up short when the action reached its zenith.

I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Four by Jane Blythe.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos 4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Detective Jack Xander and his partner are investigating the sudden spate of crimes at an apartment building, but every time they think they’re making progress another assault leads them in a completely different direction. As they hunt for the killer’s real target Jack is about to come face to face with someone from his past he thought he’d never set eyes on again.

Ten years ago Laura Opal endured a four day long ordeal that left her broken and traumatized. But the men who hurt her were caught, tried, found guilty and imprisoned, so what’s happening in her apartment building doesn’t have anything to do with her. She’s sure of it.

** Warning: Graphic violence and themes of sexual assault/abuse **

ABOUT JANE BLYTHE

Jane has loved reading and writing since she can remember. She writes dark and disturbing crime/mystery/suspense with some romance thrown in because, well, who doesn’t love romance? She has one completed series, Detective Parker Bell, and one new series, Count to Ten.

When she’s not writing Jane loves to read, bake, go to the beach, ski, horse ride, and watch Disney movies. She has a black belt in Taekwondo, and a 200+ collection of teddy bears. She has the world’s two most sweet and pretty Dalmatians, Ivory and Pearl. Oh, and she also enjoys spending time with family and friends!

Website  /  Twitter  /  Facebook

MY REVIEWS FOR JANE BLYTHE’S BOOKS

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I Recommend Caution When Taking Exit 22 by P M Terrell @pmterrell

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P M Terrell is a prolific writer and I am so happy I found her. I am sharing one of her Black Swamp mysteries today, Exit 22. It is the first book in the stand alone series and I can hardly wait for you to become hooked too.

P M Terrell is just as interesting as her books, so be sure and check out her bio.

Exit 22Goodreads  /  Amazon

MY REVIEW

I had my introduction to The Black Swamp mysteries by P M Terrell through Vicki’s Key and I knew it would not be my last. These are my kind of stories, filled with murder, mystery, intrigue and dastardly villains…oh, and a little lovin’ never hurts. 🙂

Chris and Brenda’s meeting…was it Karma?

Assumptions early in the story took me down the wrong road and it didn’t take long before P M Terrell sent me on a different track.

The cops are on their trail, but Alex has it all wrong. He’s like a dog with a bone, so he won’t stop looking for them. Everywhere they turn, someone want to put them in jail…or worse, wants them dead.

I still haven’t figured out exactly what kind of trouble Brenda’s in and Christopher is along for a very bad ride. He’s as political strategist in DC. He has lots of important connections to muckety mucks. Can he save her? Will he? Is romance in the air? He knows it’s was all wrong, but it didn’t matter. We can’t choose who we love.

HE had never failed on his hits, but Brenda was proving elusive.  I cracked up when I found out HE knits little bitty baby booties. What a fun and contradictory character.

Computers, Google Earth, can be the life and death of a person. Information is available at your fingertips. It can work against you, as well as for you.

Kept me guessing about the mystery. Is Brenda good or bad? How about Nate? How much is true?

Exit 22 has all the things I love in romantic suspense. Unlikely couples drawn into a mystery. Devious villains wanting to shut them up. Assassins. Oil and all its corrupting influence. Greed. And danger. Danger.. Danger.

A Note From The Author at the end of the book, really got my fires burning.

You’ll need to read to decide, but it makes me furious to know the tax loopholes allowed, along with the corruption of government, shell corps, offshore accounts, US corporations not paying income taxes, social security taxes, medicare taxes, deregulation, less oversight. Beware middle class if you think it will get better…

I voluntarily read a free copy of Exit 22 by P M Terrell.

Animated Animals. Pictures, Images and Photos  4 Stars

GOODREADS BLURB

Political strategist Christopher Sandige is leaving Washington for a much anticipated vacation in Florida when an automobile accident leaves him stranded at Exit 22 in North Carolina. After meeting a beautiful but mysterious woman, he is pulled into a shocking double homicide. Now he’s a fugitive on the run, racing to escape detectives closing in and a sociopathic assassin determined to kill him… and time is running out.

p.m.terrell’s most popular contemporary suspense, Exit 22 has spawned the Black Swamp Mysteries series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

P.M. Terrellp.m.terrell is the pen name for Patricia McClelland Terrell, the award-winning, internationally acclaimed author of more than 21 books in four genres: contemporary suspense, historical adventure/suspense, computer how-to and non-fiction.

Prior to writing full-time, she founded two computer companies in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area. Among her clients were the Central Intelligence Agency, United States Secret Service, U.S. Information Agency, and Department of Defense. Her specialties were in white collar computer crimes and computer intelligence, themes that have carried forward to her contemporary suspense.

She has been a full-time author since 2002. Vicki’s Key was a top five finalist in the 2012 International Book Awards and 2012 USA Book Awards nominee, and The Pendulum Files was a national finalist for the Best Cover of the Year in 2014. The Tempest Murders was one of four finalists in the 2013 International Book Awards, cross-genre category.

Her historical suspense, River Passage, was a 2010 Best Fiction and Drama Winner. It was determined to be so historically accurate that a copy of the book resides at the Nashville Government Metropolitan Archives in Nashville, Tennessee.

She is also the co-founder of The Book ‘Em Foundation, an organization committed to raising public awareness of the correlation between high crime rates and high illiteracy rates. She is the organizer and chairperson of Book ‘Em North Carolina, an annual event held in Lumberton, North Carolina, to raise funds to increase literacy and reduce crime. For more information on this event and the literacy campaigns funded by it, visit www.bookemnc.org. She is also the founder of The Novel Business, mentoring authors in the business end and selling of books.

She sits on the board of the Friends of the Robeson County Public Library. She has also served on the boards of Robeson County Arts Council, Crime Stoppers and Crime Solvers and became the first female president of the Chesterfield County-Colonial Heights Crime Solvers in Virginia.

MY REVIEWS FOR P M TERRELL

Vicki’s Key

The following books are lined up in order, first to last. I will be reviewing them all.

 

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Giveaway – The One Apart by Justine Avery @Justine_Avery @SDSXXTours

 
The One Apart
by Justine Avery
Genre:Fantasy, Supernatural Thriller
 
Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life. He remembers—every life he’s lived before.
 
Tres is about to be born… with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.
He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he’s too afraid to ask: why am I?
In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the
unseen threat stalking him since his birth.
Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.
 
 
 
 
Justine Avery is an award-winning author of stories large and small for all.
Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She  has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists
and surprises she can’t even predict herself.
Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries,
and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-some times before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final “job”—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.
Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says “eh”—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives near Los Angeles with her husband, British film director Devon Avery, and their three adopted children: Becks, Sam, and Lia. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.
Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers,
and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.
 
 
 
Follow the tour HERE
for exclusive excerpts, guest posts and a giveaway!
 
 
 
 
 
  • You can see my Giveaways HERE.
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  • If you like what you see, why don’t you follow me?
  • animated smilies photo: animated animated.gifLook on the right sidebar and let’ talk.
  • Leave your link in the comments and I will drop by to see what’s shakin’.
  • Thanks for visiting fundinmental!