Oh, How I Have Tried Joanne

dear readers,

Last night I caught up The Highland Gazette series and am patiently awaiting book five.

NORTH SEA REQUIEM
(The Highland Gazette: Book 4)
Written by A.D. Scott
genre: historical, fiction, mystery

3 STARS

Once I finished the fourth book in the Highland Gazette mysteries series I knew this was not a "must read as soon as published and will still read if there is a horribly boring/badly written" on my vast to be read list.  If I noticed a book was coming out or was out I would definitely borrow from the library but it is not one I would buy or scour websites to find the release date.  Unfortunately, if there was another book like book one I would probably give up on the series.  While I am now invested in the characters there is no personal tie to them...hence my lower rating for the fourth novel.

I cannot no matter how much I try...and I have tried for three books now...to like Joanne Ross.  She is the main character and the books hinge on the readers feeling some kinship.  Bad news first - I could not relate to her in anyway.  Joanne comes off abrasive and selfish in the wrong ways.  The Good news is that Don and MacAllister will have you routing for them and kee pyou reading.  

In this novel a few months have passed and Joanne is closer to becoming a divorcee but cannot decide if she is really in love with MacAllister.  When a strange woman come to town looking for anyone who knew her deceased husband threatening anonymous letters start arriving at the Highland Gazette.  Local woman Nurse Urquart finds a boot with a severed limb and is later attacked with acid.  She too was sent threatening letters.  What does an American Jazz singer and widow have in common with a local nurse?  And who will be the next victim?

I am currently reading another book in one of my favourite series - JD Robb's Strangers in Death and am also listening to Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (read by Caroline Lee).

love,
kris

Who is Mrs. Smart?

dear readers,

I went straight into the third novel by A.D. Scott and knew this one would be the make or break book for the series.

BENEATH THE ABBEY WALL
(The Highland Gazette: Book Three) 
Written by A.D. Scott
Genre: historical, mystery, fiction

3.5 STARS

In Book one and two Mrs. Smart - the newspaper's office manager - is a background character.  We do not find out much about her but she is reliable and holds the Highland Gazette together.  The lack of detail of her life and her no nonsense attitude intrigued me and I was hoping in this book we would learn more.

It has been a few months since the last novel and in this book the Highland Gazette is thoroughly rocked.  First there is the death of Mrs. Smart and then Don McLeod is charged for her murder.  The members of the Gazette are not sure how Don and Mrs. Smart are connected and why her murder has wrecked him so much.

The reading of Mrs. Smart's will bring up more questions than helping the Gazette figure out who is Mrs. Smart's killer.  As they dig deeper into the case the newspaper is falling apart.  The new Canadian stranger in town working as a subeditor has Joanne in a lovestruck tizzy and MacAllister is too distraught over Don and Mrs. Smart to notice.  Joanne also might have a way to get rid of Bill and save her new life.  Time is of the essence but secrets are hard to shake loose and more than Don has everything to lose.


I am in for book four and have book five on hold at the library. As I said I think I will continue with the series until the books get dense or dull. I am going straight into book four an am about 35% into the novel.

love,
kris

Fall into Reading (Part II)

dear readers,

The question on everyone's mind from my last blog is...was book two (A Double Death on the Black Isle) worth the time and effort of reading book one (A Small Death in the Great Glen)?

A DOUBLE DEATH ON THE
BLACK ISLE
(The Highland Gazette: Book Two)
Written by A.D. Scott
Genre: mystery, fiction, historical

3.5 STARS

Patricia, an old school friend of Joanne Ross calls her to her estate for her secret wedding to a fisherman.  Unfortunately, that is not the only drama for Black Isle.  On the same day two men from the same estate are found dead.  Accident or murder? Either way the Highland Gazette is on the case.  

I see it now!  This second book is a mystery, period.  While we still move with the characters and hear what they are think they is more "action" and suspense in this novel.  I enjoyed the hesitant banter between Joanne and MacAllister.  Don is just a great character that provides heart.  I applaud the realism of some of the shadier players in the book. The  novel moved at a quicker pace in that I was absorbed in the beginning and found it hard to not read more.   I read this one within a day or so.  I will read book three but if the series gets like book one I think I will stop with the series.   

love, 
kris

Fall into Reading

dear readers,

It is finally my favourite season of the year - Autumn.  It is perfect for reading.  There are still some warmish afternoons to enjoy some reading on the deck with a nice cold drink. Or when it does get a bit chilly, or a rainy day, there is a warm blanket waiting with a steamy tea or coffee.  Let the reading begin.

My recent goal has been catching up on or completing series I have already begun.  I start so many book one of a series but instead of moving forward I seem to start another book. I have been doing pretty good for the past few months.  I have even reread some books to aid in plan.  

I was looking at my local library's website and browsed through the "on order" list and noticed the following cover

I totally judged this book by it's cover and went to see if this was part of a series or a standalone novel.  Of course it is book 5 of a series.  Then began the search of whether I can buy/borrow the other books.  Things worked out as I found all four novels in paperback at my local library :) I have put a hold on The Low Road and started with the first book, A Small Death in the Great Glen.

A SMALL DEATH IN THE 
GREAT GLEN
(The Highland Gazette mysteries: Book One)
Written by A.D. Scott
Genre: mystery, historical, fiction, 

3 STARS
When trying to figure out if Low Road was part of a series (and if yes what number) I found that there were two names for the series.  On A.D. Scott's website she calls the series The Highland Gazette mysteries after the newspaper publication where five of the main characters work.  Most other book sites call this series Joanne Ross after one of the characters in the novel.  While we do get more details on Joanne in the first book, I am with Scott and like to refer to the series as The Highland Gazette mysteries.


Speaking of details....there are a LOT of descriptions, explanations and hearing every though a character has in the first book, A Small Death in the Great Glen.  The novel takes place in the Highlands of Scotland in the 1950s and opens with a young boy's body being found in the canal lock.  The young boy, Jamie was friends with Joanne Ross' daughters, Annie and Wee Jean.  That is where the mystery sort of stops and the descriptions of each character in the novel begins.  While I am nosey and like the back story of characters I found it very tedious and almost got to the point where I stopped reading.  While the mystery runs through the novel it is not the focal point of the book.  The focal point is Joanne Ross - wife, mother and part-time typist at the Highland Gazette - and how she has to overcome her abusive husband, being shunned by her minister father, being a disappointment to her mother-in-law and being though of as thinking above her station by the rest of the town.  Her only real friends are Italian born immigrants, the Corelli family and the people she works with and for.  Then we meet Rob McLean, reporter and son of a barrister.  He is young, wild and ambitious.  Also on the paper is Don McLeod -the gruff editor and team leader- and then their is dependable Mrs. Smart who takes care of advertising and other tasks with Joanne.  Finally, rounding out the team is MacAllister, the boss and sort of love interest of Joanne.  Do not fear you will get every single detail of each of these characters and even some secondary and very minor players.  

So why did I continue to read this book? Well, there are two reasons why I had to keep trying with this dense novel.  One of the reasons was that I had read reviews on this book and many said it was dense but was worth it because the second book is amazing.  That intrigued me and once I got reading I wanted to see if that was true because It was taking me forever to get through the first one.  The second reason I pursued the novel was because of Mrs. Smart - who we don't get much about so I wanted to see what was going on there and if Joanne would smarten up and kick her husband to the curb. 

The end result was yes they do remember they have to solve the murder and with all the information given about people, places and things I will not have to do research ever on 1950s Highlands.  The next book better be amazing or I am giving up!

love,
kris

Fear Nothing...or Everything!

dear readers,

Two nights ago I stayed up till 1 am to finish FEAR NOTHING as I could not go to sleep until I knew the identity of the murderer.  Then when I did finished I was a bit creeped out...

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

FEAR NOTHING
(D.D. Warren: Book Seven)
Written by Lisa Gardner
genre: mystery, suspense, thriller, serial killers 

4 STARS 

D.D. Warren has been injured quite badly on the job and lives in pain every moment of the day.  As she goes forth with personal therapy she also tries to remember what happened that night she fell down the stairs.  Her superior suggests she should try Dr. Adeline Glen to manage her pain.

Adeline Glen has a rare condition where she is unable to feel pain.  She must constantly

monitor her actions in order to be aware of danger as her body cannot let her know.  Adeline's life has been rare - her father was a serial killer who killed himself once the police were on to him, her mother died in an institution, she was adopted by a doctor who wanted to keep her alive and an older sister that is in prison for killing a boy when she was fourteen.  Decades later she, Shana is still in prison for murdering guards in prison.  Shana's only monthly visitor is Adeline.  

30 years after Shana's first murder women are being murdered and skin flayed like their father had done and Shana herself.  One is dead and the other in prison so who is killer?  

D.D. gets involved in solving the crime despite her injury and starts looking at Day family and their secrets.  Can she discover the killer before she or another woman is murdered?

I was intrigued with this novel for so many reasons.  Adeline's condition was so interesting and how she had to live her day to day life.  Adeline was a hard character to completely like as she had some odd activities she liked to engage in.  Yet, I found myself feeling sorry for her too, as she is alone and her past seems to always be so present.  Shana is a perfect character to dissect and dislike at the same time.  She is hostile and a killer but her upbringing makes you wonder if she could have been any other way.  Poor D.D. is injured and is almost sidelined but yay she pushes her way into the case.  

The suspense in this novel was crazy...I was constantly trying to figure it all out but then gave up when the twists kept turning me around to the point I was getting dizzy.  A great suspense mystery thriller that will have you up all night trying to finish the novel to reveal the killer!

Fear Nothing is published January 7, 2014.  

love, 
kris 

Sleep with the Lights On...literally! (Reviews)

dear readers,

SLEEP WITH THE LIGHTS ON
(Brown and De Luca: Book One)
Written by Maggie Shayne
genre: suspense, paranormal, thriller

4 STARS 

Rachel de Luca is a famous self-help author who does not believe in what she preaches.  She is sarcastic but in public she must keep up her image of positiveness.  Rachel lost her sight at a young age and has honed her other senses.  It is these senses that has Rachel looking into her brother, Tommy's disappearance. Tommy may be homeless and an addict but she does not think his disappearance is voluntary.

Detective Mason Brown was having a good until he ran his car into the blind author and then gets an alarming text from his brother.  He races home when he gets a bad feeling only to watch his brother blow his brains out.  Things only get worse when he reads his brother's Eric's note detailing his life as a serial killer of young men.

In a quick second decision Mason covers his brother's murder and talks his family into donating his organs.  Mason makes sure that his corneas go to Rachel.  Rachel has her doubts but goes in for the surgery.  Within hours she is having homicidal dreams and an uneasy feeling.  There has been the theory that a organ receipient gains some of his donor's likes and dislikes.  

Once Rachel lets Mason know what she has been dreaming Mason realizes that he may not be able to keep his bother's killing a secret.  And, worse the killing has continued since his brother's death.  Rachel will continue to dig until she finds out what happened to her brother especially now that she has her sight back.  Will Mason trust her to find the killer?

This novel is...creepy and good.  The idea of organ donors passing on their traits and/or memories was really interesting and the creepiness of the book.  Rachel's sarcasm and wit makes her an interesting and likeable character. Having a character like Mason who decides to obstruct justice makes you question everything.  Shayne is unpredictable and this makes reading this novel an adventure.

love, 
kris

Review: Go Away Book, um Sorry, I Mean Gone Girl

dear readers,

Gone Girl is a bestseller and has been optioned for a movie.

GONE GIRL
Written by Gillian Flynn
genre: mystery, suspense

1.5 STARS

 Nick and Amy meet, fall in love and on their fifth anniversary Amy has disappeared.  When Nick and Amy lose their jobs they leave New York for Nick's hometown to help with his ailing mother.  Nick and his twin, Go borrow the last of Amy's trustfund and set up a bar in order to earn some income.  Amy remains unemployed and unfulfilled and as the novel enfolds we learn just who Amy and Nick really are and what happened to Amy. 

Amy, Nick, Go, and pretty much all the characters are quite unlikeable.  I fact the only one I liked was the cat, Bleeker and I'm so not a cat person.  The disappearance of Amy should have nudged my curiosity enough to finish the book but i found myself really pushing myself to flip the page.  Maybe it is all the true crime shows I watch but I found the plot a bit predictable.  I made it to the end hoping for a ending that would make it all worthwhile but the joy I received was that I could stop forcing myself to read it.

love,
kris

REVIEW: Don't Disappear for Rick Mofina's New Novel

dear readers,

(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

THEY DISAPPEARED
standalone
Written by Rick Mofina
genre: mystery, suspense

4 STARS

As Jeff's marriage hangs in the balance after a family tragedy he and his wife decide to treat their son to a dream trip to New York City.  On their first outing his wife and son vanish while he goes to a shop to buy batteries.  At first the police do not believe Jeff and soon become suspicious of the mechanic from Montana who was having troubles with his wife.  As Jeff tries to race around New York to save his family he comes to realize he wants to save more than just their lives.

If you are looking for a quick fast pace ride this is the novel for you.  It feels like an episode from the first half of Law&Order as you follow the twists and turns.  While the general storyline has been done a few times the plot has you turning the pages.

love,
kris

Review: Dublin Murder Squad: Reviews

dear readers,

DUBLIN MURDER SQUAD SERIES

IN THE WOODS  

(Book One)

4 STARS

A great suspense/mystery.  I love the chemistry between Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox. They have this brother/sister annoying each other aspect but yet there is a bit of sexual spark as they are both wounded from the past.  Ryan's past is weaved in fantastically with the current murder mystery.

LIKENESS
(Book Two)

4 STARS

 I just gobbled this suspense novel!  This time we get the POV of Cassie who is called back to murder when the victim is her spitting image but has also taken her former undercover identity..  Frank talks her into going undercover again as Sam (the head detective) argues against  it.  Cassie bored of DV says yes and the mystery begins.

love,
kris

REVIEW: TATTOOED (Book 3) Pamela Callow

dear readers,

I discovered Pamela Callow with her first novel and have loved her books since...oh, she's Canadian, too! (I received an ARC for Tattooed from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review).

TATTOOED

(Kate Lange: Book 3)

Written by Pamela Callow

genre: mystery, suspense, thriller

3.5 STARS

Kate Lange's past is coming front and center staring with France Sloan. Frances has ALS and wants Kate to lobby for assisted suicide on her behalf. Frances is the mother of Kenzie Sloan who was once friends with Imogen. It was Kenzie's house party that Kate dragged Imogen from and ultimately led to the car accident and Imogen's death. The memories flood back as Kenzie, now a tattoo artist, is coming to visit with her mother in her final days. Kenzie's former boy friend, McNally, has also been recently released from prison and has his sight on both Kenzie and Kate.
With Randall in New York, Kate is unsure where there relationship stands and if she should wait for him. Ethan Drake her former fiancee has decided he wants to try again and will do anything for her. In the next few days things from the past will bubble to the present and only some will make it through.

I love Kate Lange and this series. I like that it is set in Eastern Canada but not in Toronto (set in Nova Scotia). I remember the Sue Roderiguez case and how it affected everyone. I liked the plot of this book but it some how felt impersonal. Every sub-plot seemed a bit rushed but this is in comparison to rest of the series. I still liked this novel and would recommend this series.

PAST REVIEWS OF BOOK #1 & #2:

DAMAGED
(Kate Lange: Book One)
genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

Damaged is Callow's debut suspense novel but don't try to label it as just a medical or legal thriller because you will miss out on SO much.  Kate Lange, a new lawyer in Nova Scotia, is being haunted by her past (her sister's death and the break up of her engagement) so throws herself into a new case.  Her legal advice to her new client appears to have led to her granddaughter's death.  As Kate tries to clear her reputation she is thrown  in the path of a serial killer!

A new favourite character and author! A strong female character and I love mysterious brooding Randall! I cannot wait to get my hands on the 2nd Kate Lange book. I also really like the fact that it is set in Nova Scotia, Canada versus Vancouver or Toronto.

INDEFSIBLE

(Kate Lange: Book Two)

genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

4 STARS

A great follow up book to Damaged. Randall Barrett is looking forward to spending time with his children this summer but things go wrong from the beginning.  First his son decides to go camp instead of sailing with him, and his ex-wife reveals a devastating secret in the heat of an argument.  The next morning his ex-wife is found dead from a fall of the balcony and he is the main suspect. 

Kate lange is an associate at his law firm and just months ago they had sparks fly and they are still burning.  Will Kate be able to help Randall when everyone else has left him to drown.

I love that these novels are set in Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada) versus the usual Vancouver or Toronto setting.  Callow being a lawyer and from Halifax brings out the realism in the novel.  It is a quick pace thriller.


love,
kris

REVIEW: The Spire - Richard North Patterson

THE SPIRE

Written by Richard North Patterson

(Read by Holter Graham)

genre: mystery, suspense

4 STARS 

Lawyer Mark Darrow is asked by his mentor to return to Caldwell College to be the new President as the current one is suspected of embezzling from their funds.  With mixed feelings he returns to Wayne where the past has not moved on.  Darrow a high school football star was scouted by Farr (Professor at Caldwell) to play ball with a full scholarship.  He agrees if his good friend Steve Tillman is also scouted.

One night after a college party a black college student is found by Mark and the last person to be see with her is was his friend, Steve. A fellow student - who is a mean drunk - states he saw Tillman out during the time of death.  Tillman is sent to prison for life. Race relations in Wayne has gone from bad to worse.

Mark has never been able to let go of his doubt over Steve's conviction.  Once he arrives at Caldwell he continues his visit to Steve.  As he asks questions about the former President's embezzling he finds himself wondering about Tillman's case.  Also from his past is Taylor Farr - the daughter of his mentor - who is now all grown up and Darrow finds himself drawn to her.

I listened to this novel on audio and it was enjoyable!  The reader is Holter Graham (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0334077/) and he is not bad (his girl voices are a bit too breathy).  Even though I figured out who the killer was way too early I was still enthralled with the story and how it unravels.  I liked Darrow and seeing the case through his eyes.

love,
kris

!!!SIZZLING!!! New Romantic Suspense: Review

dear readers,

One of my guilty pleasures is reading romantic suspense novels.  The great novels have a fine balance of romance and suspense.  There is a killer loose and a heroine and hero are thrown together not only to solve a case but also to fight their passion for one another.  I stay away from the porn and violence that sometimes is disguised as a romantic suspense.  You want to leave the book a bit shaken with the thoughts of the villain and stirred within with the love of the characters.  I don't want to be left disturbed and in need of a shower.  A new author - well new to me - Jami Alden's work is closer to the former.

BEG FOR MERCY 

(Book 1)
3.5 STARS

Megan Flynn is finally going to sleep with her new homicide detective boyfriend, Cole Williams only to have it interrupted by a phone call. Her brother has been arrested for rape and murder.  Fast forward 2 years where Sean Flynn is on death row with Megan putting her own life on hold to get him out.  Cole in a bid to save his career publicly stated Megan was not serious to him and he felt that Sean was guilty.

For the sake of his sanity and his sister's Sean decides to forgo anymore appeals.  This only causes Megan to investigate on her own.  She is putting herself in danger getting to the truth but she must find the killer.  Cole worries for her safety but helping her could lose him his job.  But can he really live without her anymore?

I galloped through this spicy novel.  Megan is a bit annoying but then again if I had someone on death row depending on me to rescue them I'd be highstrung too.  Cole is yummy and fierce  - no match for the killer or Megan.  I was more intrigued by Sean who has a past in the Army and this quiet sexiness.  Jami Alden seems to be an author to keep an eye on.

HIDE FROM EVIL                                                  

(BOOK TWO)

4 STARS

Sean Flynn is now free and trying to put the past few years behind.  Krista Slater - Sean's Prosecutor - feels guilty and angry that she had the wrong man and almost had him put to death.  She tries to put things right by continuing the investigation on her own dime.  Her one hope is Sean's help but he does not want to get involved - and neither do some other people.

When Krista attempts to gain Sean's help they are dragged into a fight for their life.  They don't know who they can trust and only have each other to turn to.

Krista is like a Hitchcock heroine - a gorgeous cold blonde.  She is tough as nails and out to prove herself to the world but has a quiet vulnerability that makes her very likeable.   Sean is just what she needs to bring out the warmth and in turn she brings Sean to life.  This novel has quick-paced action in both suspense and romance.  This series seems to get better and I cannot wait for Talia and Brooks story.

RUN FROM FEAR
(Book Three)
4 STARS
Talia Vega survived the Seattle Slasher with the help of the ex-Green Beret, Jack Brooks. Wanting to leave her terrifying past she moves to another town close to her now college bound sister, Rosario. She also wants to get away from Jack who she feels greatly attracted to but thinks he sees her as a broken victim.

Soon Talia starts receiving items that David, her ex-lover and mad man, had given to her and her home is being violated. Rosario calls Jack and suddenly Talia is not only running for her life but for her heart.

Jack has tried to forget Talia but can't and he will jeopardize his heart, job and life to keep her safe and for a moment with her. Together they must work together to find the her stalker.

Another great novel by Jami Alden and I am so glad she decided to write Talia and Jack's story. From book one I have liked Talia and could not wait to find out more about her. She is a strong woman stuck in a bad situation and thought herself in love with a man who loved her.
This novel also features men and women from Alden's Gemini Trilogy as Jack is a member of Gemini Security. Although I already know the outcome of the trilogy I will give book 1 a shot. I do kind of wish I would have known this before as I am a stickler with order.

http://www.jamialden.com/

love,
kris

Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder - Part I (Reviews)

dear readers,

Last year (2011) I discovered 3 mystery/suspense authors who write about death in Seattle (Washington).  I live in Vancouver, BC so Seattle is not so far away making the killer quite literally next door.


Rick Mofina was a journalist for the Toronto Star (Canadian newspaper) as a crime reporter and many of his articles appear in many other publications around the world.  He grew up in Ontario and now resides in Ottawa with his family.

This is the first time I have read Rick Mofina and I started with his Jason Wade trilogy (I did contact the author and he does not think that there will be anymore novels in the series) which takes place in Seattle.

Jason Wade
1. THE DYING HOUR (2005)
2. EVERY FEAR (2006)
3. A PERFECT GRAVE (2007)

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/m/rick-mofina/

I had picked up The Dying Hour as a freebie from my former job at a bookstore.  While shopping at Costco I saw book 2 and 3 as a book bundle and could not resist.   After visiting Seattle this year I decided to try this series and loved not only his description of Seattle but the life of a lowly crime reporter was realistic and grabs you from the beginning.

THE DYING HOUR 

(Book 1)

3 STARS

Jason Wade is an intern in the running for a permanent position at the Mirror but stakes are high as his background is not as impressive as the other interns.  He had been working at the local brewery with his alcoholic father and then put himself through community college.  Hs mother left them when he was young and recently his own girlfriend left him.  He has to win this position as he needs it to survive and keep his sanity.  Then on the police scanner he hears about a car is found abandoned on the side of the highway with the driver missing.  The competition begins....

I was intrigued with the case as much as Jason was - a woman just vanishing into thin air - there has to be more behind it.  Jason is not only the underdog in this race for a permanent position but has everything - everyone -  going against him.  This was a great suspense/mystery novel.

EVERY FEAR

(Book 2)

3.5 STARS

SPOILER: This review may contain spoilers from THE DYING HOUR.

 Jason Wade has been given the position at the Mirror but this does not mean he is accepted as he is still being shunned for his antics on the last case.  Maria Colson and her baby son, Dylan stop at the corner store - while she runs inside she leaves her son with the young girl outside the store.  Seconds later her son is being shoved into a van and Maria runs and jumps inside only to be thrown out and is now fighting for her life.  Jason is put on the case  only to discover that the couple have no troubles and no enemies.  Jason's dad, now a PI, comes across another murder that may be tied into Jason's case.  Grace Garner is the homicide detective in charge of the case and Jason's new frenemy...all are running out of time.

I liked this novel better the previous book but felt like there was something missing.  I cannot put my finger on it but I was not as satisfied in the end.  The case of missing baby Dylan was great and the characters were realistic.

A PERFECT GRAVE

(Book 3)

3 STARS

SPOILER: This review may contain spoilers from THE DYING HOUR and EVERY FEAR.

Jason Wade is back and is still not friendly with the Editor and finds himself alone, yet again.  A nun is brutally murdered but they cannot find anyone who disliked her.  This case not only digs into the nun's mysterious past but Jason's father's past comes back to haunt him.  Jason and Grace who only went out for a short time are now unsure of how to be around one another.  This leads them to keep secrets from one another which does not help with their case.

This is the concluding book in the Jason Wade series and it does tie up loose ends but I still want more - ha.  Another great  suspense mystery from Mofina.

I next want to tackle his Jack Gannon series!

Jack Gannon
1. Vengeance Road (2009)
2. The Panic Zone (2010)
3. In Desperation (2011)
4. The Burning Edge (2011)

Author's Website: http://www.rickmofina.com/

NEXT: Coffee Shops, Grunge Music and Murder II (Gregg Olsen)

love,
kris

Reviews: Get Ready to Read Through the Night...

and you may want to keep the lights on (no judgement).

dear readers,

I have been lucky this month and had a chance  to read Advanced Copies of two brilliant suspense/mystery authors: Tami Hoag and Lisa Gardner.  Both had their start in the romance genre before they went into the suspense genre for which they are now known for. (I received both ARCs from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

TAMI HOAG

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/h/tami-hoag/ 

Oak Knoll
1. Deeper than the Dead (2010) 4 STARS
2. Secrets to the Grave (2011) 4 STARS
3. Down the Darkest Road (2011) 4 STARS

 

The Oak Knoll series is named for the town these novels take place in (California, USA) and are set from mid-80s to 1990.  What I love about this series is that this is pre-CSI era where it is more detective work and instinct versus DNA and profiling.  Former FBI agent Vince Leone is in fact one of the pioneers of profiling so we get the beginning of this new tool.  The characters are all realistic and could fit in the present day but the setting around them reminds you that this a few decades back.  Though you could potentially read these novels as a standalone or out of order - I would advise against it.  Many of the characters run through all of the novels and unfortunately the third book does reveal some spoilers for the first.  I think that this series is so wonderful just read book one and I dare you not to continue.

DOWN THE DARKEST ROAD

(BOOK 3) 

written by TAMI HAOG
genre: thriller, mystery, suspense

4 STARS

Lauren's perfect family has fallen apart - her eldest daughter has been missing for years and her husband has left her a widow.  She is angry and wanting justice she takes her daughter, Leah and moves to Oak Knoll to start anew - except the man she suspects of her daughter's disappearance has also moved to the neighbourhood.  Det. Tony Mendez of Oak Knoll has been put in the middle to discover the truth.

I really like this series and this novel was no disappointment.  I hope Hoag continues with the series.  I love the late 80s/early 90s setting and the characters are wonderful and has wonderful suspense keeping you flipping the pages. 

LISA GARDNER

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/lisa-gardner/

D.D. Warren
1. Alone (2005) 4 STARS
2. Hide (2007) 3 STARS
3. The Neighbor (2009) 3 STARS
4. Live to Tell (2010) 4 STARS
5. Love You More (2011) 2.5 STARS
6. Catch Me(2012) 3 STARS
The 7th Month (2012)

D.D. Warren is a female homicide detective in the Boston PD and tough as nail in and out her job.  She likes her freedom but is strongly attracted to fellow BPD detective, Bobby Dodge.  I like this character because is not a damsel in distress or cold unfeeling bitch - she is the perfect blend of strength and compassion.  These books can be read on there on own but there is a story that goes through the novels.

The first 2 books Alone and Hide are more of Bobby Dodge's story than D.D.'s but gives you a great introduction to her character.  The 3-6 book feature her as the main character.  The novella The 7th Month should be read before Catch me and after Love You More. The 7th Month will be released January 10, 2012.

CATCH ME

(Book 6)

written by Lisa Gardner
genre: thriller, mystery, suspense

COMING: February 7, 2012

3 STARS

Charlie cannot remember exact details of her childhood with her mother only that her mother was not entirely sane and hurt her and her siblings.  After a fire she is sent to live with her Aunt and starts to rebuild her life as best she can.  Then the nightmare has started again - 2 years ago her best friend was murdered and the case was never solved.  Then the following year to the date her other best friend is murdered and again the case goes unsolved.  Now it is another year and Charlie is prepping for the fight of her life.  

D.D. Warren is now the mother of baby Jack and is back on the force.  She feels something is not quite right with Charlie, but also has another case of young pedophiles being murdered.  Like Charlie's best friends, there was no forced entry or much disturbed.  

I am a big fan of the D.D. Warren series - she is a realistic portrayal of a female detective in Boston PD.  She is ballsy and yet vulnerable.  I was not overly joyed with Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant as a main character.  I just did not care for her as a character and to be honest hoped she would exit left.  I have given this novel 3 starts mainly for the great writing, twists and suspense and because of the realistic nature of the novel.

love, 
kris