The Perfect Home

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz
1/7/25; 320 pages
Scribner

The Perfect Home by Daniel Kenitz is a highly recommended domestic suspense novel following Wyatt and Dawn Decker who are the stars of a home renovation TV reality show, The Perfect Home, on the HLTV network. Wyatt loves the attention; Dawn doesn't. 

When the two learn they are facing infertility issues due to Wyatt, he decides to take a fertility drug that is illegal. The drug works and Dawn gives birth to twins. The side effects of taking the drug, however, induce a drastic, frightening change in Wyatt's personality. Dawn finds something Wyatt has written that leaves her fearing for the safety of the twins, let alone herself. She takes the twins and goes on the run. Wyatt reaches out to the press, framing Dawn as unstable and a threat to the twins. Unexpectedly, Dawn finds an ally and now must find a way to tell her story and prove Wyatt's instability.

Chapters alternate between the point-of-view of Dawn and Wyatt. Dawn is the more completely realized character and everyone will immediately know her point-of-view is the trustworthy one. There were several times I did feel like yelling at her to use her head. Basically, all of the characters are caricatures of a type of person. You won't become fully invested in them. Dawn's looks are consistently describe as less than perfect, while Wyatt is describe as a handsome, perfect manly specimen. 

Initially, the infertility in the plot was a turn off for me but once I kept reading the novel certainly became much more entertaining and grabbed my attention. It is written in an easy-to-read style that allows the pages to fly by, however, you will have to set disbelief aside and make it through the initial opening chapters. There isn't the tension found in a thriller until the end and the story felt like it has been done before.

This is an entertaining debut novel. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to Scribner for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L. V. Pederson
1/28/25; 330 pages
Raconteur 888

Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds by L. V. Pederson is a very highly recommended action/suspense thriller for the right reader. This is a great choice for those who like big conspiracies, can suspend a large dose of disbelief, and won't be bothered by the tie-in to 9/11.

The opening scene will grab your attention as a young woman is killed in a hit and run accident. Then the action follows Madison on her first day as an executive assistant at Know, Inc., a Silicon Valley tech giant. She is full of anxiety today and from her past, but co-worker Nicole offers to help her. Madison's father was a passenger on one of the two planes that crashed into the World Trade Center and died on 9/11. Now, her new boss, T.J. Khan, reminds her of someone and her anxiety rises. 

She meets Will at a support group and shares her concerns. She is sure her new boss, is Mohamed Attar, a 9/11 conspirator. Through Will's computer and hacking skills, the two figure out that she may be right and he has likely had extensive cosmetic surgery​. Just as Madison and Will are setting their plan into motion to expose him, the FBI, CIA, and NSA jump in, stop the two, and explain that their large scale, ongoing operation and surveillance involving Khan is bigger and wide spread. Lead Special Agent Niles recruits Madison to assist the operation.

After the opening, the plot slows down to set the pieces into place and you need to start setting the disbelief aside. Madison is a complicated, fully realized character who struggles with guilt, trauma, and the impact of her father's death on her life. The other characters are not as well-developed, but follow a standard type. Basically, the protagonists are all good and the antagonists are all evil.

Once the action begins to take off, Nine Minutes Eleven Seconds sets a lightning-fast pace, the action is relentless, the danger increases, and all the complicated pieces of the conspiracy and the operation begin to fall into place. The short chapters help keep track of all the players and help propel the compelling narrative to it's heart-stopping conclusion. 

Actually, the start of the novel turned me off, but once the action starts, it gets exponentially better with each page and becomes impossible to put down. It's not a perfect novel, but it certainly is an action/suspense thriller. 4.5 stars.   Thanks to Raconteur 888 for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Dead Man's Shoes

Dead Man's Shoes by Marion Todd
1/9/25; 400 pages
Canelo Crime
Detective Clare Mackay #9

Dead Man's Shoes by Marion Todd is a highly recommended procedural and the ninth novel set in Scotland featuring Detective Clare Mackay.

There is a serial killer on the loose targeting men. He is being called the Choker since he drugs his victims and then chokes them to death with a chain. Police intelligence believes the Choker is moving into the St. Andrews area. He drives a white van and is thought to be a decorator or painter. He usually strikes on a Friday or Saturday night. DI Clare Mackay and her team are tasked with setting up a widespread surveillance trying to catch the killer.

When a young man is found dead before the weekend, it is thought it might be from the Choker, but Mackay has her doubts. The victim has ties to some local criminals in the area. The surveillance plan continues and another man is found injured. It seems that the Choker is still active and there may be more going on than the police realize.

Dead Man's Shoes is a well-written, detailed, even-paced procedural. It did seem to move a little slowly at times, but those who enjoy procedurals will appreciate all the details carefully provided. The focus is on the facts of the investigation while avoiding a lot of grisly descriptions of the crimes.

For those not following the series, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. Even though there are some personal things happening in the lives of the character, the focus is really on the police work. You won't have all the background information on the characters, but you will still be able to follow the investigation. Thanks to Canelo Crime for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

All the Water in the World

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall
1/7/25; 304 pages
St. Martin's Press

All the Water in the World by Eiren Caffall is a recommended climate science fiction dystopian novel set in a flooded world.

When a massive hurricane (hypercane) slams into New York City and breaches the flood walls, 13-year-old Nonie her older sister Bix, their father Allan, and another adult man, Keller, are the only survivors from their demolished settlement on the roof of the American Museum of Natural History. The group uses a birchbark canoe from the museum's collections and head through the flooded city to the Hudson. Their goal is to paddle north to a family owned farm in Tyringham, Mass. As they fight for survival and look for a safe place, they carry with them a notebook that holds their records of the lost collections from the museum.

This slow paced dystopian tale of a flooded world unfolds through the point-of-view of Nonie. Chapters follow the present day and past events. Breaking up the present day struggles with tales from the past slowed down the novel and my interest in it. It does focus on building community and preserving knowledge, which will resonate with most readers.

Honestly, the writing, the narrator, and the plot make this novel suitable for a YA reader and I'm rating it based on a reader around age 14+. Adult readers of science fiction and post-apocalyptic tales will be expecting a fast-paced, grittier story with much more realism, action, and depth. The plot has been seen before and none of the challenges they face are unexpected, but they also aren't as realistic, gruesome or formidable as one would expect. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Final Truth

The Final Truth by Morag Pringle
1/8/25: 343 pages
Storm Publishing
Rachel McKenzie #3

The Final Truth by Morag Pringle is a recommended investigative crime novel, highly for those who have read the previous two books in the Rachel McKenzie series.

A body is found in a local cemetery and the case comes to the attention of Rachel McKenzie who is a prosecutor in the Scottish Highlands. The victim has a connection to the case Rachel's mother was investigating before she disappeared and presumed dead. Rachel's father was convicted and imprisoned for her murder. Hoping she can discover the truth, Rachel enlists the help of detective constable Selena MacDonald, and takes a look at the original files. She quickly discovers someone is still keeping track of her actions and she may be in danger.

This is a well-written, carefully plotted, and even-paced investigative mystery that carefully follows clues while uncovering connections and more information. There are some twists and surprises along the way and the setting in Scotland is definitely an integral part of the plot. The surprising and shocking ending endangers Rachel while providing closure about what happened to her mother. Those who appreciate strong female main characters will appreciate this novel.

Anyone who enjoyed the first two books will want to read The Final Truth for the closure it provides. Starting with this third book of the series did leave me feeling that I was missing out on some vital information, but enough background was provided that I never felt lost or confused. 3.5 rounded up. Thanks to Storm Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Watch Your Back

Watch Your Back by Terri Parlato
12/24/24; 320 pages
Kensington
Detective Rita Myers #3

Watch Your Back by Terri Parlato is a highly recommended domestic thriller/mystery set in the Boston suburb of Graybridge and the third novel with Detective Rita Myer. It works as a standalone.

Opening with Nathan Liddle hospitalized, unable to move, and frightened his wife, Psychiatrist Eve Thayer, is about to finish the job, the narrative jumps back three weeks earlier. The couple's relationship is strained. The two have a nine-month-old daughter, Rosewyn. Nathan is the parent who takes and picks her up from the babysitter Barbara Singleton, a neighbor. While Eve works long hours heading the medical staff at a new psychiatric center, Nathan cares for Rosewyn in the evenings. Nathan has a brief extramarital affair with a woman named Nicole, but they both break it off after a few weeks.

At the same time detective Rita Myers of the Graybridge police department is investigating multiple local crimes, including a break-in at a house nearby. Then Rosewyn is kidnapped while in Barbara's care, Rita is on the case. There are numerous suspects and twists that follow.

The narrative unfolds through short alternating chapters from the points-of-view of Eve, Nathan, and Rita. It starts out strong. The compelling situation is set up, almost all the characters introduced are suspects in some way, the only character you can completely trust is Rita, and you will want them to find baby Rosewyn. After that point, the mix muddles up as reviewing suspects is on reshuffle numerous times and the pace really slows as the search for the suspect is drawn out. The question of who attacked Nathan is also unresolved until late in the novel.

Eve is initially a unappealing character but garners more sympathy as the novel continues. Part of this is due to the opening when Nathan suspects her in injuring him, which lends you to view her with suspicion. Nathan is actually sympathetic until he reveals his affair. He regains trust after he is injured. Setting aside the police officers, all the other characters introduced will be viewed as dubious right up to the end. Rita is a great character and following her investigation is engaging.

Watch Your Back starts out very strong and will hold your complete attention but ends with a chaotic series of deceptions and reveals on its way to a final conclusion. Thanks to Kensington for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Lethal Action

Lethal Action by Logan Ryles
12/8/24; 376 pages
Inkubator Books
Mason Sharpe #9

Lethal Action by Logan Ryles is a very highly recommended action thriller featuring ex-military Army Ranger Mason Sharpe. This is the ninth book in the series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The opening flashback has Sharpe rescuing WHO workers from an Ebola infected war zone, which provides a clue to the plot.

It's winter and Mason Sharpe has been working at a lumber mill in Prairie Junction, Iowa, for the last three months. He is shocked to wake up one morning, hearing helicopters and obvious military equipment. Prairie Junction is under orders by the governor to be under a strict lock down, quarantined. Armed National guard soldiers in hazmat suits are enforcing martial law, setting up roadblocks, and not answering questions. Sharpe manages to get outside the quarantine zone to check on a friend's mother. He discovers her body and recognizes the cause of death - Ebola. This is the beginning of an action-packed investigation into what is really going on and Sharpe is holding nothing back to get answers.

Lethal Action is a lightning-fast-paced thriller that has Sharpe using all of his military experience, intelligence, and discernment to uncover what is really happening. He takes incredible risks to discover the truth and the scope of the deception is shocking. He manages to contact Dr. Evelyn Landry with the CDC, who understands Sharpe's concerns and immediately comes to Iowa into the fray. The action intensifies to explosive levels.

Make no mistake, you will have to set a major dose of disbelief aside in several areas and overlook a few inconsistencies (for example Landry's hair color changing). However, the plot and the action make it easy to do. In fact even while noting glitches, I was all in and committed to the end. That in itself is a huge recommendation. The plot is shocking because recent events make it more possible than anyone would want to believe.

Mason Sharpe is an extraordinary character for a military based action thriller. He is resourceful, smart, and capable. He will do whatever it takes to uncover and expose the corruption and the threat. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Off Season

The Off Season by Kelly Simmons
10/1/24; 331 pages
Sourcebooks/Moonlight Press
Seasons Crime Collection #1

The Off Season by Kelly Simmons is a highly recommended mystery and coming-of-age novel set in the small town of Red Cliff on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.

Thirteen-year-old Vann (Savannah) Dixon goes to the police station wanting to talk to the coroner, insisting that her mother’s (Xan) drowning was not an accident. She is the one who found her mother's body, and is unhappy that they are not investigating it as a suspicious death. Vann is sure that they missed several clues at the scene. After talking to the police, she begins to investigate on her own.

Nate Hunter left the police force in Baltimore and joined the low-key police force in his hometown of Red Cliff. The two other young officers aren't interested in talking to Vann, but Nate takes her seriously and begins to look into the case. The Chief of police and the coroner say it was a drowning, but the more Nate looks into it, the more doubts he has.

Meg McKnight is a longtime resident who lives next door to the Dixon's. Interspersed between the story of Vann's present day investigation into her mother's death are excerpts from Meg's diary.

The characters are a large part of what makes this a special novel. Vann is an intelligent, determined, and observant young teen and her fully realized character comes to life in The Off Season. Nate is also an excellent, thoughtful character who carefully undertakes the investigation. Meg McKnight adds an additional voice and insight into the setting and background information. Rounding out the cast are interesting and unique secondary characters who add depth to the story.

The well-written narrative moves at a steady pace with clues carefully exposed and new questions arising along the way. Both Vann and Nate are introspective characters whose observations about the world help propel the plot forward and keep your interest high right to the end. As their investigations are undertaken, the characters excel at adding emotional depth to this coming-of-age novel. Look for the name-dropping of books in the plot.

The Off Season is the first book in the upcoming Seasons Crime Collection. It will be followed by #2 The Shoulder Season (2/25) and #3 The High Season (8/25). Thanks to BookSirens for providing me with an advance reader's copy. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Deep Fury

Deep Fury by David Freed
12/17/24; 320 pages
Blackstone Publishing
Cordell Logan Mystery #7

Deep Fury by David Freed is a highly recommended investigative mystery full of action. This is the seventh book in the Cordell Logan series.

Cordell Logan, current flight instructor and former government assassin, learns that his former classmate at the US Air Force Academy and wingman Pete Hostetler is dead. Hostetler fell through the roof of a mobile home and obviously either fell or was pushed out of some aircraft. Logan sets off to learn more about Hostetler’s current activities trying to investigate who would want to murder him. The trail of clues leads him and his aging Cessna, the Ruptured Duck, across California and even into Mexico, putting his own life into danger.

Logan, an aspiring follower of Buddha, is a fully realized character, He has a sarcastic sense of humor, a hair trigger temper he is trying to control, and the moves to back it all up. He's intelligent, capable, quick, and can read the room. His determination leads him into a maze of connections and potential lethal trouble at every turn. Joining Logan are his landlord Mrs. Schmuowitz, mechanic Larry Kropf, girlfriend and formerly with the CIA Layne Sterling, cat Kiddiot, and new dog Ack-Ack.

The well written narrative will hold you complete attention. The fast paced plot logically follows the investigation Logan is undertaking through all kinds of discoveries, dangers, and twists. Set some disbelief aside and expect lots of flying places and a careful pieces together of intricate clues with a little help from his well connected friends.

Even though it is part of a series, Deep Fury can be appreciated as a standalone novel. However, you may find yourself looking back at the other books in the series if you start with this action-packed seventh outing. Thanks to Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Heartless Crimes

Heartless Crimes by Michael Hambling
12/12/24; 284 pages
Joffe Books
Sophie Allen # 13 

Heartless Crimes by Michael Hambling is a recommended procedural. Even though this is the thirteenth book in the DCI Sophie Allen series, it can be read as a standalone novel.

Three people who work at the same company, EcoFutures, need assistance from the police. Bryony O’Neil experiences an attempted car-jacking and ends up hospitalized. Justine Longford had someone break into her home, but it appears nothing was stolen. Finally Robin Pryor sets off along a clifftop path at Lyme Regis and never comes home. Later his body is found by the path. Detective Inspector Barry Marsh has to lead the team because Chief Superintendent Sophie is hospitalize and recovering from a vicious assault and Polly Weston is on another case.

This is my first Sophie Allen novel and it was easy to jump right into the story. There is also a list of the cast of characters at the beginning if readers need some extra help keeping characters straight. Sophie does end up playing a role in the investigation so she's somewhat involved in the case.

Heartless Crimes moves at a slow pace throughout the procedural. It does carefully follow clues, follow up on the information, and carefully question those involved. This makes it a good choice for those readers who enjoy procedurals. I like procedurals, but prefer those that move at a faster pace with surprising clues and building tension along the way. The actual case never really grabbed my complete attention. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

A Mother Always Knows

A Mother Always Knows by Nicole Trope
12/9/24; 321 pages
Bookouture
Grace Morton #2

A Mother Always Knows by Nicole Trope is an excellent, very highly recommended psychological thriller. This un-put-downable novel continues the story of Grace Morton found in the book Not a Good Enough Mother. A Mother Always Knows can work as a standalone novel, but reading Not a Good Enough Mother first will provide more insight into the characters backgrounds.

Cordelia, 24, has been estranged from her mother, Grace, for six years, ever since her father's death. Grace loves Cordelia and still texts her daughter daily. She sees in social media that Cordelia's boyfriend, 33 year-old Garth, makes belittling comments and doesn't treat her daughter like he should. Grace decides to travel from Sydney to Melbourne to be closer to Cordelia. She dons a disguise and manages to get a position as a temporary assistant at the law firm where Garth works so she can check him out.

At the same time, Cordelia is concerned that Garth is having an affair because he always seems to be working or need to go out at night. Now he hasn't been home or work for several days and she is concerned, so she talks to the police. Cordelia quickly becomes the main suspect in Garth's disappearance. Cordelia finally turns to her mother for help and Grace quickly figures out that there is more going on than her daughter realizes.

This is an absolutely superb, suspenseful, and intense psychological thriller that will grab your attention immediately and hold it to the twisty, explosive ending. The pace starts out fast and continues throughout the entire novel. There is so much going on and the tension ramps up with each new secret, lie, deception, and twist along the way. You might have to set some disbelief aside, but you will gladly do it to see what happens next.

Grace and Cordelia are both interesting, fully realized characters. There is a whole lot more to Grace than most people will realize while Cordelia is a little too naive and trusting at times. Trope does an exceptional job portraying a mother's devotion even to an adult child. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Assume Nothing

Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin
12/10/24; 287 pages
Thomas & Mercer

Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin is a highly recommended mystery. Although this is written as a thriller for adult readers it is a perfectly acceptable YA novel.

Sixteen-year-old Kat McCann is an avid reader and loves the books written by mystery writer Carissa Miller. It's 1995 and she is active in a chat group for Miller's fans, which is where she met 19-year-old Dev. After they become friends, Kat shares her secret with him. When Kat was six years old renowned Austrian detective Alik Lisser solved her mother’s 1985 murder and Miller wrote a novel about the case. Many of her novels were based on the cases solved by criminologist Alik Lisser, however, she changes the name to detective Adrian Lescher in the books. 

When Dev and Kat learn that Lisser will be giving a talk nearby they both attend. Lisser notices Kat, remembers who she is, and contacts her, inviting her and her aunt to visit him in England. Once there, Kat, who wanted to know the truth behind her mother's murder, has many of her beliefs challenged.

This is an intriguing, compelling mystery with an even paced plot that picks up toward the end. All of the twists along the way are interesting and they will hold your attention in this quick read. It can also feel a bit nostalgic with some of the chat group texts included in the story. Readers will have to set some disbelief aside. The biggest drawback to the narrative is the lack of chapters.

Kat is the narrator, which lends the YA feel to the whole novel. She is a wonderful, fully realized book-smart teen who loves reading mysteries. Her youth provides an enthusiasm and courageousness to the plot that is not entirely based on experience, but she has also had to deal with some real difficulties in life, including the death of her parents and an abusive uncle. Lisser is a creepy, know-it-all who is intensely unlikable. Pedro and Dev are nice supporting characters.

All in all, Assume Nothing is a fun, engaging mystery with a teen protagonist. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

What the Wife Knew

What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane
12/10/24; 368 pages
William Morrow

What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane is a very highly recommended, twisty, and compelling domestic thriller. You may suspect the direction things are going, however, with all the lies, scheming, and secrets among these characters don't be too quick to think you know the twists.

Dr. Richmond Dougherty, an esteemed pediatric surgeon, leaves his wife and childhood sweetheart, Kathryn, to wed 27 year-old Addison. It is not a love match. Addison had blackmail information on Richmond and force him to marry her. Ninety-seven days after the wedding Richmond is dead from a suspicious "accident" and Addison is a very wealthy widow. Even though she has an alibi, she is also a suspect in what may have been his murder. Make no mistake, Addison wanted Richmond dead, but she had no hand in it. The question is who did it? And with that question the number of suspects keeps expanding.

The writing is exceptional in What the Wife Knew! This fast-paced thriller is packed with dysfunctional families, deception, grudges, revenge, lies, scheming, secrets, and unlikable characters. It is also un-put-downable. Once you start reading you will not want to stop. The suspects in Richmond's death are numerous. Kathryn is a devious character who keeps targeting Addison, with their children, Wyatt, 20, and Portia, 15, in tow. Richmond had more than a few questionable facts raised about his character too.

The narrative is mainly through Addison's point-of-view, both in the present and the past, until the half-way point when there are some chapters from Richmond's point-of-view. Addison has an attitude and a mouth on her. She can be abrasive and isn't looking to make any friends. Addison is a fully-realized individual who will also become a character that you will be supporting. You will wish her the best in the future as you learn about her past.  All most all of the other characters, with a few exceptions, Portia and lawyer Elias Zimmer, are despicable.

What the Wife Knew is an astute, intelligent, perceptive domestic thriller that will keep you guessing right up to the shocking ending. Thanks to William Morrow for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Choke Hold

Choke Hold by Paul Heatley
12/4/24; 330 pages
Inkubator Books
Tom Rollins Thriller Book 15

Choke Hold by Paul Heatley is a highly recommended action packed thriller. This is an intense action/adventure page-turner where the good guy eliminates everyone in the way of justice.

Tom Rollins, PhD, former black ops specialist is in San Francisco when he is called by his old friend, Cindy Vaughan. She is helping Chris search for his sister, Louise, who has been missing for 3 weeks. Cindy has found CCTV of her abduction. It appears that she has been taken by an organized group who has abducted others in a ominous depraved operation. Cindy knows Tom can help get to the bottom of things and find those responsible.

Set disbelief aside and follow the fierce non-stop action as Tom arrives in Lubbock, Texas, and takes no prisoners along the way. The action starts immediately as antagonists come after Cindy and Chris while they are awaiting Tom's arrival. He arrives and reads the situation while encountering a follow-up crew in her apartment. The action just keep rolling through the whole novel with mysteries, murders, violence, and henchmen galore.

This is the fifteenth novel in the series featuring Tom Rollins. It can be read as a stand alone, although others in the series would provide more of Tom's background information. Those new to the series could always go back and read previous titles, and if you enjoy Choke Hold you will very likely want to read the others.

This is a perfect choice for those who want a fierce, constant, action-hero plot. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Bellevue

Bellevue by Robin Cook
12/3/24; 352 pages
G.P. Putnam's Sons

Bellevue by Robin Cook is a highly recommended supernatural medical/ghost thriller.

Michael “Mitt” Fuller, 23, is a first year medical student who is staring his surgical residency program at Manhattan’s Bellevue Hospital. This has him following in the footsteps of multiple generations of his family who all worked as doctors at the three-hundred-year-old hospital. The pressure is on Mitt and much to his dismay his assigned patients are inexplicably dying. He also learns that his ancestors’ careers were actually controversial. Further complicating Mitt's stressed out and emotional state is that he has a secret sixth sense and has been seeing visions of a young girl in a blood stained dress.

There are plenty of detailed medical scenes which Cook's fans will expect. Switching up the story this time is the supernatural addition of ghosts that seem to be targeting Mitt when he is in the centuries old facility. While Mitt is questioning what is going on, the answer will be very clear to the readers. Mitt is a likeable character and you will sympathize with him as he questions himself and tries to make sense of what he is seeing.

Once the novel goes full into the supernatural aspects of the story, it lost my interest. I was seriously hoping for a tangible explanation to the events happening to the patients and Mitt. The ending was a shocker. The mash-up between medical thriller and ghost horror novel is not entirely successful, but the narrative will hold your complete attention. Thanks to G.P. Putnam's Sons for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Net Galley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

This Beautiful Day

This Beautiful Day: Daily Wisdom from Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers
12/3/24; 400 pages
Hachette Books

This Beautiful Day: Daily Wisdom from Mister Rogers by Fred Rogers is a very highly recommended collection of daily inspirational quotes in the Day by Day Series. The introduction written by LeVar Burton is an tribute to the beloved television host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, author, producer, and Presbyterian minister.

The numbered 365 daily reflections include affirming daily quotes from Mr. Rogers, personal stories, songs he wrote, and inspirational quotes he likes from others. The quotes are mostly short quick selections that provide kind, nurturing advice and insight into living each day with meaning and intention.

An example of the day 61 quote: "You are a very special person. There is only one like you in the whole world. there's never been anyone exactly like you before, and there never will be again. Only you. And people can like you exactly as you are." An affirmation that everyone needs to reflect on from time to time.

Although you could read through all the daily missives at one time, this is better appreciated when used as a source of daily supportive messages, some of which may inspire further reflection. This would be a lovely gift!Thanks to Hachette Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via . My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Buried Road

Buried Road by Katie Tallo
12/3/24; 336 pages
HarperCollins
Augusta "Gus" Monet #3

Buried Road by Katie Tallo is a very highly recommended mystery/thriller which features the return of amateur investigator Gus Monet, this time joined by her daughter 12-year-old Bly (Boo).

Journalist Howard Baylis, Gus's partner and the only father Bly has ever known, disappeared when Bly was 9. They were on a camping trip when Howard went to meet a source for a story three years ago and was never seen again. They spent a year looking for him with few clues. The two have missed him every day since, so they were shocked to see his obituary in the paper and that his parents are having a memorial service in three days. The two head back to Prince Edward County, the location where he was last seen and where the memorial service will be held.  

Once there, they discover the camper Howard was driving has been found and Bly secretly finds clues to Howard's movements three years ago, including his notes and phone. The two recreate their clue wall in the camper and resume their search for Howard based on the new information they have found.

Although it can be read as a standalone novel, it was exciting to read Buried Road after enjoying the previous two books featuring Gus. The first book featuring Gus is Dark August (takes place when Gus is a young adult and she investigates her mother's last case before her death when Gus was 8 years-old) which is followed by Poison Lilies (when Gus was pregnant with Bly and meets Howard).

Bly is the narrator in this compelling, well-written mystery and she helps Gus in their search for clues. I quite enjoyed Bly as the narrator as Gus can be extreme and over-the-top. Gus is a tenacious, obnoxious character, but this is tempered by Bly who is careful and thoughtful. They are both written as fully realized, realistic individuals that encounter a cast of memorable supporting characters.

The pace is even at the beginning but then picks up as more information and clues are uncovered. The trail is cold, but becomes clear that they are on to something because they also are encountering resistance and it becomes increasingly unsafe. You have to set some disbelief aside, which was easily done as the action and danger increases. The setting itself becomes an important part of the intricate plot. 4.5 rounded up.

Another great novel by Katie Tallo! Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Under Her Skin

Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley
11/27/24; ebook
Inkubator Books

Under Her Skin by Jessica Huntley is a recommended psychological thriller.

Natasha has been struggling to make ends meet since she left home and had her son Max. Now Max, seventeen, has gotten into trouble, the kind of trouble they need to run away from. Their escape is an unexpected inheritance from an aunt she never knew. She has been left a house in the country and a small amount of money. When they arrive at the house, it needs a lot of work, but hopefully she and her son will be safe here. They both find jobs in town and she hires Henry, a local builder who offers his services at a reduced rate.

There is no doubt that Under Her Skin held my complete attention. The narrative is divided into three parts and the plot moves at a fast pace. Not all developments in the plot are explained as well as they could be, but once started, I kept reading right to the end.

At first I was focused on the annoying characters and bad parenting. Max had an attitude and acted like a spoiled teen. Natasha's reaction to him was to cuddle him, excusing and enabling his bad behavior. Once they were away from the city, Natasha continued to make poor choices. She is also off her anxiety meds, cold turkey, and I kept mentally telling her to go to a doctor and get her prescription.

Once Henry started helping and a secret was found during renovations suddenly terrible secrets to keep, threatening behavior, and intimidation comes into play. At this point I had to set disbelief aside as the plot veers way off into a totally different direction. Max seemed to control himself a bit better, while Natasha's personality changes drastically. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Family Home

The Family Home by L H Stacey
11/20/24; 322 pages
Boldwood Books

The Family Home by L H Stacey is a recommended mystery.

Nine years ago Hattie Gilby's father was killed and her mother, Imogen, was seriously injured and has been under constant care ever since. At that time Hattie left her home and hasn't been back since. Now she has received calls from her brothers Adam and Luke, and her cousin Louisa, telling her that her mother is in hospice care and has something she wants to say to her children while they are all there. Imogen hasn't talked for years as it was a struggle so it has to be important. Hattie returns home to face her brothers and hear what her mother has to say.

After an attention grabbing opening, the pace evens out until the end. The narrative alternates between events from nine years ago and the present day and are mainly from Hattie's point-of-view with a few chapters from Sophie, the wife of a former boyfriend/neighbor, and an ending chapter from another character. The alternating timeline serves a purpose, but wasn't entirely successful as the information and background could have covered the events it needed to with fewer chapters.

None of the characters are fully realized as unique individuals and they are all unlikable. Actually, Hattie became more disagreeable as the novel continued. It would have been nice to actually care about one of the characters as the ending approached.

While the plot did keep me reading, I predicted the direction the story was taking early on and was disappointed that I was correct. There are several times you need to suspend disbelief while reading. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Raised by Wolves

Raised by Wolves by James Patterson and Emily Raymond
11/5/24; 368 pages
Grand Central Publishing

Raised by Wolves by James Patterson and Emily Raymond is a very highly recommended mystery that will grab your attention from the first page.

In the small town of Kokanee Creek, Idaho, two barefoot and grubby teens are acting feral while ransacking the snack isle at Grizzly Grocery and Bait Shop. Police Chief Chester Greene arrives with a deputy. The two aren't talking, only growling, and when they try to run he has no choice but to handcuff the two and put them in jail. They eventually begin to talk. Chester learns they are sister and brother, Kai and Holo. Kai asserts they have no last name as they were raised by wolves - but she is also well spoken.

Chester and his partner, Lacey, take Kai and Holo into their home while trying to determine who they are. The FBI also turns up and is interested in who they are and where they came from. The two, who claim to be 17 and 14, are enrolled in the local high school, which brings additional problems.

The pace is fast in this well-written, intriguing mystery. The narrative alternates between the point-of-view of Kai and Chester. From Kai we learn that the two know how to survive in the wild and they really do have a family of wolves. There are many mentions of how they must always be alert and watchful for any threat, which serves them well as they negotiate high school. Readers will wonder why the two came into civilization, but that becomes clear later. The FBI remains involved in the story.

The high school scenes prompt the feeling that it could be relatable and suitable for YA readers as the two are clearly outsiders in that culture. However, it held my complete, definitely adult, attention also. Kai and Holo are interesting characters, which certainly helps. The plot becomes increasingly complicated as more players get involved in the narrative and there are a couple twists along the way.

Raised by Wolves is an entertaining, enjoyable mystery that moves at a quick pace and is engaging throughout. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Lie To Me

Lie To Me by Theo Baxter
11/17/24; 290 pages
Inkubator Books

Lie To Me by Theo Baxter is a recommended psychological thriller following a mystery author who may be slowly losing her mind.

Author Elena Winthrop survived a difficult childhood, the death of her assistant Lila, and putting up with a cheating, lazy husband. She's getting her anxiety under control and manages to hire a new assistant, Carlotta, who quickly becomes a great help to her. Then her house is broken into, the hate mail and calls begin to increase, she's getting messages from a man who is watching her, and ominous gifts begin to show up at her house. Thank goodness for her friend and editor, Beatrice, who recommends Elena hire a PI to help.

This is a tension-packed psychological thriller due to everything that is happening in Elena's life. The intense and repetitive events that seem to be threatening her sanity sometimes make it difficult to connect with Elena as a sympathetic character. It isn't always clear if she is too trustworthy or too naive. Her thoughts also tend to be repetitive, which does serve to magnify her fears, but can be aggravating. It makes you wonder why she didn't turn to Beatrice, a welcomed, strong character, for help more often. The PI, Jack, is also a welcomed addition to the novel.

The drawback to Lie To Me is that it is easy to figure out what is going on early on. It is a fast read and there is a further twist at the end, however, that will be a big surprise. Thanks to Inkubator Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Twelfth Floor

The Twelfth Floor by Michelle Kidd
11/14/24; 400 pages
Joffe Books
DI Jack Macintosh #6

The Twelfth Floor by Michelle Kidd is a highly recommended procedural and murder mystery. This is 6th in the series but works well as a standalone novel.

DI Jack Macintosh is back with his team, DS Chris Cooper, DS Amanda Cassidy, and DC Trevor Daniels on the trail of a murderer who left a horrific crime scene which included dismembered body parts at an empty flat on the twelfth floor of a rundown tower block. The following day more dismembered body parts are found at another scene. This case brings the team into the under belly of the city and adds even more stress to Jack's life.

This well-written procedural and murder mystery follows both the police investigation and several suspects as well as potential victims of the fiendish killer in the narrative. The tension remains high throughout the novel as the team is racing against time to solve the murders and prevent any new victims from meeting their demise. The complicated plot is very intriguing, but also descriptive. The details of the crimes are very graphic, so readers may need to consider that beforehand.

Jack Macintosh is a fully realized character and he receives even more development in this installment of the series. It was easy to follow the plot even though this is the first novel in the series that I have read. The ending is heart stopping and very satisfying. Thanks to Joffe Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Darker Than the Sky

Darker Than the Sky by Matt Tracy
11/23/24; 296 pages
Chiloe Press/BooksGoSocial

Darker Than the Sky by Matt Tracy is a highly recommended adventure tale and the story of a man's life.

Van always ties plane crashes to bad things happening in his life, so when a plane crashes near his ranch in Northern California, he is conflicted. Before the pilot succumbs to his injuries, he tells Van to save the toolbox in the plane. The box is filled up with mostly undecipherable notes concerning searching for lost gold. The notes do bring new clues to an old treasure map Van owns. This leads to a gold seeking camping trip with his son Josh. 

Van and Josh pack their equipment, take horses, and head into the mountains to look for gold. During the trip Van takes to opportunity to bond with his son and shares his life story. They also meet Russ, another man out camping who Van knew when they were children. Russ tells great stories around the campfire while drinking whiskey, but there is a sense of danger around him too.

There is a Western vibe to the narrative, based mainly on the setting and action, but it is also a deep dive into Van's psyche, his life story, family, regrets, ambitions, and insights. The writing is slightly uneven. It is excellent in much of the story, especially in the descriptions of the land and wilderness, in action scenes, and as the two search for gold. It is engaging when Van is sharing his life story. It becomes less compelling when the narrative wades into his thoughts, feelings, regrets, musings, and emotional healing.

Van is a fully realized character considering there is so much written concerning his history, thoughts, memories, and struggles in the past and present. The association of airplane crashes with his personal fate is thoroughly explored. Josh is less explored as a character.

Enjoy Darker Than the Sky for the Northern California setting, the action/adventure story and the deep dive into a man's life. Thanks to BooksGoSocial for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

That Care Forgot

That Care Forgot by James Warren
10/28/24; 304 pages
The Book Folks

That Care Forgot by James Warren is a highly recommended legal crime thriller that occurs in two time periods and cities.

In Los Angelas Rebecca Holt, a junior attorney, is handed a pro bono case of a convicted felon by a firm partner. She has to go to the prison to talk to Nick Malone about his upcoming parole hearing. Once there, Nick would rather discuss the Crescent City Killer, a a serial killer from New Orleans in the 1990's. Over the span of several visits Rebecca tries to get Nick to discuss his upcoming parole hearing while Nick insists on continuing his detailed story of the assistant district attorney and police investigation from the past.

As the narrative continues, Nick's details and insider information into the case become suspect. Why does he have so much insider information about the notorious case?

This is a well-written debut novel that displays keen insight into the corruption that can run rampant behind the scenes of a high profile investigation. As a former attorney and federal prosecutor, author James Warren has the experience and background to add details and observations to the novel that help create an atmosphere of suspense while building the tension as the plot unfolds.

The two timelines finally show a connection at the end. Some suspension of disbelief is required. Additionally, the dual stories and time periods weren't completely effective here as the story from the past is the much more compelling and interesting investigation. The characters from this time period are also more fully realized.

That Care Forgot is a good choice for those who enjoy legal crime thrillers. Thanks to The Book Folks for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Fatal Endings

Fatal Endings by Anita Waller
11/13/24; 295 pages
Boldwood Books
Forrester Detective Agency #3

Fatal Endings by Anita Waller is a highly recommended investigative mystery and the third book in the Forrester Detective Agency series.

Matt Forrester is a former police detective who is now working as a private investigator. His life partner is Detective Inspector Karen Nelson. When Karen is called out to investigate a body found, the last call the woman made was to Matt, tying him into the case. It appears it was a drug related robbery. This is followed by another murder. This time Matt is on a job and finds a young teen dead. When Karen and the team arrive they discover evidence that ties his murder to the first one.

There are several different plot threads in the well-written novel, with the main one obviously involving the murder investigations. The investigations and the details involved are all interesting, logical, and easy to follow. The pacing is fast with developments quickly following one after another with some twists along the way. There is a jaw-dropping, shocking twist that is a game changer.

Even though Fatal Endings is the third book in the series starting with Fatal Secrets, followed by Fatal Lies, it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. There is enough background information within the novel to easily follow the connections between people. Harry, Steve, and Hermia are back with new developments and Carol, the astute office manager, is also present. I hope the series will continue. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Cabinet of Curiosities by Aaron Mahnke
11/12/24; 336 pages
St. Martin's

Cabinet of Curiosities: A Historical Tour of the Unbelievable, the Unsettling, and the Bizarre by Aaron Mahnke, is the very highly recommended collection of stories from his podcast which are edited by Harry Marks.

Self described as tales of wonderful, astounding, and downright bizarre people, places, and things throughout history, these short nonfiction selections are perfect for those who like history and trivia in a quick, short, often humorous format. While familiar with many of the events/tales presented, I am unfamiliar with the podcast but immediately appreciated this collection as one that can entertain and educate.

This is one of those collections that you can pick up, read a few stories, set aside and pick it back up whenever the mood hits you. They are organized by topic, so a reader could chose to read tales from just one topic or browse through several. All the stories are truly strange and interesting pieces of history. Many of the selections are suitable for ages 10 and up. The stories are also intentionally short, so don't expect a scholarly deep dive into any one event, although you could undertake this on your own if interested.

After I read Cabinet of Curiosities, I immediately knew this is an excellent gift choice for several people. Of them, one is a trivia lover and this would become a coffee table/bathroom reader to pick up as the mood strikes. Another loves history and would likely use the stories as an impetus to looking further into a topic. Thanks to St. Martin's Press for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

To Die For

To Die For by David Baldacci
11/12/24; 432 pages
Grand Central Publishing
Travis Devine #3

To Die For by David Baldacci is a very highly recommended action thriller and the third book in the Travis Devine series. Don't miss this one!

Ex-Army Ranger Travis Devine, the 6:20 Man, is sent to the Pacific Northwest to aid the FBI in protecting/escorting twelve-year-old orphan Betsy Odom to a meeting with her uncle, wealthy businessman Danny Glass. Right now the FBI has temporary guardianship of Betsy, but Glass has applied to become the girl’s legal guardian after the death of her parents. Currently Glass is under investigation for RICO charges. Devine just happened to know Glass from years ago when they were both serving in the military.

After meeting Betsy, questions begin to arise about what really happened to her parents. Their death is being called an overdose but Betsy insists her parents never did drugs. She begs Devine to look into what really happened to her parents, which requires a trip to Ricketts. The small town exudes an suspicious, corrupt vibe right from the start and becomes a very dangerous place for Devine, who calls himself "a closer, snooper, fixer, investigator,” and, when necessary, a killer." Oh, and "the girl on the train" is still after Devine.

To Die For is a compelling, well-written, fast-paced, well-plotted, riveting, action packed thriller that will hold your complete attention throughout. Even though it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone novel, at which point you will likely want to read the previous two books, The 6:20 Man and The Edge. There is so much going on in the novel but it is so well written that the complications are easy to follow as you race through the pages to see what happens next.

Betsy is hands down a wonderful, memorable character. She's twelve-years-old, but as Devine says, she's going on forty-two and mature beyond her years. The rest of the supporting cast is equally interesting. All the characters are portrayed as fully realized individuals. 

Non-stop action, an engrossing, complicated plot, interesting characters, and a great ending equal a superb action thriller. I certainly hope there is a fourth book in the series. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Lazarus Man

Lazarus Man by Richard Price
11/12/24; 352 pages
Macmillan/Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Lazarus Man by Richard Price is a highly recommended literary novel and in-depth character study. It follows four characters who are impacted by the collapse of a five-story tenement in East Harlem, 2008, where six tenants were killed and many are missing.

Anthony Carter is a 42-year-old unemployed teacher and recovering from a substance-use disorder. After being buried under rubble for 36 hours, his miraculous survival transforms him into a man with a message and a symbol of hope. Felix Pearl is a young freelance photographer who documents life on the street and the aftermath of the explosion. Royal Davis is the owner of a failing Harlem funeral home who uses the disaster to try and increase business. Mary Roe is a veteran NYPD detective with a complicated home life. She is in charge of finding the missing and becomes obsessed with finding one of them, Christopher Diaz.

The well-written literary narrative follows these four characters and others residents creating a portrait of them along with their East Harlem neighborhood amidst the disaster of the collapsed building. All the fully-realized characters are permanently impacted by the disaster in some way and yet they find ways to cope, survive and thrive through the difficulties. The narrative frequently shifts through the multiple viewpoint.

Lazarus Man is heavy on the exploration and development of the characters while being light in an overarching plot that pulls all the pieces together. It does capture the activity and experiences of the characters in the urban community and brings the setting to life as they deal with a disaster. 

I loved the in-depth character development but wanted a stronger plot. Thanks to Macmillan for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

April Storm

April Storm by Leila Meacham
11/12/24; 272 pages
HarperCollins

April Storm by Leila Meacham is a highly recommended domestic suspense novel for fans. It is being posthumously published after her death in 2021 at age 83.

Living in her dream house in Avon, Colorado, Kathryn Walker, is the 40-something wife of a successful orthopedic surgeon, Drew, and the mother of two adult children. April has always been a difficult month for Kathryn and this year is no different. It was the month their first child died and this year it seems that a private detective is following her. She thought it was a stalker, but local rancher and formerly military Special Forces officer Mike McCoy, notices the PI and warns her that he is tracking all her movements.

Then a library volunteer who happens to resemble Kathryn is deliberately hit by a car. It is clear that Kathryn was supposed to be the target and now she has an unknown man trying to kill her. Her husband, Drew, doesn't seem too concerned and is preoccupied with something else. Kathryn is concerned he is planning to leave her. McCoy has been privately looking into what is happening and protecting Kathryn while the two work to figure out who is responsible.

While Kathryn is a likable character, you will wonder why she doesn't simple directly confront her husband about her suspicions. Much of that whole stressful situation could have been eliminated with some realistic discussions rather than subterfuge. McCoy's inclusion and help is a little too fortuitous.

The suspense and suspicions run rampant in this carefully plotted novel. You will have to set disbelief aside for parts, but considering Meacham passed away before she could do some editing or revising, her novel does hold your attention and reaches a satisfying conclusion.

Fans who have been waiting for this final novel to be published will be pleased. Thanks to HarperCollins for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.