The Murder Machine

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham
4/29/25; 304 pages
MIRA Books/Harlequin

The Murder Machine by Heather Graham is a recommended investigative procedural which explores artificial intelligence being used to kill. 

A Florida receptionist at a law firm, Marci Warden, is found dead in her home, apparently killed by her smart house turning against her. With two other reported cases of AI being used to kill via boat and car, FBI Special Agents Victoria Tennant and Jude Mackenzie team up to investigate what is happening.  They know that a machine can only do what it's been programmed to do so they need to find out who is behind the attacks. 

The plot starts out strong with a real sense of trepidation and fear that AI could be used to attack. Then this build up is wasted as the narrative continues, losing steam, and relaxes into a basic procedural while the two agents become enamored with each other. There are other AI "attacks" but no true deep dive focus on the sci-fi, technical aspects of AI and malware which left me gravely disappointed.

Once the plot settles comfortably into a basic procedural the pace slowed down and it quickly began to lose my interest. It did help, however, when Clover, a large dog, was added to the cast of characters. It was expected, naturally, that the two agents would become targets. The dialogue between Mackenzie and Tennant seemed stilted along with their increasing interest in each other.

The Murder Machine is recommended for those who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to MIRA for providing me with an advance reader's copy via Edelweiss. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Dark Edge

The Dark Edge by Nick Louth
4/24/25; 334 pages
Canelo Crime
DI Jan Talantire #3

The Dark Edge by Nick Louth is a highly recommended police procedural and the third book in the DI Jan Talantire series set in Devon.

DI Jan Talantire is investigating the death of Joanne Dexter after she apparently fell off a cliff trying to retrieve her elderly mother's hat. At first it appears to be an accident, but as more evidence is collected it becomes clear that it may have been murder and some of the witnesses are lying. Complicating matters is the fact that Joanne work for a UK intelligence agency and Talantire doesn't have the security clearance needed to hear all information. At the same time the sexual harassment case is ongoing.

This is an intricate, complicated investigation with plenty of twists and surprising discoveries along the way. I found the case Talantire was on in the previous book was more interesting, but this is still a well-written and expertly plotted addition to the series. Expect several subplots and misleading clues while the team sorts through all the clues and conduct interviews.

As the third book in the series, Talantire's character development is ongoing. She is portrayed as a tough, intelligent and compelling character with strengths and flaws, however, it also feels like her character is written from a male perspective. There are also a plethora of other characters to keep track of while reading, including members of her team and various suspects and witnesses. 

The Dark Edge will best be appreciated by readers who enjoy procedurals and who have read the two previous books in the series. Thanks to Canelo Crime for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Welcome to West Street

Welcome to West Street by Nicole Trope
4/22/25; 304 pages
Bookouture

Welcome to West Street by Nicole Trope is a highly recommended psychological thriller. It must be said that Nicole Troupe can be relied upon to always write a page-turner.

Amanda and her two children have moved into a house, sight unseen, in an attempt to escape her abusive husband. Her husband Mike is abroad on business and will return home to find divorce papers. Amanda's son Jordan, 11, is angry and yelling about the situation while her daughter Kiera, 9, is usually happy but struggling, missing her friends. Amanda is sure that this is the safest place for them to be.

Caroline, a neighbor, is watching the new family's every move. They have secrets on their street and like to keep things quiet. She also likes to have readily available for her use all the information about everyone. Now she needs to find out the secret behind the new family moving to their street.

This is another fast paced, twisty, domestic psychological thriller that will hold your complete attention throughout. It is full of characters with secrets and you won't know who to trust. It becomes clear that things may not be what they seem to be but the question about what is really going on isn't answered until the shocking ending.

The narrative unfolds through the point-of-view of Amanda and Caroline. You can feel Amanda's pain and fear over what is going to happen. Caroline is a completely different character who comes across as cool as a cucumber but with something to hide. The reliability of all the characters will be in question at some point during the novel.

You may have to suspend disbelief a time or two, but the drama and twists in Welcome to West Street will be worth it. Thanks to Bookouture for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Hidden in Smoke

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg
4/22/25; 300 pages
Thomas & Mercer
Sharpe & Walker #3

Hidden in Smoke by Lee Goldberg is a very highly recommended investigative procedural following two different story lines and the third installment of the Sharpe & Walker series. Although you don't have to read the others in the series to enjoy Hidden in Smoke, Goldberg does suggest you might want to read the previous novels in this case.

The main story line follows Los Angeles County arson investigators Walter Sharpe and Andrew Walker as they are assigned to a series of arson fires at apartment buildings. When they are coming close to a suspect, a major fire breaks out under part of the I-10 Freeway and closes it down. Sharpe and Walker are pulled off their original investigation and put on the freeway disaster.

Complicating matter is that contractor George Petroni, who is experienced in repairing infrastuctures after a fire, has already cleared the scene in anticipation of repairs, thus destroying any forensic evidence. Sharpe and Walker, however, are not defeated and uncover clues indicating an even larger problem. They end up calling in homicide detectives Eve Ronin and Duncan Pavone to assist them.

A second story line involves Danny Cole, the con man from Malibu Burning (2023), and a favor Walker asks him to do, after finding him. It involves wealthy businessman Roland Slezak and the increasing drug prices one of his companies is now charging. Danny calls in his cohorts and sets up an elaborate scheme to do this.

The action is fast-paced and the investigations are interesting, compelling, and multifaceted. Admittedly, sometimes you have to set disbelief aside and in other cases there is some dialogue that goes over the top, but when taken in all together this really is a satisfying , entertaining novel that held my complete attention throughout. The second plot line is much shorter so the focus is really on the arson investigations of Sharpe and Walker, joined in part by Ronin and Pavone.

All the characters are well known for those who follow their series. Their characters are established along with all of their various strengths, weaknesses, and piccadillos. It's always enjoyable to follow a well planned plot following a logical investigation with characters you know.

Hidden in Smoke is a perfect choice for those who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to Thomas & Mercer for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

1960s Nostalgia Activity Book for Seniors

1960s Nostalgia Activity Book for Seniors by Purple Moon Publishing

2/10/25; 128 pages

Purple Moon Publishing

1960s Nostalgia Activity Book for Seniors by Purple Moon Publishing is a fun retro-themed activity book. This is highly recommended for seniors but also for those who enjoy the 60s music, TV, movies, etc. 

In the book are a variety of activities including matching word puzzles, word scrambles, fill in the lyrics, cryptograms, trivia quizzes, word searches, crossword puzzles, and mazes. Covered are a wide variety of interests -music (with a focus on individual bands too), space race, civil rights movement, hippies, feminist movement, art, TV shows (with some focus on individual shows), movies, fashion, car culture, sports, toys, political events, and advertising slogans. An index to solutions pages is at the front of the book, with the answers beginning at page 100.  The illustrations are in back and white illustrations and it is in large print.

The music section should be popular with younger users and almost everyone who even causally listens to music should know the songs. Audiophiles and music enthusiasts will appreciate this section. At the opening are twelve QR codes for a 1960s playlist, which kind of had me chuckling knowing QR codes aren't always highly popular with seniors. The TV trivia section will also appeal to a wide age range with so many people who have likely watch them through reruns. This same appeal can apply to movies, sports, toys, etc. 

It is a theme through the activity book that people of any age who enjoy the individual areas of 60s trivia will likely enjoy doing the activities which makes this an activity book that others beyond seniors can enjoy. Thanks to Purple Moon Publishing for providing me with an advance reader's copy via LibraryThing's Earlier Reviewers. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

Blood on the Vine

Blood on the Vine by J. T. Falco
4/22/25; 320 pages
Crooked Lane Books

Blood on the Vine by J. T. Falco is a highly recommended procedural following the investigation into the recent murder of two young women.

A former resident of Napa Valley, FBI agent Lana Burrell, returns over twenty years later to investigate what may be a situation with an active serial killer. The complications in returning involve the case of her father who is in prison for killing her best friend Jess many years ago at a Napa Valley vineyard. Returning to the area after being gone for years mean Lana must face her memories but she will also have insight into the area and the residents. Once there, Lana notices a man who is following her and she has questions if a cult might be involved.

The narrative opens up with one of the victims fleeing the killer, which immediately grabs your attention. Then readers are introduced to Lana, who is a clearly a flawed, wounded individual. She is also, ultimately, a fully realized intelligent, insightful and competent character. The introduction to her liaison with the sheriff's department, Deputy Essie Leroux, adds some comic relief, but the sixty-year-old recent police academy graduate proves her competence and abilities.

In this well-written, fast-paced procedural, there are several suspects, along with many questions and directions the investigation can go. Clearly, there are a whole lot of secrets individuals are hiding and expect some twists. Between chapters are various pieces of evidence related to the case which includes news articles, interviews, filed court cases, etc., which add depth, background information, and insight into the investigation. This is a debut novel, but written by an experienced writer and it shows.

Blood on the Vine is a perfect choice for those who enjoy procedurals. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.

The Bookseller

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan
3/18/25; 368 pages
Aria & Aries
DS Cross Series #7

The Bookseller by Tim Sullivan is a highly recommended procedural and the seventh book in the series featuring DS George Cross.

Torquil Squire is the 90 year-old owner of Squires Rare Books in Bristol. The family business is currently ran by his son Ed, with assistants Sam and Persephone (Percy). When Torquil heads to London for the day to attend a rare book auction, he returns in the evening to find his son, Ed, dead and Percy locked in the bathroom upstairs. DS George Cross and his partner DI Josie Ottey are called in to investigate and must figure out who would want to kill Ed and how the business of rare and antique books works.

George Cross is neurodivergent. He is a tenacious, brilliant, and insightful investigator who is also socially awkward and struggles following social cues. On the job his differences make him a formidable investigator who can follow and catch clues others might miss. At the same time as the murder investigation is underway George's father, Raymond has a brain tumor diagnosis. He has a stroke during surgery and is now facing a longer recovery. His father's situation makes George consider retiring from the force to care for his dad.

For those who enjoy following the clues in detailed, intricate procedurals, The Bookseller would be a good choice. This is part of a series though it can still be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, it is easy to see where reading the previous books in the series would be beneficial. It did seem a little long and drawn out at times. Thanks to Aria & Aries for providing me with an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.