Charleston Conundrum by Stacy Wilder Great Escapes Tour My Review

 August 22 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW 

 

About the book  

A Cozy Mystery With a Twist…

Liz Adams never imagined when she moved to Charleston with her truth sniffing Labrador retriever, Duke, that she would use her skills as a private investigator to avoid winding up on Death Row.

Liz’s life is upended when her best friend, Peg, is murdered and she becomes a suspect.Liz’s gun was the murder weapon. Tensions flare between Liz and the cops as she rises to the top of their suspect list.

 

At the request of Peg’s father, Liz agrees to take on the investigation. Riding a roller coaster of emotions, Liz uncovers many secrets Peg kept from her despite their being best friends. The suspects include a cast of characters: the ex-husband, the boyfriend, a coworker, several neighbors, and family members.

Charleston Conundrum takes the reader from Charleston, South Carolina, to Paris and back in the emotional unraveling of Peg’s life and death to a killer ending.

And I thought  

My regular  readers know how much I love covers!

This one 'Got  Me'! 

I was genuinely lured right in to begin turning the pages. 

And turn them I did at break neck speed. 

It is hard to know what  I liked best.  

I loved the characters.  Well most of them. 

I loved the locale and Liz's background in Charleston  Society.  

And then we flee off to Paris.  Well just wow.  Found a few surprises. 

And as everything  was finally  wrapped up with a surprise  ending. 

I am glad that Author Stacy Wilder chose to promote  her book with Great Escapes  Book Tours! 

I can't wait for book Two. 

My review  will appear on retail sites and Good Reads.  

Buy the book  

– Amazon – B&N – Google – Blue Willow Bookshop – Murder by the Books 

Visit the tour 

To read more reviews and  special posts click Here

Love & Secrets in Hyacinth Bay by Sarah Ryan My Review

 

About the book 

A storm’s brewing over the beach town of Hyacinth Bay—and lives are on the line.

Kristy Reed always loved to visit her grandmother’s beach house as a child. Now, a divorcee of 43, she has inherited the house after her grandmother’s passing. It helps that she’s now close to Abigail, the sixteen-year-old daughter of Kristy’s best friend, June Davenport, who disappeared ten years ago. If only she didn’t have to face Abigail’s uncle, who Kristy once thought she would marry…

Shane Davenport never thought he would still be living in Hyacinth Bay at the age of 45. After June’s disappearance, Shane set aside his dreams to help raise Abigail, since his brother, Gerald, was too busy with work. He loves her like she’s his own daughter, but he tiptoes around Gerald, knowing his brother will cut off communication if he gets angry enough…

When Abigail and Gerald are presumed dead after being lost in a storm, Shane and Kristy join forces to find them—reigniting the spark between them that never truly died. But as they uncover more and more secrets, will their growing attraction save them… or will it put their lives in greater danger?

This beachside mystery romance is a beautifully crafted adventure of love, family, and mystery that will keep you curious and wanting more. If you enjoy contemporary women’s fiction and clean romance, this series is a must-read for you!

This is Book 1 of 6 in A Hyacinth Bay Mystery Romance Series. 

And I thought 

This could be a really great read. 

There are great bones.  Great characters.  A suspenseful story. 

But . . . 

I had no clue this was a short story that would end in a cliffhanger. 

With no questions answered. 

I enjoy series. 

I enjoy stories that build from book 1 to 2 and so on. 

I do not like Novellas.  I do not like covers that do not tell you this is a novella.  Or short story. 

More than likely I will probably not read the rest of this series unless I find a really good deal. 

And that is sad because I think the author has a great story. 

I would love to see if my suspicion that Gerald really isn't dead is right. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author. 

My review will appear on Amazon Good Reads.

Buy the book 

Available on Amazon

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Something Fishy This Way Comes by Gabby Allan Great Escapes Book Tour My Review/Giveaway

About the book 

Take in the wild beauty of Santa Catalina Island with tour guide and eclectic gift shop owner Whitney Dagner. On the itinerary: dramatic Pacific coastlines, diverse marine life, and murder!

Since returning home from mainland California and finding her groove with the family tourism business, Whitney Dagner’s daily routine has become a wonderfully chaotic adventure. She and her nimble kitty, Whiskers, often find themselves at the center of the action on Catalina, from staged treasure hunts to gossipy birdwatchers. But before Whit can get too comfortable in the place where she grew up, a gift shop order leads to a stunning discovery—someone’s dead body . . . 

And I thought 

A fun twisty and turning ride filled with murder and suspects and family secrets.  And family feuds. 

Lots of fun and quirky characters to make you feel at home on Santa Catalina Island.  

Even though there is a murderer lurking around there is lots to do for main character Whitney is as she tries to settle in.  But with murder a foot Whitt needs to get answers before she can settle in. 

I enjoyed turning the pages and following the the twists and turns. 

This was a fun read! 

I received my a complimentary copy.  My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads.

Buy the book 

– Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play – IndieBound –

Visit the tour

 

Giveaway 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Crossfire by Lynette Eason My Review

 

About the book 

She's never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her sister.

FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator, but when her much younger sister, Dottie, needs a place to live while she finishes high school, Julianna's skills will be put to the test.

Former sniper Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life, he's working as a resource officer at a school. Dottie's school.

When Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister, he's impressed--and, if he's honest, a bit intimidated--by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, and invites her to speak at the school.

But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.

And I thought 

I have been a fan of Lynette Eason for several years having begun reading her books from my local library. 

I was pleased to find this title offered through Net Galley.  

As a fan of Lynette  Eason I immediately  became interested.  But the cover really lured me in. 

Author Lynette  Eason gives the reader a page turning  suspenful read that is hard to put down. 

Being hard to put down is one aspect of a great book. 

A smile, laugh or giggle is another plus. 

This suspenseful story didn’t  cause any giggles but a full on 'Gasp' keep this reader turning the pages! 

I feel lucky to have enjoyed these characters  and the setting.  

It is always a pleasure  to read Lynette Eason's Syspense. 

I received a free copy through a NetGalley  promotion. 

My review  will appear on Amazon and Good Reads 

Buy the book 

Available on Amazon 

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Dog Days of Summer Meet The Character Andi Grace- Low Country Dog Walker by Jackie Layton

 

I’m Andi Grace Scott. I’m a dog walker in Heyward Beach, South Carolina. At thirty years old, I’m the matriarch of our little family. Nate is my younger brother, and Lacey Jane is the baby of the family. We’re a tight group, and there’s nothing we won’t do to help each other.

In Bite the Dust, I’m a suspect in Peter Roth’s murder. In Dog-Gone Dead, Nate is accused of murdering one of the men in our town. Of course he was innocent, and there’s no way I wasn’t going to help catch the real killer.

I never back down from a challenge, whether it’s raising my siblings or trying to make better decisions about my eating habits. Taking care of others is also something that comes naturally to me, whether it’s a person or animal. My German shepherd appeared one day, and she’s been with me ever since.

I’ve always lived in Heyward Beach, and the locals are like family. For example, Tony Russo, owns the local pizza restaurant. The only thing bigger than his smile is his heart. After my parents died, he kept an eye on us to make sure we never went hungry. Doc Hewitt gave me a job in his veterinary clinic despite my lack of experience. A few years later, with Doc’s blessing, I started my dog walking business. The flexible schedule allowed me to keep up with my siblings and their after-school activities.

I’m not a matchmaker for people, but I have a talent of pairing animals with people. My long-term goal is to build a dog shelter where no animal ever fears for his life. They will be well cared for and loved as long as they are with me.

To the dismay of our local sheriff, I have a knack for solving murders. It’s hard to believe Heyward Beach has so much crime, but I’m doing my best to catch the killers. I’ve also had a few close calls, but I try to play it safe and not do anything too stupid.

Come visit us in Heyward Beach for fun and relaxation. Just don’t come our way if you’re planning to commit murder. I’d rather chat with you over a cup of coffee than question you about an alibi. Hope to see you soon!

Visit the authors website to learn more about the Low Country Dog Walker Series Click Here

Dog Days of Summer feat. Cold Case pursuit by Dana Mentink. Book Spotlight

About the book  

Product Description

A cold case solved by the K-9 unit…

but the past is not so easily escaped.

Decades after her parents’ murders, Penelope McGregor’s grateful the killer’s finally been identified—until he comes after her. Now Detective Tyler Walker and his K-9 partner, Dusty, must protect Penelope and catch the culprit…while making sure his little girl stays out of the crosshairs. But can the single father outplay a killer whose endgame will leave no one safe? 

Buy the book  

Available on Amazon

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Visit Dana click Here 

Last But Not Leashed by Eileen Brady My Review for Dog Days of Summer

 

About the book 

pleasing mélange of mystery and pet lore." — Kirkus Reviews

In the second installment of this animal-themed cozy series, Dr. Kate Turner has one New Year's resolution: Stop finding corpses...

All Dr. Kate Turner wants to do is get her life in order before ringing in the new year, but with bodies turning up left and right, she'll have to trust her own instincts—and those of her beloved animals—to stop a killer in their tracks.

As the only veterinarian at Oak Falls Animal Hospital, Dr. Kate's life is complicated. She's swamped with hospital patients and house calls, a long-distance relationship with law student Luke Gianetti (that is less than perfect), and a handsome, flirtatious artist who sets his sights on her as his new muse.

When the body of Sookie Overmann is found outside the community center after her organization seminar, the entire town is hunting for answers. All of Kates hopes of quietly ringing in the new year are lost and when the body of Sookie's assistant falls with the confetti at midnight, she has no choice but to sniff out the killer.

And I thought 

I typically don't really research a new author until I write my review.  

I couldn't help but wonder about Eileen Brady.  I was thinking she had some excellent help and did a bunch of research because as I read I felt like I was really in a Dog hospital. 

The emergency scenes, the typical day appointments at the clinic were spot on. 

I really enjoyed reading this book. 

The mystery was entertaining and a bit twisty and turning taking the reader on a bit of a wild ride. 

When an author includes a sub plot or another story or mystery woven into the main plot speaks volumes to me and I realize just how well written the book is.  In this cc asr the mysterious hurt Pit Bull that shows up wrapped in a blanket by the clinic dumpster. 

Eventually his mystery is solved and he is reunited with his family. 

And through lots of interviews and and digging Dr. Kate manages to untangle the web of lies and deception and figure out who did it. 

This one will be on my picks of the year.  And I will be reading book 1 as soon as I get a chance.  

Author Eileen Brady is a veterinarian living in Scottsdale, Arizona. She is a wife and mother of two daughters and often has to chase her six cats and two dogs away from her laptop keyboard. The Kate Turner, DVM Mysteries is her first series. 

I was lucky to find a Buy It Now Free copy on Amazon.  

My review will appear on Amazon and Good Reads. 

The series 

Buy the book  

Available on Amazon

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