Category: Book Reviews

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The Child Across the Street by Kerry Wilkinson – Books On Tour (Review)

I thought this author’s last book, After the Accident, was one of the most unique books I have read. So, I was looking forward to seeing how he followed it up.

Abi returns home after several years away and is immediately witness to a hit and run. The victim turns out to be the son of one of her oldest friends, Jo. From there, things just sort of…happen.

Usually I mention atmosphere or setting later in a review, but I’m putting it near the top because in this case, the situation within Abi’s hometown plays a direct bearing on the characters. In some ways it as influential as any person is on others in the story.

One of the things that Abi and her friends consistently comment on is how much has changed, yet still stayed the same. Hendo’s shoe factory was the lifeblood of the town. Once that happened, it took a lot of the town spirit with it.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B089YSY1K3Social Apple: http://ow.ly/1HV350A4LdJ
Kobo: http://ow.ly/Yw7H50A4LbF Google: http://ow.ly/txga50A4LlE

I think this is vital, because that means the story can easily be translated to any small town where factories or industry have dried up. Once jobs are gone, people lose hope and behavior becomes well…sketchy.

That’s absolutely the case in point here. Abi herself is chased by demons and falls into the same patterns that took her father. Holly (another friend) seems to be involved in a desperate scheme for money – but she didn’t feel she had a lot of other choices.

And then there’s Jo and her family. Secrets and lies abound here. And really, nobody does or says exactly the truth. It’s up to Abi, in her defeated state of mind, to try to figure everything out.

I’m not saying anything else about the plot, because of those secrets. While not quite reaching the bar he set, this is still fine psychological suspense.

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Blog Tour (Review): Deadly Vengeance by OMJ Ryan

Deadly Silence was good; Deadly Waters was better. In Deadly Vengeance, the author really hits his stride.

I am deadly serious; I love these books.

The author knows how to grab a reader’s attention and weave a plot that keeps the action flowing and the pages turning.

This time, DCI Jane Phillips and her team have to find the kidnapped daughter of a munitions dealer before it’s too late. What could be a run-of-the-mill “teen held for ransom” story turns into so much more under this author’s guidance.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3glPeQ6 Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2AolDGu

Sure, there are the usual bits: huge ransoms, shady secrets, and a lot more going on than meets the eye. That’s all to be expected.

But the author adds in a unique tie to the military which gives the investigation depth. AND, there is a huge roadblock to the form of a hostage negotiator who is sent to “work with” DCI Phillips and her team as a result of the munitions dealer’s call to London.

Yeah, he’s a downright snob, and honestly, not so good at his job, if you ask me. But that is very apparent early on. Still, he serves as a distraction to the investigation which makes it more interesting.

As for the whole plot, you know that I’m not going to give you anything there. Suffice to say that you can expect a few gasps and lots of excitement, especially if you are familiar with the series.

Honestly, I don’t know how OMJ Ryan does it, but the books keep coming and maintain high standards of creativity. There’s no let-up. I think they keep getting better and better.

It’s early in the series, so jump in and read them all to catch up!

About OMJ Ryan:

Hailing from Yorkshire, OMJ Ryan worked in radio and entertainment for over twenty years, collaborating with household names and accumulating a host of international writing and radio awards. In 2018 he followed his passion to become a full-time novelist, writing stories for people who devour exciting, fast-paced thrillers by the pool, on their commute – or those rare moments of downtime before bed. Owen’s mission is to entertain from the first page to the last. 

Deadly Vengeance is the third Detective Jane Phillips book in the series and OMJ’s fourth book with Inkubator Books. 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OMJRYAN1 @OMJRYAN1
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OMJ-Ryan-2449880305025779/
Website: https://www.omjryan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omjryan/
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Books On Tour (Review): The Silent Dolls by Rita Herron

There’s a new detective in town, and Ellie Reeves is a force to be reckoned with as she navigates a missing child case that brings up dark memories.

I liked how the author jumped right into the story and didn’t waste a lot of time with slogging setups. Those are great, but sometimes in a new series, they can cause the real plot to be delayed until a bit later in the story. That’s not so in this case.   

Something happened to Ellie when she was a child, and her parents think it could still affect her. This is a problem because her dad is the Sheriff, and she wants to replace him when he retires. But will he choose her? We find out the answer to that very early in the book, and her father’s decision has direct bearing on the case as it is investigated.

Not all of the characters are open books with clear agendas. Ranger Cord McClain has secrets, and his demeanor comes across as equal parts knowledge and strength balanced with mystery. What does Eula Ann know (or not know), and how is she connected to the missing girls? Is special Agent Derrick Fox guided by his personal tragedies? Or does he have information that could blow the case wide open and expose long-held beliefs in the process? And just who is the Watcher?

(A quick side note about Special Agent Fox. He reminded me a lot of Fox Mulder from “The X-Files.” Driven by an almost identical past event, FBI agent, similar name…it’s all there. If you’re familiar with the show, you’ll know exactly what I mean as you read the book)

These questions unravel against the backdrop of a little girl who has gone missing along the Appalachian Trail. There’s a big winter storm barreling down, so time is of the essence. Ellie and the above- mentioned characters all have their parts to play.

I did like that it was set in the U.S., where locations were actually familiar. Don’t get me wrong, I love my UK Detective Inspectors, but it was a nice change to have terminology and locations that were actually familiar. I think it did make a difference in how I could picture the action.

I know that I haven’t said much about the plot, but I always err on the side of caution when it comes to mystery thrillers like this one. A simple mention of a plot point could give away a more significant thread, and we know how much I hate that. I may have actually done it already…or did I?

You’ll have to read for yourself. I have a feeling that this is going to be an excellent series, so get in on the ground floor and read the first book now. I already can’t wait for the next one.

Author Bio:
USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.

With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy, and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorritaherron/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritaherron
Website: www.ritaherron.com
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Books On Tour (Review): Summer at Orchard House by Ellyn Oaksmith

Technically a romance, this story of three sisters trying to save their dad’s vineyard is also a testament to the importance of keeping the American Dream alive. It’s the perfect story for the times.

Right off the bat, I could tell that the author had a vast knowledge of the inner-working of vineyards, a thought that was confirmed the further I read. Whether it was from experience or copious amounts of research, it showed in the details. It also made the vineyard almost a character itself, instead of just a pretty setting for a story.

I think this was important because the vineyard is central to the plot, and it being more than an inanimate object was added depth to the importance of the plot of land. It became symbolic of everything the family had in life.

That was my favorite part of the whole plotline. From the first phone call that Carmen receives from her sister through the stories that unfold, the reason why the vineyard must be saved is clear. It’s their lifeblood, their representation of their family, and their part of the American Dream. Everything that America is to millions of people.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2VGNo4H Apple: https://apple.co/2yH9JX8
Kobo: https://bit.ly/34fmiVl Google: https://bit.ly/2YTrT2v

I loved how Mr. Alvarez imbued that in his daughters, even if they didn’t exactly realize that at the time. I could relate to the feelings that Carmen had when she realized that she should have paid more attention to her father when she was younger. She regrets not learning from him more, and with his condition, it’s harder to do in the present time. That hit home for me.

I also liked how the author was fair to Evan, giving him depth as well. His character could have been the rich, annoying neighbor stereotype, and there were times that that kind of attitude appeared. However, I thought the author did him a great service in making him human and vulnerable. His first introduction where he felt lonely after meeting with Mr. Alvarez stuck with me through the whole book.

I really enjoyed the journey of all of the characters throughout the story. I would highly recommend this book for many reasons, but mainly for the attention to the heart of the story: the importance of maintaining and keeping sight of dreams.

Author Bio
Ellyn Oaksmith is a USA Today and Kindle bestselling author. After graduating from The American Film Institute, Ellyn was a screenwriter in Hollywood, pitching movies, rewriting scripts and navigating the Los Angeles freeways before Google Maps. Meeting movie stars was a fun and surreal perk.

Ellyn’s first book was published by Avon/Harper Collins. Other contemporary romances with smart, ambitious heroines followed.
Ellyn lives in Seattle, Washington with her husband and their polydactyl cat, Forest. Ellyn is an avid competitive rower. 

Website: http://ellynoaksmith.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllynOaksmith 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellynoaksmith/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ellynoaksmith  
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Books On Tour (Review): Her Shallow Grave by DK Hood

This is fast becoming one of my favorite series. I came in late at Her Broken Wings (#8), but have been trying to catch up since then. I’ve seen the progression. The writing is crisp, the characters are realistic and likable, and the villains are always super-creepy. This installment is no exception.

I really like how the author doesn’t beat around the bush. The action starts right away so there’s no guessing about where it’s headed and this one really takes the cake. The Sculptor is definitely one of the most chill-inducing and prolific baddies I have “met” in a book.

The camaraderie between Kane and Alton has grown over the series. They’ve been working together long enough that they’re a well-oiled machine. But that doesn’t mean they’ve become complacent. There’s a scene early on that illustrates just how “on top” of things they still are, especially Kane. The man is a beast.

The author also pays attention to secondary characters, giving them their own times to shine. FBI Agent Jo Wells and Bobby Kalo have their own parts to do. I especially like Bobby’s story.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B087378QTGSocial Apple: https://apple.co/2V88Oru
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2xyBosS Google: https://bit.ly/2wEG93K

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I realize these books read more like a popular tv show. The characters all have their strengths and together they make a team. The plots are self-contained, but have the through-plot lines that continue from book to book. I dig that.

I’m trying to avoid the plot, because I really think books like this need to be experienced, and I don’t want to be the one to spoil someone’s experience. I mentioned The Sculptor; he is as nuanced as the regular characters, and I appreciate the attention to detail. I also like that one of the victims did not act like a typical victim. I was rooting for her. And that’s all I am going to say about that.

This is one of the few series that I think you really can read as stand-alones, but I do think you miss the background of the team. So jump in now.

Author Bio:

I’ve always had a wicked sense of humour and was the kid who told the ghost stories around the campfire. I am lucky to have family all over the world and have spent many vacations in places from Paris France to Montana USA and Australia. I use the wonderful memories from these visits to enhance my stories.

My interest in the development of forensic science to solve crime goes back many years. I enjoy writing crime, mystery and thrillers. With many stories, waiting for me to write I’ll look forward to sharing many spine-tingling stories with you.

D.K. Hood is an active member of International Thriller Writers

Website: www.dkhood.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkhoodauthor/
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DKHood_Author
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Blog Tour (Review): The Last Wife by Karen Hamilton

I want to start this review with a disclaimer. I read this book when a LOT was going on around me. Some significant changes were occurring, and my time was split, so I was not able to dedicate extended periods of reading time to this book. I had to read it when I could catch a few minutes here and there. I think that had a significant bearing on why I struggled with this book.

I was intrigued by the set-up. Marie looks after her best friend Nina’s family in honor of Nina’s last wishes. But there’s more to it because Marie has always been jealous of Nina’s life. Is she altruistic, or does she have ulterior motives?

What she doesn’t know, but quickly finds out, is that Nina may have had ulterior motives of her own. She certainly kept a lot of secrets from Marie. As Marie uncovers hidden truths, little by little, her plan for the perfect life starts to fall apart.

Buy Links: 

Harlequin  Barnes & Noble Amazon

Books-A-Million Powell’s

As I said, it’s a great premise. My problem was continuity. Again, it could be due to the timing and how I had to read the book. But I felt like it was disjointed, and things did not flow smoothly.

I also never got a good grasp on Marie. Frankly, I didn’t like her. I thought she was manipulative and an opportunist. Perhaps that was the point, to have an unlikeable main character, but as everything was from her perspective, it made it difficult to get behind her. I found myself rooting for other characters to realize her duplicity.

There were some twists and curves, and the book did pick up after a while. It turns out that everyone Marie comes in contact with has secrets of their own. Ultimately everything is out in the open, and (no spoiler) Marie gets the ending she pretty much deserves.

I wish that I had been able to devote more attention to the book because I think I would have appreciated it a lot more. As it was, it was just okay. But give it a try if you have the time to devote to reading it.  You may have a completely different experience.  

Author Bio:

Social Links: Author Website Twitter: @KJHAuthor Instagram: @karenhamiltonauthor
Facebook: @KarenHamiltonWriter Goodreads

Karen Hamilton spent her childhood in Angola, Zimbabwe, Belgium and Italy and worked as a flight attendant for many years. Karen is a recent graduate of the Faber Academy and, having now put down roots in Hampshire to raise her young family with her husband, she satisfies her wanderlust by exploring the world through her writing. She is also the author of the international bestseller The Perfect Girlfriend.

Thanks for stopping by my stop on the Harlequin Trade Publishing 2020 Mystery & Thriller Summer Blog Tour. Be sure to check back over the next couple of months for more reviews!

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Book Review: The Vacation by T. M. Logan

My first introduction to this author was Lies.

Loved it.

Then came 29 seconds.

Another winner.

Now we have The Vacation, and I think it might be his best yet.

Logan is the King of Misdirection. Just when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t.

I absolutely love how he relates his stories. In this book, there is a slow build that follows one main character, with sporadic chapters from other characters’ points of view. There is no set “back and forth” switching; instead, the action moves seamlessly between the different perspectives.

The story belongs to Kate, who is vacationing with three college friends (and their families) at a villa in France. But secrets abound, and not even the youngest (5-year-old Odette) is immune. By the way, she’s also one of the brattiest kids I’ve ever read in a book. A lot is going on, but the author handles it all deftly. I felt Kate’s uncertainty, Rowan’s stress, and Jennifer’s worry (she’s quite the helicopter parent).

As with his other books, everything is laid out nicely, like place settings.  But then, like a magician, he pulls the tablecloth out from under them. Everything is still standing, but maybe slightly moved or altered. The last quarter of this book flew by. All of the revelations started to come to light, and the truth emerged shockingly. I honestly gasped a few times.

Do yourself a favor and grab this one as soon as it’s released (July 21). It’s the perfect summer thriller.    

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Book Review: What You Wish For by Katherine Center

There was an awful lot to like about this book. I enjoyed the school that Max and Babette created. I think that every kid could find a way to learn in an atmosphere like that. I also appreciated the seriousness of Duncan’s past experiences and how they shaped his perspective in his new school.

I thought that the journey of Sam was less successful. A major part of her character was not mentioned until later in the story. Then it all of a sudden became this huge part of her. It felt a little contrived. I would have appreciated it more if that had been a bigger issue in the beginning as well. As a result, I didn’t feel like I got a good grasp on her until more details were shared.

It was as if sections of the book got moved around in editing, and something that should have been earlier was moved to later. The subplot of Max and Babette’s daughter, Tina, and her son Clay also wasn’t fully recognized throughout the story. It was in the beginning and then a catalyst for the climax near the end. But that’s it.

I guess it all felt a little disjointed overall. The pieces were all there; I just wish they had been put together a little bit tighter. Still, I liked Duncan’t journey the most and would love to have worked for a principal like him when I was teaching. Rounded up to four stars for the unique climax that was a little screwball but a lot of heart.

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Books On Tour (Review): Death at the Dance by Verity Bright

Right from the start, I felt like I was reading a movie.

Let me explain.

I’m a big fan of the screwball comedies of the early talkies. “It Happened One Night” with Clark Gable  and Claudette Colbert is one of my favorites.

As soon as I started reading this book, I felt like I was dropped right into the middle of one of those. From the character and clothing descriptions to the dialogue, it all was true to the time. In a strange way, there were also times that I was reminded of Downton Abbey (another favorite).

Amazon: https://bit.ly/2YIyEEf

Honestly, this book had everything that makes a cozy mystery so much fun. The colorful characters, the rich detail, and (of course) the murder and ensuing investigation all made for a delightfully light and breezy read.

I liked Lady Eleanor as the sleuth because she was feisty but shrewd at times. I also really enjoyed Clifford. He was a butler, but so much more. In some ways, it felt like he was the Watson to Eleanor’s Sherlock. I’m not going to give away the plot of the mystery, but it’s a good (and fitting) one.

I mentioned detail, and I think this where the author really succeeded. From the descriptions of the fabrics and settings to the names of the characters, there was no part of the book that didn’t fit perfectly in the time period.

I think that’s what I liked most. The world created by the author enabled me to escape and enjoy a mystery romp in the 20s.

In times like these, that kind of talent is invaluable. I can’t wait to visit with Lady Eleanor on her next venture.

Author Bio:
Verity Bright is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing partnership that has spanned a quarter of a century. Starting out writing high-end travel articles and books, they published everything from self-improvement to humour, before embarking on their first historical mystery. They are the authors of the fabulous Lady Eleanor Swift Mystery series, set in the 1920s. 

Twitter: @BrightVerity
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Books On Tour (Review): The Ringmaster’s Daughter by Carly Schabowski

I started this book expecting one thing and I was pleasantly surprised with what I took away from it.

A lot of historical fiction set in World War II is set in the midst of the war. This book was unique because it starts before the Germans invade and occupy Paris. Right there I knew I was in for something different. The opening scenes of Michel trying to leave Paris were harrowing, and perfectly captured the panic and urgency of the situation.

I found Michel to be a complicated lead character. On the one hand, he seemed like a drifter and someone who had no particular attributes that made a reader want to root for him. I couldn’t quite get a grasp on who he really was. I think perhaps that was purposeful because it allowed him to fit in with the group he ended up with ultimately.

That group is the reason this book is good. The main thrust of the plot is the woebegone circus trying to find places to perform in the face of impending war. The juxtaposition of the horrors of war and the magic of a circus is clever and made the emotions around each much stronger. For each bit of news or encounter with the Nazis, I wanted the joy of the circus to hang on a little bit longer.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3eMifEf Apple: https://apple.co/34mzW9h
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2RmjnoF Google: https://bit.ly/38oTs77

Not that the circus doesn’t have its problems, but it’s up to the reader to find out what those are (I am definitely not going to give away plot points here). I will say that I suspected a major one and was not surprised by it. But I loved reading about the backgrounds of the various circus performers and felt that they really came alive from the pages.

I did think that there was a big but slow build up, as most of the book covers just over a year or so. But then the last 10% of the book covers years and we get the wrap-up of all of the characters briefly and almost as an afterthought, not to mention the end of Michel’s story is very abrupt. I felt like there had been so much invested in these characters’ stories that they deserved a better ending.

My only other complaint is that the title gives away a major plot point (well, two, kind of). I couldn’t get behind Michel’s worries as he joined the circus because of the title. That was a shame, because his concern did add to the tension of the plot. But it ultimately meant nothing to me because I knew the truth.

It was magically lyrical at times and was a nice departure from the usual historical fiction settings. I would recommend this book.  

Author Bio
Carly Schabowski worked as a journalist in both North Cyprus and Australia before returning to Oxford, where she studied for an MA and then a PhD in creative writing at Oxford Brookes University. Carly now teaches at Oxford Brookes University as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for first and second-year English literature students. 

Twitter:  @carlyschab11
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