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The Wreckage of Us by Brittainy C. Cherry – Blog Tour (Review)

While nothing has quite lived up to Eleanor & Grey (my first introduction to this author), I still enjoy her books and get excited each time I see a new release. Nobody does “real” and gritty as she does.

This is the story of Ian and Hazel. They live in a small town in Nebraska, but both have bigger plans: Ian is going to be a Rockstar (with his band, The Wreckage – catch that title) and Hazel is NOT going to be her mother.

When Hazel gets a job at the local patriarch’s ranch (Big Paw just happens to be Ian’s grandfather), Ian treats her….well, like the pigshit she has to dig out. But he has his reasons…or so he thinks.

With any Brittainy Cherry book, we get a lot of backstory on the two main characters, and they are fully developed people. One of the strengths of her writing is building these characters who feel like they could literally walk off the page at any moment.

This time she also captures the absolute hopelessness of a small town that has been ravaged by zero opportunities while also addressing the epidemic of meth and opioid use that tends to follow failing towns. Those passages are among the most raw and realistic.

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3fmbg5g 
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/TheWreckageofus 
Amazon Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ey4c4x 
Amazon Audio: https://amzn.to/2ATroMy 

As always, I was drawn to the characters and their relationship as they moved from hate to dislike to understanding to friendship and beyond. I love the way this author tracks relationships.

However, as with the past couple of books, there is a great build up but then the end seems rushed. There were a couple of character transitions that seemed a little rocky along the way, but once the inevitable split between Ian and Hazel occurs, it isn’t the end-all, be-all that it should be.  Dare I say, there wasn’t enough angst?

And I was really ticked off that the resolution of Charlie, and even Jean to an extent, were both almost asides. Charlie especially deserved a much bigger end to his story. As it was, it seemed like an afterthought, or just a plot manipulation. It didn’t match the influence he had on the earlier parts of the story.

That being said, I enjoyed Ian and Hazel’s journey, just as I do each time I read this author. And I will still look forward to the next one.

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A Tuscan Memory by Angela Petch – Books On Tour (Review)

As lush and beautiful as the countryside setting itself, this book was unlike most that I have read this year.

It is obvious that the author has either traveled extensively through the region or has done some serious homework, because it seemed that almost every passage contained a feeling or thought that conveyed every aspect of Tuscany. The detailed descriptions evoke the sights and smells and the character interactions capture the attitude of the people.

The author moves seamlessly from present day to the years surrounding WWI, building the story from both ends. It’s effective and the plot moves along fluidly. While the action does move back and forth between the two stories being told, the plot itself is not confusing.

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3lpSBZG Apple: https://apple.co/2CITQ4O
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2EaEq9H Google: https://bit.ly/2OUuxzk

However, in spite of the character list at the beginning, I was still often confused as to family relationships and how everything connected. I thought that it was just because I wasn’t paying close enough attention.

And then I realized that this is part of a series and a republishing as well. I totally didn’t make the connection, and that is completely on me (no fault of the author). I really enjoyed The Tuscan Girl, so I have no idea why it didn’t trigger that this was the same family. However, I have not read The Tuscan Secret, so maybe I just didn’t have the continuity in mind?

Unfortunately for me, I realized it too late to help me figure out the earlier parts of the book. Again, totally on me, not the author or the story that she tells.

Regardless of all of that, the two stories (present and past) are compelling and it was interesting to see how the author wove them together in the end. I would definitely recommend this book for the pictures it paints of Tuscany.

I would also recommend reading the first books to get the background and to be clear on who the characters are, as well as their relationships to others. This story is enjoyable, but you will get so much more out of it if you are clear on the family history first.

Author Bio:

I’m an award winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer I move to Tuscany for six months where my husband and I own a renovated watermill which we let out. When not exploring our unspoilt corner of the Apennines, I disappear to my writing desk at the top of our converted stable.

In my Italian handbag or hiking rucksack I always make sure to store notebook and pen to jot down ideas. The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of our family live. When I’m not helping out with grandchildren, I catch up with writer friends.

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The Innocent Girls by BR Spangler – Books On Tour (Review)

I really enjoyed the origin of Detective Casey White in Where Lost Girls Go, so I was excited about her next case. Second time this weekend, where there is no Sophomore Slump in a series (I’m on a winning streak).

Casey has progressed since moving to the Outer Banks: she’s in a relationship with Jericho, she’s firmly rooted in her job, and she seems to be coming to grips (at least a little bit) with her missing daughter, Hannah, being so close, yet still so far away.

However, with the gruesome opening scene, the author lets us know right away that not all is peaceful in the Outer Banks, and things are going to get a lot more complicated and violent. From there, a new investigation is launched…one that hits closer to home than Casey expects.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08BJBLV51Social Apple: http://ow.ly/rJfa50AfcWE
Kobo: http://ow.ly/jHH250AfcVo Google: http://ow.ly/iSZB50AfcYg

I like Casey because she is natural. She has failings and personal demons, but she knows that she still has a job to do and she does it well. Her instincts are strong, and she puts clues together in a smart fashion.

The plot itself was interesting. Somehow the author managed to tie together cults, brainwashing, environmentalism, wrongful accusations, loyalty, love, and revenge to create a thoughtful and well-plotted case. A late twist (very late) kept me guessing up until the very end. Extremely well-done.

I did think that one lead in the case (a tie to the summer solstice) hat appeared early on was misguided and a little inaccurate. It seemed like a red herring, and not a well-informed one. Fortunately, it went by the wayside sort of quickly, so I was able to forgive it. Had it remained I would have had an issue with it.

I mentioned Casey’s demons. She has to face one head one with the reappearance of a person from her past. I loved the way she ultimately handled it (no spoiler, but you’ll know it when you read it.

With the way everything wrapped up, I’m very excited to see what’s up next for Casey and Jericho and am looking forward to the next book.

Newsletter: https://brspangler.com/sign-up/  
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BR_Spangler
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorbrianspangler/

Author Bio:

B.R. Spangler here. I’m a resident of Virginia along with my family, five cats, two birds, a hamster, and a lizard. During the day, I work as an engineer and spend my off hours writing, editing, and thinking up the next great story.

I split my time across pen names, writing crime thrillers, science fiction, horrors, paranormal and contemporary fiction.

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Road to Mercy by TJ Brearton – Blog Tour (Review)

I really enjoyed the first book in the Shannon Ames series, Into Darkness, and I’m really excited to say that there is no Sophomore Slump in this series.

As with the last book, this one opens with an exciting scene (not saying what it is) that sets the tone for the rest of the story. We get people on the run, dead bodies, shady financial dealings, a twisty investigation…all the elements of page-turning, thrilling suspense.

The author does not let up the entire length of the book. Even during “down” times of the investigation, the plotting is tense, and the action is compelling.

I like that Shannon herself does not let up. She is an astute and no-nonsense investigator who expects others to live up to her standards. But she isn’t necessarily “tough-as-nails” annoying. Her character is a likable bad-ass.

I also appreciate how the author allows the story to unfold, switching to other characters periodically so that we get an “update” from their point of view. It makes the story more accessible. These are the easiest thrillers to read because they’re engaging, and the action is natural.

US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GY7X8QQ
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08GY7X8QQ

One of the other reasons that I like these two books (and I hope that there are a lot more) is they’re largely set in and around New York City, where I used to live. There is definitely something just more to a story when you can picture the streets and neighborhoods.

Truth though, as soon as I saw Woodbury Common, I was pretty much pre-disposed to like the book, because I’ve shopped there and know the area. I did have to laugh, though, when the characters mention Raytheon in Loudoun County, because that’s practically my backyard now. So yeah, locations that are relatable give it that extra oomph.

Not that this story needs it though, because as I mentioned, this plot has everything sNot that this story needs it though, because as I mentioned, this plot has everything someone could want in a thriller. It could be set anywhere and it would still be a winner.

I really do hope that Shannon continues her investigations, because I love “watching” her work. This is one gripping thriller series that truly lives up to its hype!  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreartonTJ
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tjbreartonauthor/
Website: http://tjbrearton.net/

About T.J. Brearton:

T.J. Brearton’s books have reached half a million readers around the world and have topped the Amazon charts in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. A graduate of the New York Film Academy in Manhattan, Brearton first worked in film before focusing on novels. His books are visually descriptive with sharp dialog and underdog heroes. When not writing, Brearton does whatever his wife and three children tell him to do. They live happily in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate, New York. Yes, there are bears in the Adirondacks. But it’s really quite beautiful when you’re not running for your life. 

TJ is the author of Into Darkness, book 1 in the Shannon Ames series. ROAD TO MERCY will be his second novel published with Inkubator Books.

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One Left Alive by Helen Phifer – Books On Tour (Review)

It’s been a good year for new crime-solvers. This book is the first in the Detective Morgan Brookes series from Helen Phifer, who has a track record of writing feisty, smart female crime-fighters (see The Girls in the Lake for one example). This one is no exception.

We meet Morgan right away, as she is supposed to be on regular patrol. As a call comes in, she’s the first on the scene of death. Wrong place, right time? Because CID is short-handed, so Morgan makes the leap to the investigation squad. And there shortly is a lot more to investigate!

I really liked how the author rolled out the plot. I’ve commented several times on how first books in a series need to walk the fine line of too much backstory to provide a solid basis for going forward while still keeping the current events interesting.

The author succeeds with this, allowing the reader to get to know the other members of the squad through Morgan’s introduction to them. It’s effective and allows the plot to flow.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Helenphifer1 Twitter:      https://twitter.com/helenphifer1
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/helenphifer Website:     https://www.helenphifer.com

I also liked how the investigation progressed. It was interesting, a bit unique, and it kept me guessing. At 70%, I still hadn’t figured it out, and that’s unusual for me…usually I have at least some sort of idea. But this was well-plotted. As if I would tell you about the case….ha ha!

The only thing that stood out to me was that there were a few instances where Morgan acted out of character for a rookie. Her behavior would not be acceptable in most agencies, no matter how small. But I understand why the author chose them for plot points. It still jumped out (but I think only because of my connection to law enforcement).

All in all, it was a successful first outing, and I look forward to seeing how Morgan progresses.

AUTHOR BIO: Helen Phifer lives in a small town called Barrow-in-Furness with her husband and five children. Helen has always loved writing and reading. Her love of horror films and novels is legendary. Helen adores reading books which make the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Unable to find enough scary stories to read she decided to write her own. 

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Under Your Skin by Rose McClelland – Blog Tour (Review)

There’s more to this book than meets the eye.

On the surface, it’s the story of a missing woman and the search to find her before it’s too late (but what does that really mean?) Underneath, however, it’s a commentary on the relationships between men and women, gender roles, misogyny, and a host of other things.

There’s a whole lotta something going on here.

I’ll say this at the outset: it’s not a spoiler to say that this book deals with control and psychological abuse, which could be triggering to some readers.

There were some very strong moments. The author really captured relationships of many kinds, from work to personal. Each time a male and female were paired in a scene there was a noticeable difference in the dynamics, which kept it interesting.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3l8pmdP
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/34oClSC

I did spend a lot of time wondering how the author was going to sustain the plot, because it seemed pretty cut and dried. But I’ll just admit right now that I was wrong about that. Roughly halfway through, there was a decent twist that had me second-guessing most of the first half of the book.

There were a few questionable parts. The women did not come across as particularly strong. This was disappointing, because in a way it allowed for the men to become more dominant in the story. Julia, in particular, was unlikable due to her actions. There wasn’t enough background on her to justify her choices or make them more understandable.  

I also didn’t care for the way the each of the women (even Kerry, who was in law enforcement) at one point or another made allusions to “a crazed rapist” being on the loose or responsible. It didn’t fit the story and seemed only to serve as some neo-feminist idea that “women have to be scared of men because of this.”

This was a misstep, because two of the three main male characters in the story did nothing to be painted with this type of assumption.

I’m not saying that this was the author’s intent – just that’s the way it came across.

Overall, however, the story was an interesting study on the various relationships and interactions that men and women can have with each other. I just wish it had been a little more even-handed.

Facebook Author page: https://rebrand.ly/0vujcw4
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoseMcClelland1
Blog: http://rosiesrag.blogspot.com/p/home-1.html
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosiegirl2000/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5805471.Rose_McClelland

About Rose McClelland:

“Under your skin” is Rose’s fourth novel. Her previous three novels were romantic fiction published by Crooked Cat. She has made the genre jump from “chick lit” to psychological thriller and is enjoying delving into a darker corner of her mind! 

Rose has also written two short plays which were performed in the Black Box theatre in Belfast. 

She discusses book reviews on her You Tube channel and writes theatre reviews for her blog. 

She loves nothing more than curling up with her cats and a good book. She has two rescue cats – Toots, who is ginger with an inquisitive face and Soots, who is black and hops along on his 3 legs looking ever so cute. 

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The Stepdaughter by Georgina Cross – Books On Tour (Review)

I’ve been on a lucky streak of suspenseful novels lately. This one absolutely fits the definition of a page-turner, as I read it one sitting.

There is very little to pick apart here. The plot was tight. There weren’t a lot of deep thoughts or angsty, twisted mind ramblings. The author gave us just enough information to whet our interest and kept things moving.

The story is told in alternating chapters between multiple characters. It never got confusing. Actually, it was one of the most effective uses of the “several narrators” style that I have read. It was also a great way to allow the reader to understand the different perspectives. This was important, especially as the layers of secrets start to unfold.

And boy, are there secrets galore in this one.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08C5L1TVGSocial Apple: http://ow.ly/yt5J50Arui9
Kobo: http://ow.ly/qZVq50ArugJ Google: http://ow.ly/iGyT50Arukh

I don’t want to give too much of the plot away (we know that’s a pet peeve of mine), but I thought the beginning with Mia going missing (and the added complication next door) was an effective starter and drew me in immediately.

Nobody is immune to hiding information from other characters. That’s not to say that it’s a great big mystery with people sneaking around corners (well, for the most part). It actually felt pretty natural, because everyone has secrets that they don’t want others to know, right?

In fact, the power of secrets and how damaging they can really be is the message that comes across loud and clear in this book.

I did think that there were a couple of characters and events that seemed to be more gratuitous than useful in advancing the plot (Coach Jacobs, for one). Although, that situation also served as a commentary on how quickly people will jump to a conclusion and run with it, and how easily rumors and harmful behavior can take root.

I also wish the author had given us a little bit more of Charlotte. I loved her whole backstory (I could relate), and she did have a couple of key points. But I think, given the pivotal part that she played, she could have had a few more chapters.

Overall, though, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it for a quick, engrossing read. I can’t wait to read more from this author!

Author website: www.Georgina-Cross-Author.com
Twitter: @GCrossAuthor Facebook: GeorginaCrossAuthor
Instagram: GeorginaCrossAuthor

Author Bio:

Georgina Cross is the author of The Stepdaughter (publishing September 2020) and Book 2 (title to be released January 2021) and Nanny Needed (to be published 2021) which are works of domestic suspense, psychological suspense, and thriller.

She is represented by Rachel Beck with Liza Dawson Associates with her suspense fiction appealing to readers of The Good Girl by Mary Kubica, The Marriage Lie by Kimberly Belle, The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth, and Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty.

Georgina has been writing since she was a child. Notebooks & floppy discs filled with stories: adventures growing up in New Orleans and tales from Malaysia & England where her family lives. After graduating from Louisiana State University, she pursued a career in marketing & communications and founded Susie’s Wish non-profit which sends patients with life threatening illnesses to the beach. She spends time with her husband and their combined family of four sons watching plenty of scary movies and is thrilled to be a full-time author.

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And So it Begins by Rachel Abbott – Books on Tour (Review)

This was one twisty psych thriller that (for the most part) did keep me guessing right up until the final pages.

The author starts with police arriving at the scene of a crime, then goes backwards in time to the events leading up to the crime before moving the action forward. It was an unusual yet very effective way of telling the story.

Perspectives also shifted between characters, so multiple people were telling the story. There were only a few times that the transition seemed abrupt; otherwise, the story flowed between characters. It allowed the reader to question the other characters’ motives and actions which was something else that drew me into the story.

If the first half or so is psych thriller, the second half turns courtroom drama, but with the psych thriller undertone. The author handles the juxtaposition handily and keeps the tension ratcheted.

Throughout the book there were several times that I switched my allegiances to characters. I questioned what I thought I knew and second-guessed what had occurred. I did figure out one twist fairly early on, but even then, I was never 100% sure until the end. Scratch that…I’m still not 100% sure!

What I liked most about the book was that it was ultimately the story of Cleo and Evie. I don’t want to give too much away, because there are some brilliant curves thrown at the reader. But both women had much more in common than either was ever willing to admit. It almost became a battle of wills (or so it seemed) and it wasn’t until literally the last pages of the book that the question of who would win was answered.

But was the “winner” truly victorious? You’ll have to read it to find out. Don’t miss this one.

Author Bio:

Rachel Abbott was born just outside Manchester, England, and spent most of her working life as the Managing Director of an interactive media company. After her company was sold in 2000, she fulfilled a lifelong ambition of buying and restoring a property in Italy. She now splits her time between homes in Italy and Alderney, where she writes full time and has just completed her sixth novel.

Author Social Media Links:

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Two Widows by Laura Wolfe – Books On Tour (Review)

I love a book that has me guessing and switching opinions based on the newest information while leaving me unsure as to whether I’m right or wrong. This is that type of book, and it was an excellent mystery.

Grace allows Beth to park her tiny house in a field on her land, while also renting out a small apartment to an artist. What has brought Grace’s tenants to her area? Is there a connection? And why is there all of a sudden a woman gone missing in this formerly quiet area?

The story unfolds in two parts alternating chapters: Grace “now” and Elizabeth “before.” It’s an effective method, as it allows for the plot to advance. We get to know Beth as she is now through Grace’s storyline, while obtaining necessary context and backstory through the past. The writing flows and it was very easy to read.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B0896392QXSocial Apple: https://apple.co/2B2b0ZQ
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2M1Z9gO Google: https://bit.ly/3epJDY1

I thought both women were interesting characters. Grace was older and had made some choices regarding her son which had caused them to be estranged. Her motivation of trying to be a better person (mostly through self-help books) illustrated her desire to improve herself. She felt that she had been at a loss since her husband had died two years previously (Widow #1).

I really liked Beth. She was one of the most “real” characters I have read in a long time. Her reactions to events as well as her thoughts and emotions all rang true. She lost her husband more recently (Widow #2) and we don’t find out the circumstances around that until fairly late in the book.

This allows for the reader to gain a true understanding of why everything in the present occurs. Eventually the two storylines converge, and we get answers to the mystery of the missing woman, as well as a lot more information.

I did think that the resolution seemed to come a little of nowhere, but in the bigger context of Beth’s story is made sense. I also liked how the author had a character in place that drew suspicion, giving another angle to the story.

I definitely recommend this suspenseful book.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraWolfeBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/LauraWolfeBooks
Website:  https://www.laurawolfebooks.com/

Author Bio:

Laura Wolfe is a lover of animals and nature. When she is not writing, she can be found playing games with her highly-energetic kids, riding horses, growing vegetables in her garden, or spoiling her rescue dog. She lives in her home state of Michigan with her husband, son, and daughter. Laura’s YA mystery, Trail of Secrets, was named as a Finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Laura holds a BA in English from the University of Michigan and a JD from DePaul University. She is an active member of multiple writing groups, including Sisters in Crime and the SCBWI.  

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Ritual Demise by Sally Rigby – Blog Tour (Review)

Writing reviews for crime procedurals can sometimes be difficult. The balance between wanting to give the plot justice while not giving away any plot points can be a difficult balance. That’s why you may find some of my reviews to be less detailed than others.

Just wanted to clear that up. Now, on to the review.

Ritual Demise is the seventh book in the Cavendish & Walker series. As such, there are a lot of references to past events and the characters are treated as if the reader already knows their backstories.

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3awggm5  Amazon US: https://amzn.to/2E3Pa9Y 

This can be a double-edged sword, because the author runs the risk of either boring readers who have read the other installments with too much explanation, or alienating and confusing readers new to the series, making them feel lost. I’m happy to report that the author does neither of these – it was perfectly fine to read as a stand-alone.

That’s not to say that knowing the backgrounds wouldn’t have added a bit more understanding, but that’s not vital to enjoying the story at hand.

One of the things that made this book enjoyable is that it reads like a tv procedural (no surprise, given the author’s background). Because of this the plot moves along quickly. The author has a firm grasp on policework and on the people who work in the field. Nothing jumped out at me as noticeably wrong (and I’m pretty picky about that). I like that the two lead characters are strong, smart women. More of that, please.

As to the plot itself, this is one of those things I mentioned at the beginning. I don’t want to give it away, because it would be easy to give a clue away. I’m a firm believer that crime procedurals (like mysteries) should be experienced by each reader. I thought that the ritualistic details of the murders was interesting and different. And that’s all you’re going to get from me on that!

This was an easy novel to read, and I highly recommend picking up this series.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SallyRigby4 
Website: https://sallyrigby.com 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sally.rigby.author/ 

About Sally Rigby:

Sally Rigby was born in Northampton, in the UK. She has always had the travel bug, and after living in both Manchester and London, eventually moved overseas. From 2001 she has lived with her family in New Zealand (apart from five years in Australia), which she considers to be the most beautiful place in the world. After writing young adult fiction for many years, under a pen name, Sally decided to move into crime fiction. Her Cavendish & Walker series brings together two headstrong, and very different, women – DCI Whitney Walker, and forensic psychologist Dr Georgina Cavendish. Sally has a background in education, and has always loved crime fiction books, films and TV programmes. She has a particular fascination with the psychology of serial killers.
Check out her website for a FREE prequel story….. www.sallyrigby.com

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