Mystery Thriller Archives

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

Silent Ridge-Books On Tour (Review)-Mystery/Crime Thriller-Available Now

Sometimes it’s really difficult to review a series.

A lot can go wrong: plot points can be at odds with previous events, characters change personalities, timelines don’t match up…there’s a lot of work that goes into maintaining consistency.

That’s a fairly easy review.

However, if an author does a good job of continuing plotlines, has consistency of characters, and keeps the readers interest while remaining true to the world that has been created, that’s a success.

That’s harder to write. Why?

Because to me a review of that kind of book feels repetitive. Even though the criminal case at hand might be different, I don’t want to focus on that because we all know that I hate spoilers.

And I don’t regurgitate blurbs either.

So, where does that leave me with Silent Ridge?

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After the events of Snow Creek and Waters Edge, we have a pretty good feel for Detective Megan Carpenter and her erstwhile sidekick, Ronnie. Megan is as caustic and snippy as ever; consider it part of her charm. Ronnie still isn’t used to all of Megan’s quirks.

I will say, I really dig Megan’s inner thoughts. For example, a gunpoint confrontation with another character later in the book leads to Megan thinking about what she should have said to the person – contrasted with what she actually said.

I like that we get this insight to her very strange trains of thoughts.

Once again, the crimes at hand seem to target Megan. On the one hand, I get where this could be a great conspiracy, and Megan being good at her job could put the bullseye on her.

On the other hand, she could also just have the worst past and the worst luck that no matter how hard she tries to escape, the past just keeps following and haunting her.

I’m leaning toward the latter possibility.

The author now has a signature style of plotting the story, and it’s just as successful as the first two books. Again, no spoilers, but he does keep it fresh, even as it’s still about Megan.

That being said, if you haven’t read the first two books, I would definitely recommend starting at the beginning now, before the series gets too deep.

You’ll have a much better understanding of Megan which will add to your understanding of her motivations.

That will increase your enjoyment of this book immensely.

Facebook: GreggOlsenAuthor
Twitter: @Gregg_Olsen

Author Bio:

A #1 New York Times, Amazon Charts, Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author, Olsen has written nine nonfiction books, seventeen novels, a novella, and contributed a short story to a collection edited by Lee Child.

The award-winning author has been a guest on dozens of national and local television shows, including educational programs for the History Channel, Learning Channel, and Discovery Channel.

The Deep Dark was named Idaho Book of the Year by the ILA and Starvation Heights was honored by Washington’s Secretary of State for the book’s contribution to Washington state history and culture.

Olsen, a Seattle native, lives in Olalla, Washington with his wife, twin daughters, three chickens, Milo (an obedience school dropout cocker) and Suri (a mini dachshund so spoiled she wears a sweater). Website: https://www.greggolsen.com/

December 4, 2020December 4, 2020

Wildflower Graves-Books On Tour (Review)-Mystery Thriller-Available Now

I used to love to re-read early books in a series each time a new book would come out. I did that countless times over the years (as a result, I feel like I often memorized the first couple books because I read them many more times).

I don’t have time for that anymore, so I have to make do with re-reading my reviews of previous books. It’s not as effective, but at least it gives me a quick reminder as to where plot lines ended up.

And then there are the books that stick with me. All I have to do is see a character name or location and it all comes back to me.

Why do I tell you all of that?

Because without a doubt, this book falls into the latter category.

Is it because it’s set in an around the Appalachian region, so it’s familiar territory? Maybe.

Is it because the heroine and other characters are memorable? Sure.

Is it because the previous plot was so shocking that I can’t forget how it all tied together?

Definitely.

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This one takes place only three weeks after The Silent Dolls, and as with that book, the author jumps right into the action and doesn’t let up.

There is just a way that Ms. Herron tells a story that grabs me and doesn’t let go.

Ellie is still carrying heavy baggage from the revelations in The Silent Dolls, so (as she is wont to do) she heads out to hike the Appalachians to clear her head…where she promptly discovers a body posed in a very ritualistic manner.

And that’s just in the first couple of chapters.

Once again, the author has crafted a sinuous plot that twists its way through, winding the reader into the story. All of the characters from the first book still have issues. For some, this case gets much more personal

I liked the use of the childhood rhyme. I liked how the serial killer left the clues. And (oddly) I liked the motivations. I thought the whole thing was just overall really well done.

I’ve mentioned before that it can be difficult to write a review for crime/mystery books. I hate giving away plot points, and I 100% hate spoilers.

I will just say that you’re missing out if you don’t get in on this series now, because if book two is any indication, there’s a lot more to come!

Facebook: authorritaherron
Twitter: @ritaherron
Website: www.ritaherron.com

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.

November 16, 2020November 15, 2020

The Drowned Woman-Books On Tour (Review)-Mystery Suspense Thriller-Available Now

I really enjoyed the first book in this series (The Next Widow), so I was excited for the next installment to see what was up next for Luka and Leah. I came to some very interesting conclusions after reading this story.

First, I found that I was more interested in the character arcs of Luka and Leah than I was about the plotline itself. That’s not to say that the plotline was bad in any way. But it didn’t hold my attention the same way the characters did.

That’s interesting to me, because usually the plot enhances the characters and vice versa. For whatever reason this time, though, I kind of found them to be…separate.

Which actually is a little weird, because both Luka and Leah have personal ties to the plot of this book. So, I really can’t figure that out.

But I digress.

The second thing I learned that it’s almost always important to give a book a chance, even when you feel like giving up. I thought the beginning this book was slow. It was very difficult for me to get into it.

Again, this was strange because it takes place just a month after the first book, and a lot in the characters’ lives (especially Leah’s) is new. She is trying to adjust, both in her personal (after the tragedy in book one) and professional (she has a new job – more on that in a moment).

The book also starts with a prologue involving the death of a woman who thinks of (calls to?) Luka as she drowns. What’s that about? (I’m not telling).

See, all looks really good, right?

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But the beginning dragged for me. I will admit, I was a bit turned off by Leah’s job. It was reminiscent of the push to defund the police. The attitudes of a couple of characters rubbed me the wrong way.

The dialogue surrounding her initial encounter with Walt was especially off-putting to me. That’s a personal thing on my part, though…I’m sure others won’t be bothered by it at all.

I also was able to peg the bad guy pretty easily, which was a little disappointing. I kept hoping that I was wrong and there would be a twist, but there wasn’t.

I did think that the plot picked up speed in the latter half of the book, with the last third especially being rapid fire and much more interesting. In spite of my suspicions being confirmed, I did like how it all ultimately fitted together.

But back to my initial thought about the characters – it really is about where Leah and Luka go next. I’ll still follow and hope for another good case for them.

**Facebook:** cjlyons
**Twitter:** @cjlyonswriter

Author Bio:

As a pediatric ER doctor, New York Times and USA Today Bestseller CJ Lyons has lived the life she writes about in her cutting edge Thrillers with Heart.

CJ has been called a “master within the genre” (Pittsburgh Magazine) and her work has been praised as “breathtakingly fast-paced” and “riveting” (Publishers Weekly) with “characters with beating hearts and three dimensions” (Newsday).

Learn more about CJ’s Thrillers with Heart at www.CJLyons.net

November 13, 2020November 13, 2020

Silenced Girls-Books On Tour (Review)-Mystery Thriller-Available Now

Wow! What an introduction to a new series!

Seriously, before I say anything else, I just have to say that if you are a fan of mystery thrillers you need to get this book.

If you’re a fan of tough, smart heroines who are very real, you need to get this book.

And if you’re a fan of being taken along on a detailed case that follows an investigation perfectly, you need to get this book.

I can’t say enough good things about it.

Right from the prologue, where Victoria “Tori” Hunter is questioned about her sister’s disappearance, I could tell that it was going to be a well-told story. There was something about the style of writing and the interplay between characters that drew me in.

The story then jumps to present day and takes off from there. Honestly, it was so well-plotted I don’t want to give anything way, but the way the author moves between characters and events was flawless.

Amazon: https://geni.us/B08L3L1TJVCover
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I really liked Tori. She was one of the most real characters I have “met.” Everything that was part of her story rang true – nothing seemed to be overdone or manipulative to fit the narrative. Her career trajectory, life choices, and attitude were all spot on.

I also appreciated Braddock and his history. I’m partial to NYPD stories, but I’m also picky about them. Authors often use a well-known department as a mechanism but treat it as any other law enforcement agency.

This author either did copious research or knew someone on the job, because he captured the attitude (and background) of an NYPD MOS perfectly. I think I actually knew this guy. I also appreciated that 9/11 wasn’t used as a crutch, but as a pivotal event that was a part of Braddock’s history. It was accurate.

The plot was excellent. Once again, everything just flowed. I especially liked how there was a side story that focused on Tori’s normal “every day” job. That was an interesting detour that gave the reader insight to Tori’s drive and professional persona. It also provided additional background.

The author does a great job of creating a “real” investigation. There are swings and misses, wrong avenues and surprise suspects. Again, I can’t stress how natural everything was.

I’m starting to repeat myself, but that’s because I want to emphasize how great the book was – but not give any plot points away.

Suffice to say that I’m very excited to have found Agent Tori Hunter, and I can’t wait to read more of her stories. Definitely one of my top reads for the year.

**FACEBOOK:** rogerstelljesbooks
**TWITTER: @RogerStelljes**

Author Bio:

Roger Stelljes is the acclaimed New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of pulse-pounding murder mystery and suspense novels, including the Tori Hunter and McRyan Mystery Series. Roger’s crime thrillers are noted for their fast-paced, yet intricate plots filled with layered and complex characters.

Roger started his first novel in July 2002 while on vacation in Minnesota’s Brainerd Lakes area and has been writing ever since. His debut book, The St. Paul Conspiracy, was nominated in genre fiction for the Minnesota Book Awards along with finalists Brian Freeman and William Kent Krueger. With his follow-up, Deadly Stillwater, where Vince Flynn hailed Roger as a “powerful new thriller voice”, he won the Midwest Independent Book Publishers award for commercial fiction.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Roger still lives there with his family. In addition to his work as an author, Roger is a partner in his law firm. Roger is an avid sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time outdoors boating, attending hockey games, and honing his golf game.

September 6, 2020September 6, 2020

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.

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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.

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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.

September 5, 2020September 5, 2020

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.

July 18, 2020July 18, 2020

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

December 2, 2019December 1, 2019

Books On Tour (Review): Cold Heart Creek

Hands down, this is one of the best mystery suspense thrillers I have ever read. The characters are realistic, the story is tight (and positively thrilling), and although it isn’t exactly fast-paced, it is evenly plotted so that the action keeps moving forward even in seemingly passive scenes.

**Buy Links :**
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**Googleplay:** http://bit.ly/2mgu92R

After reading a bunch of psychological thrillers, I was pleased that this book was a straightforward crime thriller. I felt like I was watching an extended episode of CSI (or a similar show). The way the action moved from point to point and the engaging character interactions made for pleasurable and simple reading.

The author did an excellent job of connecting the dots in the investigation so that seemingly disparate plotlines converged very neatly. I enjoyed the way the investigation proceeded in a very natural manner, allowing the reader to figure out the clues as the detectives uncovered them. There were no red herrings or sudden disclosures that came out of left field.

Josie’s background played a big part in this novel. The opening scene was stunning and drew me in immediately. I appreciated how her history propelled her through this investigation. It made her actions even more real and believable. Her internal struggle was almost as fascinating as the external pressures she faced.

Even though this is book seven in the Detective Josie Quinn series, I never felt lost in the story. There were quite a few references to previous books, but the author did an excellent job of working them naturally into the story so that the main action was not broken. A newcomer to the series (like myself) will have no problem keeping up with the story.

But it might put a dent in the bank account because if you’re like me, you’ll immediately put the first six on your TBR list. Thank goodness it’s the holidays – my list just got a little bit longer!

Author Bio

Lisa Regan is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and an Amazon bestselling crime novelist. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Master of Education Degree from Bloomsburg University. She is a member of Sisters In Crime, Mystery Writers of America and International Thriller Writers. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and daughter. Find out more at her website: www.lisaregan.com

**FACEBOOK:** https://www.facebook.com/Lisa-Regan-189735444395923/
**TWITTER:** https://twitter.com/Lisalregan
**WEBSITE:** www.lisaregan.com
**GOODREADS:** https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6443334.Lisa_Regan

November 18, 2019November 18, 2019

Books On Tour: Snow Creek

No sense in beating around the bush: this book is one of the most well-crafted thrillers I have read. There is so much to unpack that it is hard to know where to start. I guess the best place to begin is by saying this is a must-read!

It had it all: a tormented protagonist who uses her job to assuage a troubled past, a twisted crime that is nowhere near open and shut in a location that is almost a character itself, and side stories that keep the pace moving at rapid-page-turning speed.

**BUY LINKS:**

**Amazon:** https://geni.us/B07XSB35SSSocial
**Apple Books:** https://apple.co/2men9nf
**Kobo:** http://bit.ly/2lS0LQ8.
**Googleplay:** http://bit.ly/2lQLE9G

Snow Creek is where people go to live off-the-grid, away from society and its laws, which results in a whole lot of lawlessness. But the author does a fantastic job of not allowing the reader to know precisely what is going on at any given point; just when I thought I understood something, another piece of information came to light, making me question it.

Not going to lie, it is difficult to review this book without giving specifics away because this is one time that secondary plot threads and character backstories are just as twisted as the main plot.

The author also does a phenomenal job of weaving everything together so that hints pop up in one place, referring to another plotline, and clues are revealed when the reader least expects them.

I particularly liked how the author exposed Megan’s history in bits and pieces. I found myself almost more intrigued by her story than by the crimes she was investigating. And the cliffhanger left me definitely looking forward to the next book.

I do like it when an author rolls out just enough information that keeps me satisfied but also wanting more. I can’t wait to see how Megan’s story proceeds – and to see what twisted crime she investigates next.

Author Bio

Website: https://www.greggolsen.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreggOlsenAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gregg_Olsen

April 21, 2019April 21, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth

When it comes to thrillers, there are several sub-genres: psychological, mystery, horror, etc. I usually go for psychological thrillers, because I like seeing if I can guess the twists, or predict the plot (I’m successful sometimes). The Mother-in-Law by Sally Hepworth is more of a mystery thriller, although there is a touch of psychological in there as well.

The plot is laid out in both flashbacks and current time, as well as alternating viewpoints in the flashbacks. The author handles the switching back and forth with ease, and I never felt lost as to when I was or whose perspective I was reading.

The characters are very well-written. It seemed at the beginning that the story would be more along the lines of The Other Woman by Sandie Jones (new wife wants to bond with the mother-in-law, who is resistant to all attempts), but it quickly became apparent that there is a lot more going on with the two main characters that it initially appears.

Diana (the mother-in-law) is a strong character. The author does an excellent job of allowing the reader to discover her motivations without being smacked in the face with examples. In other words, the reader is allowed to draw conclusions based on events, rather than the author simply stating a character trait. I appreciate when an author does this because it allows me to become more invested in the story.

Lucy (the daughter-in-law) is also more complex than the reader is initially led to believe. The relationship between her and Diana takes many turns as they each discover new things about each other. Through these experiences, the reader also gains understanding of major plot points.

(Because it is a mystery, I’m not going to go any further than that in my analysis. Suffice to say that the plot did have enough twists and turns that I was constantly kept off balance. I loved it).

I did want to add, however, that the author handles the descriptions of a debilitating disease with accuracy and poignancy. My father passed away just about two years ago after a nine year battle with a little-known disease that falls under the Parkinson’s umbrella. It was unnoticeable at first, except for little things: he walked slower, took more time to do simple tasks…things like that.

Eventually, it became more pronounced. His ability to walk went first, then speech became slurred, then eating became a challenge. Eventually, he became completely bedridden, unable to communicate at all, and had to have a feeding tube. It was slow, painful, and difficult to watch. My mother was by his side the entire time.

The author brought all of this back through her descriptions. It was hard to read at times, but that’s because her writing brought real memories and emotions to the surface. It certainly made the book more personal to me, which in turn made me feel more invested in the story.

If you are looking for a well-developed mystery with depth, don’t miss out on this one. My Goodreads review is below.

Expected Release Date: 4/23/2019

The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great mystery! This book went in no direction that I expected it to go in and kept me guessing throughout the entire story. But it is more than that; it is also an in-depth character study about the relationships between women, specifically mothers- and daughters-in-law. I thought that Diana was an incredibly complex person, and I loved the way the reader was allowed to figure that out through Diana’s actions (rather than just being told). Without giving away plot points, the situation that materializes with Tom and Diana hit very close to home as I recently went through something similar with my parents (not to the same extent, but close enough that I teared up reading through particular sections). Thank you to the author for addressing that issue with frankness, but understanding. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes contemporary mysteries and non-nonsense writing. This review was voluntarily written based on a pre-release copy provided by NetGalley.

View all my reviews