I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman seeking her biological father must unmask a killer in a small town full of secrets in author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold: A Southern Mystery Novel,” the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van Life Series.
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The Synopsis
A quiet Southern town. A stow-away kid. A page-turning mystery!
After DNA results turn her whole world upside down, Zoe Nichols traces her mysterious biological father to a small Georgia town. But a shocking murder the day she arrives and a stow-away kid catapult Zoe into a search for the killer. In a small town brimming with secrets, can Zoe unmask a murderer and clear an innocent boy – before she becomes the killer’s next victim?
This is the first book in the Zoe Nichols Van-Life series. A fun Southern mystery with a female amateur sleuth and a splash of romance!
The Review
This was such a compelling and gripping story. The fast-paced narrative was balanced with rich character development, which quickly drew the reader in and connected them with the characters. The mystery was well-developed, lined with realism as it captured both small-town life and the intricacies of murder investigations. The powerful imagery really brought this small Southern town to life, allowing readers to engage with the story fully.
The powerful, multi-tiered story and the rich themes surrounding justice really made this story what it was. The murder mystery took center stage, but still left enough breathing room for readers to engage in this personal mystery of Zoe’s father and who he is. The examination of the justice system and how young teens considered “at risk” are often forgotten or used as scapegoats for crimes, and the need to explore all options in an investigation is crucial to the truth.
The Verdict
Fast-paced, entertaining, and thrilling, author Abby Rice’s “Stone Cold” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The infusion of small-town murder mystery and romance, filled with shocking twists and turns, makes this story a great introduction to the larger Zoe Nichols Van Life series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Abby Rice’s life has been as adventure-filled as her heroines’. Abby spent nine months on a square-rigged sailing ship and once rode cross-country on her motorcycle. She’s built houses — and wired them, too. And in her alter ego role as an attorney, she’s battled bad guys and sought justice for victims of crime.
But first and foremost, Abby’s always been a writer. She cut her teeth in the magazine market, with over two hundred national and trade stories in print. She transitioned to nonfiction books, with two dozen now behind her. History was Abby’s primary book niche, and she especially enjoys tales of the Victorian era and Comstock Lode. And most recently, she’s ventured into historical romance.
These days when Abby’s not dreaming up new stories about hidden history and feisty heroines, she can be found scanning 1860s newspapers for forgotten bits of Victorian gossip.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman and the ghost who lives with her must work together to solve a murder in author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door”, the second book in the A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery series.
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The Synopsis
The odd couple of crime-solving returns in Olivia Blacke’s Death at the Door, where a ghost and her living roommate find another mystery on their doorstep.
Ruby Young is slowly adjusting to her new life in Boston. A big part of that is her unexpected roommate―the ghost of the woman who lived there before. For Cordelia Graves, she may no longer be breathing, but it’s still her apartment and Ruby is the somewhat unwanted houseguest. They’re both happy they’ve managed to become friends, which is a miracle considering they struggle to communicate with each other. Cordelia even set Ruby up with her old job.
When Ruby discovers the body of a delivery guy at work, the new life she’s been building hangs in the balance. The last time Cordelia dragged Ruby into a murder investigation, it was almost two ghosts living in the apartment, not one. Determined to protect Ruby, Cordelia tries to shield her from the investigation, but Ruby has other ideas. It will take both of them working together to navigate the fine line between the dead and the living to bring a killer to light.
The Review
This was a brilliant cozy mystery read. The author did an excellent job of bringing these characters to life in a way that was accessible to new readers while also building on the events and character development of the first book. The imagery in the author’s writing style was fantastic, capturing the cool Massachusetts vibes and the stylish, laid-back, and community-driven atmosphere of Ruby’s work life.
The heart of this narrative was the book’s character dynamics, especially between the two protagonists. The unique relationship Ruby has with her ghost roommate Cordelia, and their communication without Ruby being able to see or hear Cordelia, is fascinating to watch unfold in each scene, leading to both tense and humorous exchanges. The introduction of characters like Tosh and Cordelia’s brother elevates the story to a new level, and the mystery they find themselves in will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
The Verdict
Compelling, entertaining, and a perfect blend of spooky and fun, author Olivia Blacke’s “Death at the Door” is a must-read cozy mystery. The twists and turns in the story, the captivating character development, and the shocking finale will keep readers eager for more in this fun and cozy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Mysterious, Spooky, Cozy & Kooky! Olivia Blacke (she/her) is the Anthony Award-winning author of the Ruby and Cordelia Mysteries, as well as the cozy Record Shop Mysteries and the Brooklyn Murder Mysteries. She had her first ghost encounter when she was five, but wasn’t involved with an active crime scene until much later, when she accidentally stepped into a chalk outline on a Manhattan sidewalk. Armed with a Criminology degree, she channels her love of the supernatural and passion for writing into darkly humorous supernatural mysteries. She wants to be a unicorn when she grows up.
An investigator and an artist must work together after discovering a dangerous conspiracy in author Elizabeth Aragon’s “Veil of Deception.”
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The Synopsis
In a world where secrets can kill and nothing is what it seems, two lives become intertwined in a deadly game of betrayal, deception, and forbidden love.
Detective Alex Hunter never asked for the truth to come crashing into his life. A quiet, brooding investigator with a personal vendetta against corruption, Alex’s world is turned upside down when he’s pulled into a twisted case involving the murder of billionaire philanthropist Victor Belle and the stolen Ruby of Eternity—an artifact worth more than a man’s life. But what starts as a simple investigation soon unravels into something much darker. The deeper Alex digs, the more he realizes that this case will not only challenge his skills but his very heart.
“Dammit, Alex. Move!”
Elena Mercer, a struggling artist with her own hidden past, is thrown into the abyss when she stumbles upon a hidden message in a painting she bought at an estate sale. A cryptic poem linked to the stolen Ruby sends her on a dangerous path, one that will intertwine with Alex’s as they uncover a sinister conspiracy. Elena’s thirst for justice leads her straight into the arms of the very detective investigating the case. But their growing attraction isn’t without consequences, especially when their lives are put at risk.
“The man crumples to the floor in eerie silence, his eyes wide, staring blankly at nothing as the life drains out of him.”
As the investigation deepens, Alex and Elena must navigate through lies, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the Syndicate—a shadowy organization willing to destroy anyone who dares to expose its secrets. But as danger closes in, Alex and Elena find themselves drawn to each other in a way neither expected. Love, however, is a luxury they can’t afford in a world built on lies.
In a thrilling race against time, they must confront not only the killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden but their own emotions as they face the truth about the twisted world they’ve become part of.
“I never knew how much I needed this—how much I needed him—until I had it. Until we had each other.”
Will Alex and Elena survive the deadly deception, or will the Syndicate’s grip on the world pull them into its dark underworld forever? In Veil of Deception, betrayal runs deeper than blood, and the true enemy is often the one closest to you.
The Review
This was a fast-paced and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing intrigue and mystery into the narrative right from the start. The balance of action, suspense, and narrative twists was really well done, allowing the reader to become ingrained in the story with ease. The imagery in the author’s writing style stood out, and often I felt as if I could easily have been watching a Netflix miniseries with how cinematic the setting and imagery became in the novel.
The novel itself was character-driven, and the addition of heated romance greatly enhanced its appeal. The drive and compassion, yet fierce way both protagonists fought for justice and the truth was admirable. Yet, it was the way they connected and the instant draw that they had for one another that fueled the story and kept readers invested in these characters from the start.
The Verdict
Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining, author Elizabeth Aragon’s “Veil of Deception” is a must-read romantic thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the fiery draw of the characters, and the fast pace of the story not only reminded me of classic noir thrillers but also allowed for room for these characters and the world they inhabit to come back again in the future, something readers will thoroughly enjoy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Elizabeth was born in the USA and lived with her parents and grandparents. Though her family wasn’t wealthy, they always had enough to eat and a modest home. As Elizabeth grew older, so did her grandparents, and they both passed away when she was 14. She had been especially close to her grandmother and missed her deeply. While helping to sort through her grandparents’ belongings, Elizabeth discovered a box filled with books her grandmother had written but never published. Elizabeth loved reading them and wondered why they had never been shared with the world. To honor her grandmother’s memory, the books were donated to the local university. This experience sparked Elizabeth’s passion for writing and creativity.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young girl from beyond the grave seeks the help of an investigative team to find the truth behind her disappearance in author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough”, the second book in the David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery series.
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The Synopsis
Revenge can’t undo what was done.
When young psychic Emma Jackson experiences a terrifying vision of a teenage girl being raped, she is shaken to the core. As her husband, David Harris, tries to comfort her, his worry increases when her shattered voice whispers, “Her name was Maggie.” David questions the wisdom of his team of investigators using the paranormal to solve cold cases.
Emma and David, and Bryan, a retired police office and his wife, Laura, have been working together with New Elgan Police Service to solve cold cases.
They learn that Maggie was a young woman who went missing twenty years ago and has moved on to the afterlife.
During a powerful séance, she takes over Emma’s body and demands the investigative team take on her case to find her children.
Except, at sixteen years of age at the time of her disappearance she had no children.
When the team uncovers a sinister baby ring where young women are kidnapped and forced to breed made-to-order children for the elite, they are shocked to learn their nemesis, the Dark Hands of Anubis is behind the human trafficking.
Emma insists on continuing the case, but isn’t Emma’s sanity and peace of mind worth more than solving a cold case from the beyond?
Revenge may not be enough … when the cost is way too high.
The Review
Right from the start, this novel was incredibly compelling and rich with world-building that readers will instantly become pleasantly lost in. The realism of the investigative aspect of cold cases was perfectly balanced by the paranormal/supernatural elements of Emma’s psychic abilities and the spirits that come forth to seek justice. The visceral nature of the crimes themselves and the haunting coldness of the criminals will chill readers to the bone as they dive deeper and deeper into this novel’s lore.
The character dynamics and the essential themes were the heart of this novel. The love and care that David and Emma share for one another as they traverse this new business and delve into the dangerous world of cold cases, angered spirits, and shady and warped organizations for the wealthy elite, was heartwarming and inspired, and brought balance to the more mysterious and action-driven parts of the story. The way the book focused on the horrific realities of human trafficking and its connection to so many missing persons’ cases, and how the wealthy often benefit at the expense of those without the same privileges, made this a dark yet important narrative to explore without compromising the overall mythos of this series.
The Verdict
Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough” is a must-read mystery thriller this fall. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional complexity that cold case investigations often stir, and the heart of the two protagonists and their connection with one another, as well as their dedication to their cases, make this one book to look out for this fall. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 4th, 2025!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. She is an avid writer of poetry, belongs to the Wordsmiths Writers’ Groupbased out of New Tecumseth, Ontario and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is a Soprano Soloist.
A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life, and in early 2024 she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.
Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
TRIGGER WARNING: THIS BOOK FEATURES SOME INSTANCES OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABUSE, AS WELL AS VIOLENCE AGAINST ANIMALS, WHICH MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME READERS. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.
The discovery of a body sends a homeless man and a widow on a journey together to discover the identity of the victim of a heinous crime and the perpetrator in author Barry Harden’s “Ada & Eddie.”
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The Synopsis
Finding the body of a young woman on the North York Moors creates a dilemma for Eddie, a reclusive homeless man who would rather commune with wildlife than tolerate humans. Ada, a feisty widow living nearby with a secret past, comes to the rescue. Together they embark on a mission to discover the identity of the young woman – a pursuit that unwittingly brings them towards a collision course with political corruption, murder, and betrayal. Written from Eddie’s point of view, the many conflicts are seen through his naive and simplistic view of the world around him. In contrast, Ada brings a more realistic, assertive approach to the perilous twists and turns they encounter while the presence of a deeply entrenched mole within their group of confidants keeps the reader guessing his identity. Ultimately, Ada, Eddie, and their cohorts successfully bring down an unscrupulous British government official, and in a shocking finale, the enemy’s unthinkable retribution is disclosed
The Review
This was a fascinating and shocking crime thriller meets mystery novel. The story is filled with twists and turns galore, with a fast and engaging pace. The development of Ada, Eddie, and their supporting cast felt realistic and allowed the reader to invest in their journey. The use of imagery in the author’s writing style made the entire book feel cinematic, as if this were a limited series playing out on TV.
The themes of this novel matched the mystery of the story. While honing in on the murder from the first page and keeping readers engaged from the start, the author also hones in on themes such as the homelessness crisis and how debilitating isolation can be for some, as well as the power of corruption and how it impacts the world around us daily, allowing readers to become immersed in this crime-filled world the author has brought to life on the page.
The Verdict
Twisted, enthralling, and heartfelt in its delivery, author Barry Harden’s “Ada & Eddie” is a must-read crime thriller meets drama. The mystery and suspense of the narrative will stay with readers, and the pulse-pounding, at times emotional, and shocking final twists will stay with readers long after the book ends. if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, five novels, two books of poetry and a collection of short stories in the genres of political thriller, satire, Gothic fantasy poetry, and allegorical short stories. An animal rights, environmental protection, and civil rights proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings.
“Words can be like gems or sticks. A coalition of words can become a diamond necklace or a broken picket fence, whichever way one wishes to use them, and as such, I use them for my works of fiction and poetry. Dark fantasy can be alluring but dark reality is sometimes unavoidable and can cascade one’s imagination deep into the hollowed skulls that litter the subsoil beneath our feet, to be returned once again to the world in the voice of a poet.” ~Barry Harden
Some of Mr. Harden’s poetry can be viewed in video format on YouTube: Dark Gothic Poetry and Stories.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A private investigator must discover the whereabouts of a missing granddaughter of a congressman in author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money: A Jinx Curry Mystery Book 1”.
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The Synopsis
The Private Investigator
As a novice private investigator, Jinx Curry could f*ck up a wet dream. But as an experienced PI, she hates her job. The single mom spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance.
When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.
But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s daughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?
The Players
Deebo: He’s the scintillating rapper who may be secretly married to the missing teen. A marriage revelation infringes on the rapper’s rising-star status. Did Deebo off his wife to preserve record sales?
Bam: He’s Jinx’s childhood friend who loaned the sleuth a boatload of money. With Jinx unable to repay the loan, has Bam decided to make an example out of Jinx for lack of repayment?
Elena: She’s the missing person. Perhaps Elena doesn’t want to be found. Will she kill Jinx to prevent the sleuth from exposing her location?
Young Calloway: He’s the Georgetown Law School dropout and only grandson of Congressman Calloway. After Jinx discovers the rivalry between Elena and Young Calloway, Jinx also uncovers Young Calloway’s dark past. Has Young Calloway decided to eliminate Jinx to cover up his crimes?
Congressman Calloway: Up for re-election, the congressman cannot afford a family scandal. Did he hire Jinx to find Elena to coverup the young teen’s possible murder? If so, has he decided to eliminate Jinx to clean up the family mess?
The Review
A rich and mesmerizing mystery, the author perfectly balances the dynamic character developments with the unfolding mystery of this young woman’s disappearance. The protagonist is a strong yet vulnerable heroine who evolves and grows over time during this story in a way that feels real and honest about the situation. The action and intrigue that go into this narrative allow the mystery to unfold at a great pace, never revealing too much too soon.
The author was able to incorporate so many different themes into this story. From racism and corruption to family dynamics and vengeance, the story managed to not only bring readers into the investigation but also mirror the main story with Jinx’s personal growth and the threats she faced in her own life. The tension that built over time and the empathy that the protagonist brought to the investigations made her instantly engaging to readers.
The Verdict
Memorable, adrenaline-filled, and thrilling author Tracey Lampley’s “All Money Ain’t Good Money” is a must-read mystery thriller and a perfect introduction to Jinx’s private investigation series. The narrative twists and turns and Jinx’s shocking final moments will have readers clamoring for more. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Two brothers are hired to find a cache of deadly radioactive Agent Orange before it can be used in a drone attack on Los Angeles in author Patrick Canning’s “For Your Benefit”.
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The Synopsis
Teddy Lint is the kindest private investigator on the planet, committed to seeing the best in everyone he meets. The detective agency he runs out of a Los Angeles strip mall with his brother Ralph has seen a strange case or two before, but never anything like this.
A man claiming to work for the CIA hires the Lints to find a shipping container of radioactive Agent Orange that vanished over fifty years ago. He insists someone is planning on using an army of drones to drench L.A. with the deadly chemicals before the week is out.
The Lint Brothers enter a maze of bizarre suspects, from nefarious ad executives, to anarchistic Boy Scouts, to a toga-clad militia fighting for exclusive rule by women. The propaganda-obsessed society that seems to be running the world is probably worth looking into as well.
The power of empathy collides with the dangers of disinformation as Teddy fights to save the people he loves. Our beloved detective doesn’t give up easily, but any Angelenos with an aversion to death by herbicide might want to dust off that umbrella, just in case . . .
The Review
What an exhilarating and fun read! The blend of mystery, intrigue, suspense, and humor melds together effortlessly from the first page. Immediately, readers are struck by the shocking appearance of a beloved celebrity who appears in the offices of the two brothers at the behest of this mystery CIA agent. The journey only gets stranger and more compelling, with each twist and turn in the story drawing the reader in more and more.
The imagery the author uses in this book really helps give the novel a pulp, almost noir-style cinematic feel, as if blending old black-and-white films with more grungy, 70s-era vibes. The story taps into the international mystery elements perfectly while also giving some hilarious and witty exchanges between the brothers and the cast of characters to offer a necessary and over-the-top plot to get lost in.
The Verdict
With the atmosphere of a Dick Tracey meets Quentin Tarantino film and a cast of characters to rival Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas series, the novel “For Your Benefit” by Patrick Canning is a must-read mystery and suspense novel. The attention to detail, the humor, and the heart that went into the book and the development of these characters made this a remarkable story that readers will come back to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
PATRICK CANNING is the author of For Your Benefit (2024), Cryptonalia (2021), Hawthorn Woods (2020), The Colonel and the Bee (2018), and Cryptofauna (2018).
His work often blends genres, combining elements of humor, adventure, fantasy, and mystery into stories with imaginative settings, quirky characters, and typos.
Patrick lives in Chicago with his Australian Shepherd, Hank. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys walks on the lakefront, being excited/worrying about AI, and eating his bodyweight in potatoes.
In 2013, I ventured into the publishing world with my first novella in my romantic suspense series titled Kept. For my tastes, novellas arguably clock in between 20,000 and just shy of 40,000 words in length. But I soon discovered readers preferred novels to novellas. And pricing between these books were as different as night and day.
To sell books at the price I wanted, I needed to write novels and not novellas. But I lacked patience and qualifications to write a novel. Besides, I preferred writing short stories and novellas. I still have some shorts and novellas that I need to dust off, slap a book cover on and upload for the world to see. Since I always dreamed of becoming a best-selling author, and I always considered myself a writer, I decided to obtain the qualifications and patience to write that elusive novel, and perhaps, join the ranks of becoming an indie best-selling novelist.
Almost three years ago I enrolled in the Master of Arts Program in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University, and I never looked back. In the first two classes of the online program, I learned about fiction fundamentals, structure and outlining a novel. In fact, it was in one of those classes that I outlined my debut mystery All Money Ain’t Good Money as my final project. I transformed that outline into a 68,000-word novel. My educational investment paid off in more ways than one.
Don’t get me wrong. Writing novellas are great practice for expansion into writing the novel. With novellas, the writer concentrates on developing the main character and one or two plot lines. But in a novel, a writer can develop multiple characters and can run multiple plot lines simultaneously to keep the pages turning. Engaging the reader and securing future book sales is the goal. So, there is no shame in writing novellas. It’s just cuing you up to write for a bigger audience, readers seeking the page-turning novel.
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Book Summary
Jinx Curry is a single mom who spends her days spying on cheating wives and husbands, but she aches for more importance. When her boss, Capricorn Hayes, finally assigns Jinx a missing persons case involving a congressman’s missing granddaughter, Jinx jumps at the chance. Not only to solve it, but to earn the fifty-thousand-dollar bonus that would pay her bills, and get a menacing creditor off her back.
But the investigation proves more dangerous and costly than Jinx believes. After an unknown individual in a black Corvette nearly runs Jinx down and begins stalking her, Jinx has to sacrifice her relationship with her daughter by sending Arielle to live with her father. Can Jinx find the congressman’s granddaughter while surviving her stalker? Or will this job be her last?
Publisher: Tralam Publishing Company (July 26, 2024)
When she is not writing, Tracey Lampley loves attending and watching sporting events such as WNBA, NBA, college football and NFL football. Currently Tracey is completing her MA in Creative Writing at Southern New Hampshire University. She already holds an MS in Publishing from Pace University and a BA in English/Technical & Scientific Communication from Miami University of Ohio. She resides in the metro Atlanta, Georgia area with her pooch Neo and near her daughter Asia.
Join us as we celebrate the launch of Tracey Lampley’s novel All Money Ain’t Good Money. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of her book.
Struggle with what your characters should say? Author Tracey Lampley’s guest post is about writing realistic dialogue. They’ll also be a review of her novel All Money Ain’t Good Money.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman who thought she escaped her toxic marriage discovers she has been poisoned and must discover the identity of her poisoner in author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian”.
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The Synopsis
“A modern-day Gaslight”
The Blue Prussian is a spellbinding story told by Blake O’Brien, a beautiful, young executive with a globetrotting career. Blake returns to her native Manhattan from San Francisco after escaping—or so she thinks—her marriage to a dashing man who turned out to be a prince of darkness. She had been hoping for a fresh start but learns that she has been poisoned with thallium—a deadly neurotoxin referred to as the poisoner’s poison.
Blake is treated with the only known antidote—Prussian blue—the same synthetic pigment with the deeply saturated hue used in dazzling masterpieces like The Starry Night and The Great Wave. Almost unfathomably, the alchemist who invented Prussian blue was the rumored inspiration for Mary Shelley’s character, Dr. Frankenstein. The similarities to Blake’s financier ex are striking as his true nature is revealed—including the discovery of a secret room in the brooding Victorian home where they lived their married life together.
The stylish enclaves of Beekman Place in New York City, Nob Hill in San Francisco, and the Mayfair neighborhood in London provide the backdrop as this chilling tale of treachery and betrayal unfolds. Blake’s resolve triumphs and the camaraderie of her loyal and charismatic friends fortifies her, as she takes the reader on a tantalizing international pursuit to try to catch her poisoner, who is known to the FBI as The Blue Prussian.
The Review
This was a genuinely thrilling and engaging story. The author perfectly laid out this narrative’s high stakes and particular horrors. The history and detail the author poured into the use of poison and how it influenced many aspects of British culture, even going so far as to showcase how the antidote physically shows itself when ingested by the victim, brought out the characters and story in a cinematic way.
The heart of this story was in the strong character development. Blake is a relatable and strong protagonist, facing the far too common domestic abuse and toxicity that so many relationships spiral into behind closed doors. The mystery of the Blue Prussian and the heinous crimes they committed seamlessly blends with the suspense surrounding Blake’s own life, and the reader will instantly be drawn into this narrative as the psychological aspects of this thriller begin to make their way into these characters’ lives.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Eve Penrose’s “The Blue Prussian” is a must-read psychological thriller that readers won’t be able to put down. The unique and original character designs and the detail put into both the history of poisoning and the deep-seated deviousness that resides in a killer’s psychopathy make this a story that will stay with readers long after the book ends. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
EVE PENROSE is an author and a storyteller. Her craft and her active imagination provided plenty of fodder for the plot and characters in The Blue Prussian. She is currently writing the sequel. For more information and to download the Book Club Discussion Guide for The Blue Prussian, please visit the Eve Penrose website.
