I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An author on the rise risks losing everything when a stalker threatens to expose her greatest secret in author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s “All This Could Be Yours.”
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The Synopsis
Is a debut author’s blockbuster bestseller about to ruin her life? A glamorous book tour becomes a deadly cat-and-mouse chase in this new and captivating thriller by “master of suspense” (Publishers Weekly) and USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Debut sensation Tessa Calloway is on a whirlwind book tour for her instant bestseller, All This Could Be Yours. In a different city every night, Tessa receives standing ovations from adoring fans while her husband Henry and their two children cheer her on from their brand-new dream house.
But there’s a chilling problem with Tessa’s triumphant book tour—she soon discovers she is being stalked by someone who’s obsessed not only with sabotaging her career, but also with destroying her perfect family back home.
Tessa fears the fallout from an impossible decision she once made—what felt like a genuine deal with the devil—appears to be coming due. And she’s realizing that every high-stakes bargain comes with a high-stakes price. If Tessa can’t untangle who’s threatening to expose her darkest secrets, she’ll lose her career, her family—and possibly her life.
The Review
This was such a compelling mystery read. The author did a great job of infusing suspense and drama into every chapter of this novel. The tension could be felt immediately, as both the protagonist and the novel’s main plot took on a life of their own on the page and commanded the reader’s attention. The way the author was able to capture the whirlwind experience of life as a full-time author, both in terms of inspiration for their stories and the marketing and publicity for more successful stories, makes this a fascinating read.
The heart of this narrative was in how the author explored this protagonist. The complexity of this character’s arc, from the joy and fulfillment that she feels having launched her successful author career, to the fears and doubts she feels being alone on the road for the tour and the guilt of her past haunting her on top of it all, made the narrative sing with a chilling atmosphere and slowly creeping tension as the mystery behind a stalker and their purpose make the outcome that much more powerful as events explode on the page.
The Verdict
Haunting, visceral, and entertaining, author Hank Phillippi Ryan’s “All This Could Be Yours” is a must-read suspense thriller. The honesty in the author’s writing style and the slow buildup of tension in the narrative help elevate a strong and emotionally charged plot with an equally powerful protagonist that will stay with readers as the shocking final chapters emerge. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
USA Today bestselling author HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN has won five Agatha Awards (including for Truth Be Told and The Wrong Girl) five Anthony Awards, the Daphne, the Macavity, and the Mary Higgins Clark Awards. As on-air investigative reporter for Boston’s WHDH-TV, she’s won thirty-seven Emmy Awards and many more journalism honors. A past president of national Sisters in Crime, a founder of Mystery Writers of America University, and a board member of International Thriller Writers, Ryan lives in Boston.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A podcaster trying to learn more about her brother’s disappearance must save his best friend when the kidnapper challenges her in author Hannah Mary McKinnon’s “A Killer Motive.”
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The Synopsis
In this thriller for fans of Ashley Elston and Jeneva Rose, a manipulative kidnapper gives a true crime podcaster one week to locate her brother’s best friend. If she succeeds, she’ll learn the truth about her brother’s disappearance six years ago, but if she fails, his friend will die.
You never know who’s listening.
To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.
Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive, her true crime podcast.
In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.
A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.
Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…
The Review
This was one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read this year so far. The intrigue and chilling cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist Stella and the mysterious antagonist toying with her will stay with readers long after the book ends. The author did a fantastic job of creating characters that felt real and tangible, allowing readers to see themselves in many of these characters and their actions. The determination and steel with which the author writes Stella really stood out, especially when showcasing the lengths Stella would go to to find her brother, touching on both the guilt of losing him and the need to see justice done.
The richly developed themes of this novel and the harrowing atmosphere were what really sold this story. The exploration of the true crime podcast genre and the business side of it also highlighted people’s growing need for answers, the truth, and the power people have to search for answers they themselves have been waiting for. The pacing was really impressive as well, with the author peeling back layer after layer of this mystery and each new revelation bringing a shocking new suspect that readers will be floored by.
The Verdict
A thrilling, twisted, and entertaining new crime thriller and mystery, author Hannah Mary McKinnon’s “A Killer’s Motive” is a must-read novel and a 2025 Best of contender for my site! The twists and turns this story takes, the shocking final chapters that shed new light on this case, and the powerful commentary these revelations make will be something readers discuss for a long time to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her eight suspense novels include THE REVENGE LIST, ONLY ONE SURVIVES, and A KILLER MOTIVE, and her work has been optioned for the screen. She also writes holiday romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy. Hannah Mary lives near Toronto, Canada with her husband and three sons. You’ll find her on socials as @hannahmarymckinnon, and please visit http://www.hannahmarymckinnon.com for more.
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And Now Enjoy this Excerpt from “A Killer Motive”
Chapter 1
Stella
My pulse thudded in my neck like Morse code. A steady tap-tap loosely translating as come on. Shoving my hands under my thighs, I slid farther down the passenger seat and peered over the dashboard toward the darkened house at the end of the street.
For ten minutes I’d willed the motion-activated porch lights to stay off. Hoped the heavy living room drapes with the silver ring print I’d been mesmerized by as a kid would remain closed, allowing us to stay undetected.
Tap-tap.
Already 9:47 p.m. Where was he?
The cloudless Maine sky had long transitioned from bright blue to bubble gum pink before enveloping our corner of the East Coast in a blanket of rich black velvet. A cool breeze drifted through the open car window, providing a welcome break from the searing early August temperatures.
Rain was on its way for Portland and beyond tomorrow, which would be a welcome relief. For now, the sound of buzzing cicadas filled the Friday night air while this summer’s hottest anthem played on a radio somewhere in the distance.
The classic smell of freshly cut grass invaded my nostrils, conjuring memories of picnics in the park, running through sprinklers, and hands sticky from melting strawberry popsicles. Like those lazy days years ago, tonight would be perfect. All I needed was for my brother to show up.
“Do you think he changed his mind, Stella?” Jeff said, his voice a gentle rumble.
Glancing at my boyfriend, I took in his dark blond hair, straight nose, and the sculpted stubble accentuating a set of epic cheekbones. I let my gaze sweep across his toned biceps and chest. Underneath the faded-but-somehow-still-fitted Alanis Morissette T-shirt was a set of rock-hard abs I couldn’t wait to run my hands over again. Part of me almost wanted Max not to show up so we could go straight home.
I reached for Jeff’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “No, he’s too excited for the party. I bet he’s waiting for Mom and Dad to fall asleep in front of the TV.”
Jeff laughed. “Way to make them sound ancient.”
My parents were fifty-one. I was about to reply that compared to Jeff’s twenty-four years and my twenty-two, that was ancient, but the sight of Max emerging between a pair of fir trees stopped me. With a mischievous grin on his face, he speed-walked toward us, his hands tucked into the pockets of a Simpsons hoodie.
I smiled at my baby brother. Baby was slightly unfair considering his eighteenth birthday was under two weeks away, but I’d forever tease him about being four years younger. Max didn’t mind. He knew that from the moment I first saw him in the hospital, swaddled in a bunny-print blanket, his plump cheeks rosy red, I vowed I’d be the best big sister in the world.
Tonight, my solemn promise meant busting his grounded ass out of his minimum-security prison, aka our parents’ house, so he could join Jeff and me at what would be the coolest party of the weekend. Lighthouse Beach was a twenty-five-minute drive from Deering, the Portland neighborhood where Max and I had grown up, and now I couldn’t wait to get going.
Max slid into the back seat of Jeff’s old red pickup truck. I turned around, laughing at my brother’s beaming face and the perpetual impish twinkle in his green eyes, which looked so much like mine.
“We were about to leave,” I deadpanned. “Thought you’d chickened out.”
Max snorted. “As if.”
“Are we picking up Kenji?”
“He’s at his girlfriend’s so he’ll meet us at the beach,” Max said, before jokingly adding, “He’d better, considering he’s taking off next week. Some best friend he is, leaving me behind.”
“Hey,” I shot back with mock indignation. “I thought I was your best friend.”
“Are you two sure about this aiding and abetting?” Jeff cut in before Max could throw a good-natured sibling zinger my way. “Your mom will go ballistic if she finds out.”
Max shrugged. “I don’t care. She’s way overprotective.”
“You know her reasons,” Jeff said.
We all did. Mom’s older brother died when she was nine and he was seventeen. It was terrible how some asshole truck driver had run over our uncle, killing him instantly. Still, Max’s rebellion tonight was fueled by the fact Mom had banned him from going to California with Kenji, saying it was too far away, and Max was too young. They’d had a massive argument about it, which led to my brother being grounded for the weekend, hence tonight’s great escape.
“I told them I was heading to bed,” Max said. “They never check, but I stacked my pillows under the duvet just in case. Nobody will notice.”
“If they do, I’ll take the full blame.” I patted Jeff’s hand. “Max, we’ll drive you home. No after-parties with Kenji, got it? What Mom and Dad don’t know can’t hurt them.”
“Sir, yes, sir.” Max gave me a salute. “Anyway, I’ll need some sleep. I’m volunteering at the clinic tomorrow. Woolly had a mass removed and I want to be there for him.”
“Woolly?” Jeff said. “Dog or sheep?”
My brother grinned. “Giant Angora rabbit. He’s awesome.”
“You’re such a softie,” I said before letting out a whoop. “All right, let’s go. Lighthouse Beach, here we come.”
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An investigator must discover the hidden secrets of a missing crime writer in author Ragnar Jonasson’s “The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer.”
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The Synopsis
The next thrilling golden-age-style mystery from #1 Icelandic bestseller Ragnar Jónasson, author of Death at the Sanatorium and Reykjavík.
One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.
There are no clues to her disappearance and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before its leaked to the press.
As Helgi interviews the people closest to her—a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge—he realizes that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than the fiction she wrote.
As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of the writer’s very unexpected life.
The Review
This was a fascinating and compelling mystery read. The author did an incredible job of balancing the unique culture and atmosphere of Iceland with the richly developed narrative surrounding this case. The tension that could be felt throughout this novel was layered perfectly into each chapter, and the way the author can traverse across multiple timelines to give not only numerous perspectives but also slowly unravel each clue in the case was mesmerizing.
The haunting revelations that come to light and the compelling character dynamics were what made this novel so perfect. The protagonist was in his element exploring a case set in the literary world. Yet, the way the narrative peeled back the lives of the missing writer and those surrounding her, and the infusion of tension with his current girlfriend and his ex and their troubled past, make this novel so gripping.
The Verdict
A unique, powerful, and entertaining voice in the crime thriller genre, author Ragnar Jonasson’s “The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer” is a must-read mystery and thriller. The twists and turns that are methodically unveiled, along with the shocking twist of a final chapter that will leave readers reeling, all make this a memorable and excellent thriller for the upcoming fall season. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ragnar Jónasson was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer and teaches copyright law at Reykjavík University. He has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, and, from the age of seventeen, has translated fourteen of Agatha Christie’s novels. He is an international Number One bestseller.
The Darkness is the first novel in his Hidden Iceland series, to be followed by The Island and The Mist.
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 couple seeks revenge as a sleazy real-estate investor rolls into the small community of Serenity Acres in author Crystal Quast’s “Shafted”, the second book in the Serenity Acres series.
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The Synopsis
Fraud. A catfish. And murder on the menu. Welcome to the neighborhood.
Serenity Acres looks picture-perfect, but the secrets and the bodies are stacking up. A slick real estate investor rolls into town with a too-good-to-be-true deal that has the neighbors seeing dollar signs. But one couple isn’t buying in. They’re seeing red…for revenge. In this race to screw each other over, someone’s about to get shafted.
Shafted is book 2 in the Serenity Acres suburban mystery series. Each book can be read as a standalone, so you can dive in anywhere. No prior reading required.
The Review
The author does an incredible job of building on the suspense and drama of the first book while creating a wholly unique story that can be read as a standalone narrative and still pays off plot points from the first novel. The tension and atmospheric nature of each chapter add depth to the secrets and lies that lie beneath the surface of this close-knit community, and the exploration of sex, power, and money as motivations for deadly plots feels both relevant and cinematic in its delivery.
The heart of the novel was what has made this entire series so palpable, which is the character development. While the book featured a significant number of subplots with supporting characters that kept readers invested in the events unfolding in this community, the central focus on Clara and her husband, Evan, made the story all the more compelling to read. The twisted lengths they were willing to go through, especially Clara, made the novel feel visceral and delightfully wicked to get lost in.
The Verdict
Twisted, enthralling, and memorable, author Crystal Quast’s “Shafted” is a must-read suburban crime thriller and a great continuation of this series. The cinematic quality of this narrative felt like a mashup of great shows like Desperate Housewives, Revenge, and Tell Me Lies, while the twists and turns in the story’s final chapters add a bit of suspense that no one will see coming. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy of the book on October 15th, 2025!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A journalist uncovers a deadly conspiracy in her small town at a local book fair in author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception.”
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The Synopsis
The beautiful vibrant seaside village of Coral Cove is hosting its famous book fair and Tony Blane anticipates unveiling his manuscript exposing an increasing environmental crisis affecting the cove’s water and wildlife. Maxy Harper, a renowned journalist, returned to her childhood home to detox from the 24/7 stress of the crime beat in Washington. She was Tony’s fierce childhood friend and high school sweetheart and is covering the book fair for her podcast.
Excitement turns to horror when Tony’s manuscript vanished and things take a darker turn when Tony’s mentor is found dead at the fair. Maxy’s instincts kick in with a vengeance, and she dives into questioning witnesses, uncovering secrets past and present that point to the imminent risks to Coral Cove’s children and wildlife. Maxy and Tony embark on an investigation filled with danger, quirky locals, including a witchy “wise woman”, a Haitian grandmother known to be a voodoo priestess, and dangerous corrupt officials.
Threats build to stop the investigation. The arrogant police chief is aggressively pressured to downplay the concerns and wrap up the murder quickly. Maxy follows clues and leads a covert expedition to a neighboring island, exploring pirate caves and discovering toxins that explain the poisoning of the cove. A deadly confrontation ensues, forcing her to use every ounce of her wits to outsmart their pursuers. As things heat up and danger lurks, Maxy and Tony grow closer, rekindling their affections of long ago.
An aggressive grass roots campaign brings the community to a rapid boil creating intense pressure on officials that can’t be ignored. Reluctant state and federal authorities are forced into Coral Cove’s fight. The heir of the Allen family businesses joins Maxy and newfound official support to uncover the fraud and corruption at the root of the increasing jeopardy to Coral Cove.
The community simmers as the mysteries behind the poisoning and death are uncovered.
The Review
This was such a compelling and driven cozy mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of building on the mystery and intrigue of the first novel in this series, capturing the setting of Coral Cove perfectly while delving deeper into the town’s past and the history that shaped it into what it is today. The rich character dynamics at play, both in terms of the protagonists and the townspeople themselves, all kept me invested in the overall story being told.
It was the way the author balanced the narrative that made this feel so fresh and engaging. The blend of environmental justice with the murder mystery and conspiracy angle the story took kept the steady pacing exciting, and the tension as the investigation was brought to new heights made this an exhilarating journey. Blend this with the fantastic trio of Maxy, Tom, and Tony, and their dedication to the truth, along with the promise of a possible rekindled romance, and this is the perfect small-town mystery to get lost in.
The Verdict
Harrowing, mystery-driven, and entertaining, author J.J. Macaw’s “Depths of Deception” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the depth of character arcs in this narrative (including the town itself), and the atmospheric nature of the story will keep readers invested in the story and these characters for hopefully more stories in the future. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
J.J.Macaw is a pen name, but the biographical information here is real. His prose reflects the experience of being a husband of 34 years, parent and grandparent. It also reflects his four decades of entrepreneurship, having founded several companies in such diverse fields as water treatment, public policy consulting, fertilizer manufacturing and engineering. This experience lends authenticity to the settings, characters and descriptions of science, technology and business operations as they occur in his novels.
J.J. is an avid sailor spending years sailing San Francisco Bay and its environs. He also holds Dan rank in Aikido.
There are no spicey sex scenes nor an abundance of cursing or overt graphic violence in his novels . That said, his characters do what real people do and the characters reflect the fullness of their lives.
J.J. lives with his wife and two cats (who own the house). Panama became their home a few years ago and enjoys writing in that beautiful country.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young woman working as a maid must unravel the web of lies she is caught in to discover the identity of a murderer in author Nita Prose’s “The Maid.”
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The Synopsis
In development as a major motion picture
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.
But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?
A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
The Review
This was such a richly developed and compelling thriller. Molly is such a unique protagonist and the instant draw of this narrative. Her candid view and open way of speaking freely about what’s on her mind, as well as the struggles she faces with conversing and understanding others in social situations, make her relatable. The harrowing experiences she encounters throughout this narrative add a special twist to the classic murder mystery narrative. The way this cast of characters comes together is fantastic, and the way Molly can find her community and group of friends to come together and face this growing conspiracy of murder makes this a thrilling narrative.
The fast-paced and tense atmosphere of this novel’s story was perfectly laid out for readers, allowing them to search high and low for their list of suspects as the mystery unfolded. The emotional backstory that unfolds as readers learn more about Molly, Giselle, and so many others not only keeps the narrative fascinating and moving but also speaks to the nature of human connection and how people connect and communicate with one another as a whole.
The Verdict
Enthralling, memorable, and thrilling, author Nita Prose’s “The Maid” is a must-read murder mystery and crime thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative will speak to fans of Only Murders in the Building and Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club, adding humor and wit to the dialogue and directness of Molly and her friends, and the intrigue of the mystery behind Mr. Black’s death will have fans on the edge of their seats for much of this narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Nita Prose is the author of the The Maid series, which has sold more than 2 million copies worldwide and was published in over forty countries. A #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller and a GOOD MORNING AMERICA Book Club Pick, THE MAID won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction, the Fingerprint Award for Debut Novel of the Year, the Anthony Award for Best First Novel, and the Barry Award for Best First Mystery. THE MAID was also an Edgar Award finalist for Best Novel. Nita lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is moderately clean.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.
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The Synopsis
In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.
The Review
This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.
What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.
The Verdict
Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.
1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?
I’ve always been an avid reader, so writing was a natural next step. I’ve loved words and puzzles since I was a kid, as well as reading mysteries. When I came across a contest using an old Murder Mystery Party game, I thought I’d give it a try. I won the contest and my first novella, Murder on Manitou, was published. Opening a fresh box of books is totally addicting and I’ve opened many since!
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2) What inspired you to write your book?
Diamond on the Rocks is book 2 in my AJ Cadell Mystery series. The series was inspired by weekend summers spent at Lake Huron and the thought of a big house on the rocky shoreline, which is where I’d intended the series to take place. Flash forward a few years, and I now live in Alberta rather than Ontario. I had changed the locations to pitch to a publisher, then decided I’d keep the story in Canada. Alison (AJ) Cadell is a budding romance writer who starts off living in Toronto, then moves to the fictional town of Cedar Grove on Vancouver Island when someone makes her an offer to become a Writer in Residence. In book 1, she discovers her long lost family and solves the murders of her grandparents.
In book 2, she’s helping with an annual local event when the caterer disappears.
Book 3 will come out in 2026. Alison’s mother—who kidnapped she and her sister as children—makes a surprise visit and chaos ensues. This will be the final book in the series.
3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Over the series, Alison learns the importance of family as well as not believing what everyone tells you to be true. She needs to face her own demons generated by childhood trauma in order to move forward with her new life on Vancouver Island.
When her sister and best friend join her, they become more tightly bonded as friends and begin working together to help build each other’s dreams.
4) What drew you into this particular genre?
I have always loved a good puzzle, a good mystery, and have become pretty good at guessing whodunnit while watching movies and so on. I chose to write cozies, which are light and clean without the blood and gore, so they can entertain on a more humorous level, as well as intrigue.
5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?
I would sit down with the caterer, Blair Diamond, who I found the most interesting since her life leads Alison on a bit of a wild goose chase. She just seemed to be a larger-than-life character who died before Alison could get to know her.
6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?
I’m a big fan of a Facebook page called Cozy Mystery Village, as well as a small publisher called Aconite Café, which is where I got my start writing Dash Allman detective stories. With every new book, I seem to find new readers on both of those.
7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?
Don’t expect big things right from the start. It takes time to hone your craft and find your voice. Make friends with other writers and develop a thick skin. We all love to help other authors, but there will be times people give feedback or advice that you’d rather not hear.
8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?
Once Diamond on the Rocks comes out in September, I’m taking a brief, much needed vacation! Then I’ll be working on a new romance novel or two.
I will work on Book 3 for AJ Cadell Mysteries over the winter as well as editing Book 3 in my Glitter Bay Mystery series called All That Shimmers. I hope readers will watch for those!
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About the Author
Diane Bator is a mom of three, a book coach, and the author of over a dozen mystery novels and many works-in-progress. She has also hosted the Escape With a Writer blog to promote fellow authors and is a member of Sisters in Crime Toronto, the Writers Union of Canada, and a board member of Crime Writers of Canada. When she’s not writing and coaching authors, she works for a professional theatre. No surprise she’s written her first play, which may lead to more.
