Tag: suspense

All Money Ain’t Good Money: A Jinx Curry Mystery Book 1 by Tracey Lampley Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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.

You can follow the author at:

Website: https://traceylampley.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.lampley.12

X/Twitter: @bookmistress1

Instagram: tralam4156

Purchase a copy of All Money Ain’t Good Money on

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/All-Money-Aint-Good-Mystery-ebook/dp/B0CW1DW3SX

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-money-aint-good-money-tracey-lampley/1145537634?ean=2940179752004

Blog Tour Calendar

August 12th @ The Muffin

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.

https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 14th @ Words by Webb

Stop by for today’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money – a Jinx Curry Mystery.

https://www.jodiwebbwriter.com/blog

August 16th @ My Beauty My Books

Want a fun read for the weekend? Check out the spotlight on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://mybeautymybooks.com

August 17th @ Writer Advice

Novelist Tracey Lampley shares her thoughts on the value of planting a red herring.

https://www.writeradvice.com

August 19 @  Lisa Haselton’s Reviews and Interviews

Let’s take a peek at the life of an author with today’s interview of Tracey Lampley.

https://lisahaselton.com/blog

August 21st @ Chapter Break

Tracey Lampley, who writes about private investigator Jinx Curry, posts about why we all love a flawed protaganist.

Chapterbreak.net

August 22nd @ Knotty Needle

The Knotty Needle will be reviewing All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

http://knottyneedle.blogspot.com/

August 22nd @ Book Room Reviews

Stop by for a surprise guest post by Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money.

http://www.bookroomreviews.com/

August 24th @  Author Anthony Avina

Learn how Tracey Lampley made the Leap from Novella to Novel in today’s guest post plus a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Anthony Avina.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

August 28th @ Create Write Now

In today’s spotlight, learn more about the first Jinx Curry mystery: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

August 30th @ Choices

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is telling us the six authors she’d like to invite for a dinner party in today’s guest post.

http://madelinesharples.com

August 31st @ A Wonderful World of Words

Novelist Tracey Lampley writes about what her life was like before she began writing today at Wonderful World of Words.

https://awonderfulworldofwordsa.blogspot.com

September 3rd @ StoreyBook Reviews

Drop by for a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.storeybookreviews.com

September 4th @  Author Anthony Avina

Enjoy Anthony Avina’s review of All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://authoranthonyavinablog.wordpress.com

September 5 @ Word Magic

Tracey Lampley, author of All Money Ain’t Good Money, is writing about life with her canine buddy Neo.

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com

September 6th @ A Story Book World

Looking for a new novel? Today’s spotlight is on All Money Ain’t Good Money by Tracey Lampley.

https://www.astorybookworld.com

September 7 @ Boys’ Mom Reads!

Tracey Lampley’s All Money Ain’t Good Money is reviewed today by Karen of Boys’ Mom Reads.

https://karensiddall.wordpress.com

September 9th @ Nikki’s Book Reviews

Along with a review of All Money Ain’t Good Money, author Tracey Lampley will be posting about what she likes best about Live Sports Events. 

http://nikkitsbookreviews.wordpress.com

September 12th @ Reading Is My Remedy

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.

https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com

September 14th @ That’s So Nitra

Learn the difference between Macro editing and Micro editing with the help of Tracey Lampley.

https://nenitraanna.wordpress.com

September 15th @ Boots, Shoes and Fashion

In today’s interview, learn more about Tracey Lampley, author of the first book in the Jinx Curry mystery series: All Money Ain’t Good Money.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com

The Blue Prussian by Eve Penrose Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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.

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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.

https://evepenrose.com

https://www.instagram.com/evepenrose/?hl=en

The Galilean Codex by Les Jauron Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

When a series of murders within a German family leads to an investigation into a WWII raid a century earlier, the head of the family hires a university professor to help investigate a conspiracy that leads back to ancient Judea in author Les Jauron’s “The Galilean Codex”. 

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The Synopsis

The von Wittelslebens are one of the wealthiest and influential families in Germany. But the men in the family are being murdered because of an artifact one of their distant ancestors uncovered a century earlier in Mesopotamia.

Wilhelm Graf von Wittelsleben, the leader of the family, recruits Chris Cadwalader to investigate an unknown World War II German raid on an Egyptian monastery.

Von Wittelsleben believes the raid is connected to the murders. The raid was ordered by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, at the personal direction of Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler. It was led by a notorious SS Gruppenfuehrer and war criminal named Franz Frink. Himmler believed that if the raid was successful, Germany would win the war.

Chris Cadwalader, West Point graduate, retired Army officer, and university professor, recruits a team to conduct his investigation. But powerful forces oppose his every move. These mysterious forces are willing to do anything to prevent Chris from discovering the object of Franz Frink’s raid.

But Chris perseveres. Following clues laid out by a distant von Wittelsleben ancestor, Chris’ search takes him through the forests of central Germany to the deserts of Egypt.

Along the way, Chris discovers a conspiracy that began in first century Judea and lasted for centuries. This conspiracy involved the most powerful people in Judea and several Roman emperors, including the infamous Nero, Constantine the Great, and Julian the Apostate.

And the Catholic Church is committed to preventing Chris from learning the truth. Despite the opposition from the church, Chris persists and his quest uncovers a secret that could rewrite history and upend the faith of billions of people …..

The Review

This was a thrilling historical fiction meets suspense thriller. The exploration of ancient cultures and the obsession that the Nazi regime had with appropriating relics and findings from those cultures was expressed perfectly throughout this novel. The balance between the history being explored and the personal family mystery that protagonist Chris is hired to investigate for this German family was so engaging and allowed the reader to feel transported to the globe-trotting adventures this protagonist would end up on.

The intersection of faith, politics, and power was a monumental theme to dive head-first into, and the author showcased that perfectly here with a mystery that brought the Catholic Church, world governments, and big businesses all converging into one investigation. The conspiracy angle and the heavy atmosphere this mystery brought to the novel allowed the reader to get lost in this drama, unraveling each clue that the protagonist uncovered with intrigue and fascination.

The Verdict

Author Les Jauron’s “The Galilean Codex” is a fantastic mystery meets historical fiction novel that is memorable, remarkable, and entertaining. The twists and turns of the story and the exploration of what would happen if new information contradicted centuries of long-held beliefs made this a compelling novel that is impossible to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Les Jauron is a retired military officer and college administrator. After graduating from West Point, where he was number one in his class in military history, Les served in a variety of assignments in the United States Army. These included five assignments as the commander of artillery batteries and battalions as well as a number of staff positions. Les is a graduate of the School for Advanced Military Studies, which focuses on planning military operations and campaigns. After retiring from the Army, Les became a community college administrator where he was, at times, responsible for planning, facilities, technology, accreditation, public relations and marketing, and overseeing state technology projects. Les is fascinated by how the Romans managed an empire the size of the United States in an era when communications moved at the speed of a horse or a ship. Les and his wife, Zoela, live in their motor home and travel extensively. They have three children and nine grandchildren.

The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched by Jeff Senior Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

An older couple witnesses a horrific incident, and goes down a rabbit hole that will shock everyone in author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.

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The Synopsis

Ed and Jess are happy in retirement – that is, until their lives are forever changed when they witness a woman take her own life. Why did she do it? The police aren’t investigating and no one seems to care. But Ed and Jess do, and they’re determined to uncover the truth behind her tragic act.

Their investigation soon reveals a pandora’s box that includes war crimes, criminal conspiracies, police corruption and a pervasive need for justice left unfulfilled. Can this ordinary elderly couple succeed where officials refuse to tread? The deeper Ed digs, the more strain it puts on his marriage as Jess grows fearful of the dangers involved.

Yet despite tensions at home and sinister forces working against them, Ed persists, compelled by his conscience to see this through to the end. His good intentions pave an unpredictable path filled with chance encounters, family complications, and life-threatening risks.

Will Ed unravel the mystery in time or will his obsession bring disaster upon himself and those close to him? One thing’s for sure: he has no plans to stop until justice is served.

The Review

This was such a gripping and engaging mystery read. The harrowing experiences and heart-pounding thrills that this couple experiences are jaw-dropping, and the relatability of the protagonists instantly draws the reader in. The shocking inciting incident frames the whole tone of the narrative, and the perfect use of imagery in the author’s writing allows the reader to feel entrenched in this story.

The stand-out moments in this story were the rich character arcs and the powerful themes. The bond and love between Ed and Jess instantly draw the reader further into the book, while the antagonist that develops will have readers eager to see justice brought to light. Yet the theme of obsession versus justice plays perfectly in this book. The atmosphere that is developed speaks to the true crime fans and podcasters of the world, all of whom feel a need to see justice done while still getting in over their heads. 

The Verdict

Heartbreaking, thrilling, and entertaining, author Jeff Senior’s “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched” is a must-read mystery novel. The shocking twists and turns that the story gets, the unique characters that populate this world, and the haunting ending 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

I was born and still live in West Yorkshire, England, with my wife of over 52 years. We have two children and two grandchildren.

I spent most of my working life as a freelance writer, initially as a Technical Author in the IT industry and later writing magazine articles and website content. I’ve long had an ambition to write a novel but the need to pay off the mortgage and support my family meant I needed a more reliable source of income.

Now I’m past retirement age, I’ve at last been able to achieve my ambition. The result is my first published novel, “The Itch That Couldn’t Be Scratched”.

It’s a tale of obsession, of one man’s quest to seek justice for a woman he never knew and the effect on his relationship with his wife and family. It also explores how decisions we make, usually with the best of intentions, can have unforeseen and unfortunate consequences.

I’m currently working on my next book, a sequel to the first one. Whether this ever gets published may depend on how the first one goes.

https://www.jeffsenior.co.uk

Cul-De-Sac by Liz Crowe Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinons are my own. 

A young couple become enamored with their new dream home and the community they find themselves in, only to discover a web of lies and deceit behind the walls of their home in author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-De-Sac”.

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The Synopsis

Welcome to Connelly Court. A secluded, old money neighborhood, harboring a web of desires and deceit behind pristine facades and manicured lawns, where the lives of a group of neighbors, bound by their shared secrets and unconventional lifestyle, are about to unravel.

Michael and Amelia Ross move into their dream home, and get drawn into the seductive allure. But their house once belonged to a family whose lives were seemingly ruined by their participation, which leads Amelia to question everything about her new-found friends. Suspicions run rampant as the close-knit group turns on each other. Lies, betrayals, and hidden agendas are revealed, ripping apart the fabric that once bound the group together.

“Cul-de-Sac” is a dark tale of marriage, friendship, desire, and betrayal, where nothing is as it seems, and the truth may be more shocking than anyone could have imagined. Discover the twisted secrets of Connelly Court in this chilling domestic suspense novel that will leave you questioning just how well you truly know—or should know—your neighbors.

The Review

This was a powerful and mesmerizing suburban thriller. The author’s tension and atmosphere made the reader feel transported, a fly on the wall as the characters drew further into the complex world of seduction and power that this neighborhood had crafted for itself. The mystery behind the former occupants of the protagonists’s home and the use of multiple points of view throughout the book allowed the reader to peel back each layer of intrigue at a good pace.

Character development added to the mystery surrounding this novel and helped elevate the exploration of what happens behind closed doors. The picturesque, quiet suburb that the novel initially portrays, as well as the protagonists who come across as the average American family with a clear picture of their future, all come through early in the novel, and yet the seduction parties and ways in which the characters grow and falter showcase the hidden nature of what is the classic “perfect American dream.”

The Verdict

Thrilling, shocking, and engaging author Liz Crowe’s “Cul-de-Sac” is a must-read thriller. The exploration of the American suburb and how lies and power dynamics can work in any setting, even a quiet American cul-de-sac, allowed the shocking twists and turns to hit the reader with a punch that will stay with them 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

Liz Crowe is a Kentucky native and graduate of the University of Louisville living in South Carolina. She’s spent her time as a three-continent expat trailing spouse, mom of three, real estate agent, brewery owner and bar manager, and is currently a digital marketing and fundraising consultant, in addition to being an award-winning author.

The Liz Crowe backlist has something for any reader seeking complex storylines with humor and complete casts of characters that will delight and linger in the imagination long after the book is finished.

Her favorite things to do when she’s not scrolling social media for cute animal videos is walk her dogs, cuddle her cats, and watch her favorite sports teams while scrolling social media for cute animal videos.

Website: https://lizcrowe.com/

Facebook: @lizcroweauthor

Instagram: @lizcroweauthor

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ORHrxk

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205844908-cul-de-sac

The Girl from Jersey City by Zan Austin Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young man seeking to escape his troubled home falls for a young woman, and in the hopes of protecting his image must pull off a daring theft in author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City”.

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The Synopsis

As the summer of his eighteenth birthday begins, Paul Nesbitt finalizes plans to escape his alcoholic, abusive father, enabling mother, and impoverished Jersey Shore town blanketed by the fumes of a chemical processing plant. Although the local police have Paul in their sights for a break-in and theft, he has been able to avoid arrest and has vowed to do his best to stay out of trouble. Unfortunately, his strategies are disrupted when he meets Laura, a vivacious young woman from the city, who takes an unexpected interest in him. To deepen her intrigue, he lies about himself. The biggest one is his acceptance into a very prestigious Ivy League college. But when the facade he’s created threatens to crumble, the only solution appears to be money. And the only way to get that money is for Paul to break his vow and take part in a very ambitious robbery that, if he’s not careful, may not only lead to his arrest but cause him to lose Laura.

The Review

This was a moving and compelling read. The author does a compelling job crafting a series of natural and engaging characters. The exploration of class systems and how they impact relationships was well done here, as was the balance of suspense and romance drama found within the narrative of this novel. The tension is perfectly lined throughout the story, allowing the reader to feel the impact of the protagonist’s journey throughout the book.

The theme of change, how to fight the pull of an old life, and the emotional pull of the character’s plights allowed the reader to get lost in this story. The memorable way the protagonist struggled with his past and the exploration of life’s impact on a person, especially in the protagonist’s case, as he struggled with an abusive father and run-ins with the law, kept the reader invested in this character’s arc. The reality of such a hard life and people’s interactions with one another felt very honest and authentic to the reader.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and compelling author Zan Austin’s “The Girl from Jersey City” is a must-read novel. The twists and turns in the story, the engaging cast of characters, and the rich dynamics found within this story will keep readers coming back repeatedly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Zan A. Austin is a Los Angeles-based writer and teacher. His novel End Man was published in October 2022 by Cursed Dragon Ship. Kirkus Reviews recommended End Man as “an engrossing and well-crafted SF tale with timely themes.” His novel Nakamura Reality was published by The Permanent Press in 2016. Publishers Weekly gave Nakamura Reality a starred review and called the writing, “powerful and moving.”

Get Out Now! By Barbara Harrison Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A woman finds herself trapped in a hellish marriage and must find a way to escape in author Barbara Harrison’s “Get Out Now!”

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The Synopsis

Beautiful, naïve Amber Light, falls in love with a tortured artist named Cade Raine. From the first moment she meets him, she is absolutely smitten. Not only is he incredibly handsome, but also successful and wealthy.

 They marry soon after. Without realising it, suddenly, Amber’s entire world revolves around this one man, who isolates her from family and friends then overtly turns against her. He does this subtly at first, allowing Amber to believe that everything which goes wrong in their relationship, is her fault. That is, until she begins to uncover the truth about her husband’s dark side.

Throughout a turbulent marriage of ten years, there are many twist and turns along Amber’s journey with Cade. She eventually understands that she needs to get out of her sham of a marriage. The problem is that she knows Cade won’t allow her to leave, so she must craft a fool-proof plan to escape.

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The Review

This was such a heart-wrenching and chilling read. The author does an incredible job of bringing the reader into the brutal reality that so many women find themselves forced to endure, thanks to predatory men. The suspense and horror of the events that led Amber to finally leave her husband, as well as the terror that comes with fighting for survival, were all equally felt thanks to the author’s fantastic use of imagery and atmosphere in her writing, allowing the reader to feel immersed in this story.

The character dynamics and powerful themes are well done in this story. The realistic nature of both Amber and Cade as characters and the cycle of violence and forgiveness shown throughout their marriage hit close to home for far too many readers. Yet, the realistic nature of the characters’ relationship and the beats of hope throughout the story as she fights to escape this relationship will stay with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

Heartbreaking, tragic, yet engaging author Barbara Harrison’s “Get Out Now!” It is a must-read psychological suspense tale, and domestic thriller readers won’t be able to put it down. The reader will instantly connect emotionally to Amber’s plight, and the reality of this story will hopefully shed new light on this horrifying situation so many have to endure. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barbara Harrison is a woman who loves telling stories. She was an avid reader as a teenager, whose interest in the world of imagination was first stirred by the written word. Barbara started with writing scripts for plays and poetry. This love for words, then extended into a passion for acting and bringing the written word to life. As a hopeless romantic, she mostly enjoyed reading books about true love and finding a soulmate. As she grew into womanhood, the young Barbara began to realise that sadly, the love stories depicted in Mills and Boon novels, were far removed from real life. In 1988 she married her late husband, Russel Harrison, and they raised two children together. After many marital ups and downs and twelve years of marriage, Russel moved to Florida, USA. This was a huge shock to Barbara and their children, who had no desire to relocate overseas. For a period of fourteen years. Barbara lived a life of split family on two continents, travelling between America and South Africa. 

Tragically, in August 2012, after a mole biopsy on his arm, Russel received news that it had become a melanoma. He recovered well from the surgery to remove the cancer, however, it had spread, and in April 2014 was considered to be stage four and therefore terminal. Both returned to South Africa in July 2014, where Russ received treatment and they could be with family and friends during that dreadful time. On 1 October 2015, their twenty-seventh wedding anniversary, Russel passed away, leaving Barbara a grieving widow. Barbara began to slowly move forward again, and as she looked back to take stock of her life, she began to realise that she had spent most of her married life, living her husband’s dream. Although she thoroughly enjoyed being a wife and mother, there had been no ambition, other than the love of acting many years ago, to follow a career. At the age of fifty, encouraged by two of her friends, Barbara began to write again. Her first couple of endeavours were in the non-fiction world and she did not attempt to publish. One of her friends suggested that she try her hand at writing novels. Another friend greatly believed in her ability to write and constantly encouraged her to keep going, ultimately birthing the book you now hold in your hands.

Past Life’s Revenge (A David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery) by Angela Van Breemen Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A man discovers that in his most recent past life, he was murdered, and his murderer is still alive in author Angela Van Breemen’s “Past Life’s Revenge”, part of A David Harris and Emma Jackson Mystery series.

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The Synopsis

Have you ever had a dream that was so real, you were sure it was from a past life?

Since childhood, David Harris has suffered from debilitating nightmares. He has sought the advice of psychiatrists and other health professionals without obtaining any relief. When he meets an attractive young psychic, Emma Jackson, she encourages him to seek the help of her friend Anna Tungsten, a hypnotherapist. During an emotionally charged past life regression, David learns he was murdered in his most recent past life, thirty years earlier. When David realizes his murderer is still alive, he cannot move on and a build a new life with Emma until he has exacted revenge and stopped the murderer from killing again.

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The Review

This was such a compelling and thought-provoking thriller. The author does a remarkable job of creating characters that readers can engage with and become invested in their journey. The action and suspense of the main journey and the tension that threaded its way into the narrative made this a remarkable story. 

Yet the balance the author struck between mystery, suspense, and paranormal thriller really stood out to this reader. The concept of past lives and our connection to the universe as a whole stood out to me, and the twists and turns in the overall narrative as the protagonists delved deeper into this past life cemented the two protagonists as driven and capable characters that can drive readers further and further into this new paranormal mystery series. 

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The Verdict

Memorable, thoughtful, and entertaining author Angela van Breemen’s “Past Life’s Revenge” is a must-read mystery and paranormal thriller. The shocking revelations and the equally shocking twists that take the protagonists to the edge emotionally and physically will have readers eager to delve deeper into this new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

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.

About Angela

Murder for Me by Russell Little Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Four people find their lives converging in shocking ways as a shocking plot starts to take shape in author Russell Little’s “Murder for Me”. 

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The Synopsis

Ava is a middle-aged socialite jogging through a wooded park near her Houston home. The trees and her earbuds provide the only escape from her problems. Little does she know another problem is waiting just ahead—the kind of problem that wants her dead.

Houston attorney Larry Lamb has his own difficulties to sort through. He’s mediocre at work and a failure at marriage, and there’s something inside him screaming to get out. It’s becoming harder and harder to control—and it’s affecting him in mysterious ways.

Ava’s husband Don is madly in love with Marilyn Ramirez, a woman with the power to convince men to do whatever she wants. Marilyn has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to have Ava murdered so she can have Don for herself.

When Don drops a six-figure retainer onto Larry’s lap to defend Marilyn, Larry schemes to dump the case and keep the money. But Marilyn has a different plan, and the minute Larry sees her, her plan starts working.

Can Larry resist Marilyn’s manipulation, or will she summon the mysterious voice hidden deep within him? Follow Larry’s journey into the mind in this dark psychological page-turner.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping novel. The author immediately does a fantastic job of setting up these dynamic and thoughtfully crafted characters, giving readers multiple perspectives to follow as the plot develops. Immediately, the book establishes the hint of mystery and danger as a series of failed hits on a woman unfold before the reader. Establishing these characters’ backstories and the tension that mounts over time will keep the reader on the edge of their seats.

The narrative was the heart of this book, as the novel took the time to layer the mystery and intrigue while still creating a fast-paced thriller. The complex character development and the shocking realities that unfold instantly draw the reader in, and the heavy atmosphere will stay with readers long after the final page unfolds.

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The Verdict

A dark and richly developed mystery thriller and suspense novel that blends the character development of a Dean Koontz novel with the intrigue of a Hitchcock film, author Russell Little’s “Murder for Me” is a must-read suspense novel. The twists and turns in the story and the shocking final scene will stay with readers well past the book’s final pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Russell G. Little is a writer and practicing divorce attorney. Murder for Me is a fictionalized compilation of the many people he’s encountered over his lifetime and thirty-two-year career.

He lives in Houston, Texas, with his wife of thirty-two years, Melinda.

www.russelllittleauthor.com