Can You Solve the Murder? by Antony Johnston

Can You Solve the Murder?
by Antony Johnston

ISBN-13: 9780143138884
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Penguin Books
Released: July 1, 2025

Source: Advanced proof review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
There’s been a murder at Elysium, a wellness retreat set in an English country manor. You arrive to find the body of a local businessman on the lawn – with a rose placed in his mouth. It appears he was stabbed with a gardening fork and fell to his death from the balcony above. But that balcony can only be accessed through a locked door, the key is missing, and everyone in Elysium is now a suspect…

Gather the evidence and examine the clues. Choose who to interview next, and who to accuse as your prime suspect. But remember that every decision you make has consequences – and some of them will prove fatal…


My Review:
Can You Solve the Murder? is an interactive mystery, where you decide who the Inspector interviews next. It's set in England, so 'you' are the Inspector. You work with a Sergeant and Constable on the scene and get reports back from forensics and such. You read a section that may include clues, then you go to another section based on the clues you have and the choices you make.

You write down clue codes, like A3, which help direct which sections you read next. Some clues can be found thorough several routes, but most can only be found by following one route. Some choices end the story early but most will get you to the end. It does matter who you interview first as clues picked up early allow you to ask better questions later. However, you don't get to follow up every lead before you (the Inspector) suddenly decides you know whodunit and gather the suspects to do a Big Reveal and make an arrest.

I was enjoying the story up until this abrupt end. While I knew who didn't do it and suspected whodunit, I didn't have proof. In fact, on a second try through focusing on whodunit, I still didn't have proof. I only succeeded because whodunit confessed in front of witnesses. You need one of two specific clue codes (out of about 52 clue codes) in order to get this outcome and otherwise end up not solving the murder due to lack of evidence even if you have the right whodunit. I found this frustrating as I expected detective fiction have definitive proof to find, not just suggestive evidence and clues.

The author had the detectives ask good questions and discuss some of the evidence to help the reader reason through the clues. There's a cipher to decode, and you get bonus points if you figure out the ciphers before forensics explains how to decode it. At the end, you count up points for various clues that you found and are rated as a detective based on this. I just barely rated Master Detective through the points even though I didn't successfully prove whodunit. There were no sex scenes and only a few uses of bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this fun interactive mystery. I'll certainly look forward to any similar mysteries by this author in the future.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Wyoming Wilderness Survival by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

Wyoming Wilderness Survival
by Jill Elizabeth Nelson

ISBN-13: 9781335980700
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: July 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Just as EMT Tracey Graham’s murder conviction is about to be overturned, she is ambushed by the crime family who framed her — and now want her dead. Fleeing into the woods sends her into the path of ex-cop Callum Mitchell, who has his own history with her assailants. But when his secluded cabin comes under attack, the wilderness is their only escape route. With Callum’s toddler son in tow, they must evade hitmen while navigating treacherous terrain. But can they make it out alive when there are predators around every corner?


My Review:
Wyoming Wilderness Survival is a Christian romantic suspense. Tracey, Callum, and his dog made quite a team! The dog knew how to effectively protect his people. Callum's a sharp-shooter and prepared-for-emergencies type who knew how to survive in the wilderness. Tracey's an EMT with some skill in the forest and with guns. Considering the number of people after them, they had to be competent to survive. Not only were they up against bad guys who wanted them dead at any cost, but the terrain, weather, and wildlife were dangerous and provided many opportunities for suspense.

Callum initially helped Tracey because his wife had been bullied to death by the same brothers. As they spent time together and worked together, he was impressed with her compassion, courage, and the fact that she didn't complain about uncomfortable and painful situations. He respected her abilities and treated her as a partner, even entrusting her with his toddler son's safety. Tracey was grateful that he helped her despite the danger, as he soon became a target, too. They didn't pursue their growing feelings until they were out of constant danger (which I find realistic, so I approve). They spent time getting to know each other for 10 months post-adventure before the sweet proposal scene. This author most have read my list of pet peeves because she got everything right.

Both Tracey and Callum dealt with forgiving people who were unrepentant and cruel. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Why Kings Confess by C.S. Harris

Why Kings Confess
by C.S. Harris

ISBN-13: 9780451417558
Hardcover: 340 pages
Publisher: Obsidian
Released: March 4, 2014

Source: Borrowed from library.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Regency England, January 1813: When a badly injured Frenchwoman is found beside the mutilated body of Dr. Damion Pelletan in one of London’s worst slums, Sebastian finds himself caught in a high-stakes tangle of murder and revenge. Although the woman, Alexi Sauvage, has no memory of the attack, Sebastian knows her all too well from an incident in his past—an act of wartime brutality and betrayal that nearly destroyed him.

As the search for the killer leads Sebastian into a treacherous web of duplicity, he discovers that Pelletan was part of a secret delegation sent by Napoleon to investigate the possibility of peace with Britain. Despite his powerful father-in-law’s warnings, Sebastian plunges deep into the mystery of the "Lost Dauphin”, the boy prince who disappeared in the darkest days of the French Revolution, and soon finds himself at lethal odds with the Dauphin’s sister—the imperious, ruthless daughter of Marie Antoinette—who is determined to retake the French crown at any cost.

With the murderer striking ever closer, Sebastian must battle new fears about Hero’s health and that of their soon-to-be born child. When he realizes the key to their survival may lie in the hands of an old enemy, he must finally face the truth about his own guilt in a past he has found too terrible to consider....


My Review:
Why Kings Confess is a mystery set in 1813 in London. This book is the 9th in a series. You can understand it without having read the previous novels, and it didn't spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries.

The historical information was woven into the story without slowing the pacing. It created a distinct feeling of that specific time and place and helped bring the story alive in my imagination. The characters were interesting, complex, and acted in realistic ways. Sebastian (with some help from Hero) investigated by questioning suspects and witnesses. Sebastian tracked down leads and asked good questions. There were plenty of suspects and I did strongly suspect whodunit near the end, but we didn't get the critical clues until basically the end.

There was a brief sex scene. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting historical mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble; Rick Acker

Where Secrets Lie
by Colleen Coble;
Rick Acker

ISBN-13: 9781400345700
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: June 3, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
College professor Savannah Webster is ready to give her ex-husband, Hez, another chance, and she believes he's finally ready for them to face their many past trials as a team. But when Savannah finds evidence that points to Hez's old demons resurfacing, the fragile trust they've built begins to crumble. And it's not just their relationship that hanging in the balance--the survival of the university Savannah's family poured their lives into is also under threat.

Hez is determined to put his past mistakes behind him with his new role mentoring law students at Tupelo Grove University's legal clinic. His primary focus with the clinic is to help Savannah pull the university out of a pit of debt and bad decisions made by the previous leadership, including her father. But their quest for stability takes a dark turn as they try to root out the dangerous smuggling ring the university is entangled in, and their investigation puts them in the crosshairs of criminals who will stop at nothing to eliminate any obstacle in their path.


My Review:
Where Secrets Lie is a Christian mystery/suspense. It's the 2nd book in the series and continues the story from the first book. Savannah's still frustrating. She blindly trusted someone she knew was trying to break her and Hez up, and she didn't trust Hez even though she stated that he's never lied to her. Even at the end, she's so blindly loyal to her sister that she didn't connect the obvious dots. (We know Savannah's sister is working against Savannah's and Hez's efforts to save the university, but we don't know who she's working with.)

Hez was a clever investigator/attorney, but he suffered a head injury that made it hard for him to catch things. Some students were helping him, though, and he pulled off a clever strategy at the end. Savannah finally stood up to her father and also recognized that she had trust issues that she needed to deal with if her marriage to Hez was going to have a chance. Still, it didn't feel like she had really changed. The main characters came across as realistic, complex people, but I just don't like 'spending time' with Savannah.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense even if Savannah's behavior frustrated me.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

The Lawyer and the Laundress
by Christine Hill Suntz

ISBN-13: 9798400507755
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Tyndale Fiction
Released: June 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Canada, 1837. Widower James Kinney knows his precocious daughter, Evie, needs more than his lessons on law and logic, but Toronto offers few options. Classes with a couple other children seem ideal until James discovers Evie is secretly spending her time with Sara O’Connor, a kind and mysteriously educated servant. For propriety’s sake, James forbids their friendship. But then Evie falls victim to the illness ravaging the city, and James must call upon Sara’s medical knowledge and her special bond with Evie to save his daughter’s life.

When Sara’s presence in his household threatens scandal, however, James asks her to become his wife, in name only, and help him raise Evie to be a proper young lady. Sara isn't sure she can ignore the sparks she feels when they’re together. But soon, the forces of rebellion threaten their arrangement: James is accused of treason. Sara must find the courage to face a past that could save her husband’s life.


My Review:
The Lawyer and the Laundress is a Christian romance set in 1837 in Canada. James struggled to raise his daughter properly while trying to keep his law partner out of trouble. He's joined the rebels who want to violently overthrow the oppressive government. James feels it's still possible to create needed change legally. Sarah was disowned by her rich father when she married a poor man. Now a widow, she does laundry for an inn where James's daughter is getting tutored along with the owner's daughters by a strict, harsh woman.

James was initially prejudiced against Sarah because of her obviously lowly station, but he recognized that she had manners and education far above that of most common laborers. Plus she built his daughter up and supported her against bullying. As James and Sara spent time together, they grew to respect and care for each other. The marriage proposal didn't come until nearly the end, and it forced both of them to face the problems in their past relationships. The characters were engaging, well-developed, complex people who acted realistically. The bad guy was subtly manipulative, and it took courage from Sarah and James's daughter to expose his lies.

Sarah struggled with why God didn't heal her sick husband and allowed her so many sorrows. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this excellent historical romance.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan

Missing in Texas
by Virginia Vaughan

ISBN-13: 9781335980649
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: May 27, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The moment FBI agent Christy Williams arrives in Mercy, Texas, determined to solve her friend’s disappearance twelve years ago, she becomes a killer’s number one target. Ignoring the threats on her life, she partners with Deputy Mike Tyner, the cousin of one of the chief suspects and the last person to see her friend alive. As they work to investigate this cold case together, it becomes clear someone will stop at nothing to keep the past hidden. With time running out, can Mike keep Christy alive long enough to find justice for her friend?


My Review:
Missing in Texas is a romantic suspense novel. Although a part of a series, this book can be read as a standalone. Mike has worked a cold case that haunts him: the disappearance of his cousin's girlfriend. He saw her shortly before she disappeared. Christy, her roommate, chose to take a vacation with a boyfriend rather than go home with her roommate like she'd promised. Feeling guilty and unable to date again until this case is solved, she's investigating the case for herself. Christy thinks Mike's cousin is the obvious suspect as his girlfriend was going to break up with him. Mike's certain that it must be someone else. They team up, hoping their knowledge of the case and conflicting views about what likely happened will help them consider all of the possibilities.

Christy and Mike generally worked well together. They questioned people, considered various possibilities, and followed up on leads. Then Christy went off on her own (without telling Mike) to follow up on a lead and ended up needing to be rescued. But, hey, they did solve the case, complete with evidence. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable romantic suspense.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

A Telegram from Le Touquet by John Bude

A Telegram from Le Touquet
by John Bude

ISBN-13: 9781464230554
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Released: May 20, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
With some trepidation Nigel Derry approaches the country house of his enigmatic and unpredictable Aunt Gwenny for an Easter holiday visit. After a tense few days in which her guests' interactions range from awkward dinners to a knife fight, a disgruntled Aunt Gwenny departs for Europe. Receiving a telegram from Le Touquet inviting him to join Gwenny in the south of France, Nigel arrives to finds out Gwenny has been murdered.

Enter Inspector Blampignon of the Sûreté Nationale, whose problems abound as the case suggests that the crime may have occurred hundreds of miles away from where the victim was discovered. Undeterred, the formidable French detective embarks on a thrilling race to discover the truth.


My Review:
A Telegram from Le Touquet is a mystery set in England and France, which was first published (and is set) in 1956. The story started in England and in Nigel's viewpoint, so we saw what occurred leading up to the murder. Once the body was discovered in France, we switched to the viewpoint of the detective. Some clues were hidden (but guessable) because Nigel didn't witness them. The detective asked good questions and followed up on leads, but the clues were confusing. We pretty much got what the detective did until the end, when he confronted whodunit and got a full confession. While I didn't guess exactly how it was done, I did guess parts of it (like whodunit had an obvious motive) and certain secrets. So it felt like a fair puzzle mystery.

Though the mystery was completely solved and made good sense, the ending was pretty abrupt. We never learned how certain things played out as some things were left unresolved. It felt like we were missing the final chapter. There was no sex. There was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this intriguing mystery.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.