Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima

Killing Trail by Margaret Mizushima ISBN-13: 9781629533810 Hardcover: 320 pages Publisher: Crooked Lane Books Released: December 8, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher through Amazon Vine.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When a young girl is found dead in the mountains outside Timber Creek, life-long resident Officer Mattie Cobb and her partner, K-9 police dog Robo, are assigned to the case that has rocked the small Colorado town.

With the help of Cole Walker, local veterinarian and a single father, Mattie and Robo must track down the truth before it claims another victim. But the more Mattie investigates, the more she realizes how many secrets her hometown holds. And the key may be Cole's daughter, who knows more than she's saying.

The murder was just the beginning, and if Mattie isn’t careful, she and Robo could be next.


My Review:
Killing Trail is a K9-detective mystery. Officer Mattie Cobb is learning to trust her dog and pick up on what he's telling her. Since she's going to run the local high school's anti-drug program, she also has to move beyond her past as a foster kid and rebellious teenager. Cole Walker is very busy with his veterinarian practice which has led to his wife leaving him and their daughters. Add to that pain, his teenage daughter's friend has been murdered. He struggles to be there for his daughters while dealing with his own pain.

The characters were realistic and likable. Robo is a well-trained working dog who loves his job, so don't expect a "cutesy dog." The author clearly put a lot of effort into getting the K9 and vet parts correct. These details made the story feel real without slowing the pace.

The crime was a clue-based, puzzle mystery. About halfway through, I had two strong suspects. Mattie soon picked up on the more obvious one. I could understand why she didn't suspect the other one despite various clues also pointing that way. The story keep my interest to the exciting, action-packed end as I wanted to see how it all played out.

There were no sex scenes. The was a fair amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, interesting story.


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.

Rend the Dark by Mark Gelineau, Joe King

Rend the Dark by Mark Gelineau, Joe King ISBN-13: 9781944015022 Paperback: 78 pages Publisher: Gelineau and King Released: Oct. 15, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, My Take:
The village of Groveland Down is safe from the dark creatures of legendary times. A Warden investigating recent disappearances expects to find human bandits as the cause. He spots the signs of something far worse, though: creatures of nightmares that can hide among humans by wearing our skin. He calls in the Order of Talan, whose warriors can clearly see or sense the Demons of the broken night.

Ferran and Mireia use their abilities to hunt these Demons to protect humankind. They willingly face death to protect strangers who don't always believe the Demons still exist. Evil lurks in or near the village, yet Ferran and Mireia can't spot any Demons among the villagers. The monsters are horrible enough in their true forms, but not knowing when evil might strike might be worse...


My Review:
The authors designated this story as both fantasy and horror genre. I don't normally read horror stories, but I liked their other stories so much that I decided to give this short story/novella a chance.

Rend the Dark is a high-suspense fantasy with a dark, monster theme and heroic characters. The suspense was built through ever-increasing danger and the character's reactions to facing the horror of the Ruins (demons, monsters). The world-building was worked naturally into the story so the reader understands what's going on but without slowing down the action or breaking the tension.

The characters were developed enough that we can understand why each reacted to the situation the way they did. Their reactions differed and showed each as an individual. Though faced with a dangerous and overwhelming situation, they each find--in their own way--their courage and a reason to fight on.

There was no sex or bad language. There was some gore, but the sense of horror was conveyed more by the characters' reactions than by dwelling on gruesome descriptions. Overall, I'd recommend this quick read to fans of monster stories and darker-themed, high-suspense fantasy.


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.

Faith and Moonlight by Mark Gelineau, Joe King

Faith and Moonlight by Mark Gelineau, Joe King ISBN-13: 9781944015060 Paperback: 90 pages Publisher: Gelineau and King Released: Dec. 15, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Roan and Kay are orphans. A fire destroyed their home, but they have a chance at a new life at the School of Faith. The school trains Razors--warriors that can tap into the power of the First Ascended. They're given a month to tap into that power or they will be kicked out.

As Roan excels and Kay fails, their devotion to each other is put to the test. They swore they would face everything together. When the stakes are losing the life they’ve always dreamed of, what will they do to stay together? What won’t they do?


My Review:
Faith and Moonlight is a young adult fantasy novella. It follows the common theme of teens going to a special school and trying to find their place in it, but it also hints at a lot going on that isn't fully evident yet.

The characters were interesting and complex. Kay might have a unique talent of her own, but it's not the talent needed to become a Razor. She wants to stay with Roan, but she wants to do what's right. She doesn't want him to be forced to chose between staying with her or becoming a Razor. This creates a relationship and moral tension throughout the story.

The Razor aspects of the fantasy world were developed nicely. I could always follow what was going on, and the world-building didn't slow down the action. My only complaint is that there's a scene missing between Kay's answer and the last scene. The whole story was leading up to it, so I found it mildly confusing for the scene to be skipped. I presume we'll be told precisely what happened in a future story, though.

There was a very minor amount of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, quick read to fans of young adult fantasy.


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.

Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis

Murder Most Howl by Krista Davis ISBN-13: 9780425262573 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Dec. 1, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Holly Miller is delighted her grandmother has finally left the Sugar Maple Inn to take a well-deserved vacation. It means Holly’s in charge, but running the inn might be more challenging than she realized. Wagtail’s throwing a weekend-long murder mystery game to draw in tourists during the slow season, the inn has a full house, and a blizzard is on the way.

Trouble is unleashed the night the game begins, when the storm blows in and the lights go out. It gets worse the following morning when Holly’s Jack Russell terrier, Trixie, discovers a body—one that’s actually dead. Now Holly, her calico kitten Twinkletoes, and Trixie must play by the rules and find one dirty dog...


My Review:
Murder Most Howl is a cozy mystery. It's the third book in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this story, and this book didn't spoil the previous ones.

The main characters and the pets were charming, as usual. The mystery was clue based. There was a "murder mystery weekend" mystery going on at the same time as the real murder investigation, not to mention a pet adoption and pet antics. If something could go wrong, it seemed like it did. It took a bit of concentration to keep track of who was who and what clues went to want. Whodunit didn't come as a surprise, but I wasn't sure until nearly the end.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this entertaining 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

A Reaper of Stone by Mark Gelineau, Joe King

A Reaper of Stone by Mark Gelineau, Joe King ISBN-13: 9781944015008 Paperback: 90 pages Publisher: Gelineau and King Released: Sept. 15, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, My Take:
Elinor grew up hoping to live the tales of old, but the reality of serving the king is far different from what she expected. The nobles are corrupt and willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

As a King’s Reaper, Elinor--and the engineers with her--pull down the unneeded stone keeps in the Marches. An old noble line has died, so Elinor will also perform a ceremony to transfer her current assignment to a new noble. Only, the old line might not be gone...

She faces a hard choice: to stand for justice against the odds even though she believes it will do no lasting good or survive by playing by the rules of the world she lives in.


My Review:
A Reaper of Stone is a heroic fantasy novella. It reminded me of the wonderful heroic fantasy I read as a kid, not the dark, depressing stuff that is so common these days.

The characters were interesting, heroic, and played well off each other. The fantasy world was developed nicely for the length of the story and gave an idea of the depth there is to this world. I could always follow what was going on, but the world-building didn't slow down the action. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future stories by these authors.

There was a fair amount of bad language (cursing words). There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun, quick read to fans of heroic fantasy.


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.

Best Left in the Shadows by Mark Gelineau, Joe King

Best Left in the Shadows by Mark Gelineau, Joe King ISBN-13: 9781944015046 Paperback: 80 pages Publisher: Gelineau and King Released: Nov. 15, 2015

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
A Highside girl. Beaten. Murdered. Her body found on a Lowside dock. A magistrate comes looking for answers. For justice.

Alys trades and sells secrets among the gangs and factions of Lowside. She is a daughter of the underworld. Bold. Cunning. Free. When an old lover asks for help, she agrees. For a price.

Together, they travel into the dark heart of the underworld in search of a killer.


My Review:
Best Left in the Shadows is a short story--a fantasy that contains a mystery. A well-born girl is found dead in the slum area, so a well-born magistrate comes looking for answers. He's guided around by a low-born gal with whom he has a romantic past. They're an interesting contrast to each other--one is idealistic, the other very practical. Both can fight well, and they get the chance to do it. They ask questions, follow clues, and unravel the truth.

The characters were interesting, varied, and played well off each other. The fantasy world was reasonably well developed for a short story, and I could always follow what was going on even though I was unfamiliar with this world. I enjoyed this story and look forward to reading future stories in the Alys series.

There was a fair amount of bad language (half of it relating to excrement and the other half cursing words). There was no sex. I was surprised and pleased by their depiction of a brothel, which focused on the people, not their sexual appeal. Overall, I'd recommend this fun, short story.


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.

Murder at Whitehall by Amanda Carmack

Murder at Whitehall by Amanda Carmack ISBN-13: 9780451475695 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Obsidian Mystery Released: Dec. 1, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
1559. The Twelve Days of Christmas at Whitehall Palace will be celebrated as a grand affair. But there are those who wish to usher in the New Year by ending Queen Elizabeth’s reign....

Despite evenings of banquets and dancing, the European delegates attending Her Majesty’s holiday festivities are less interested in peace on earth than they are in fostering mistrust. Kate, the queen’s personal musician, hopes she can keep the royal guests entertained.

But then Queen Elizabeth receives a most unwanted gift—an anonymous letter that threatens to reveal untoward advances from her beloved Queen Catherine’s last husband, Thomas Seymour. Tasked with finding the extortionist, Kate has barely begun investigating when one of Spain’s visiting lords is found murdered. With two mysteries to unravel and an unsettling number of suspects to consider, Kate finds herself caught between an unscrupulous blackmailer and a cold-blooded killer.


My Review:
Murder at Whitehall is a historical suspense set at Christmas time in 1559 in England. It's the fourth book in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this story. However, it did spoil events from the previous books.

The historical details brought the time period vividly alive in my imagination. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the physical danger to Kate and other main characters.

There were several mysterious things that needed to be resolved, including a murder. There were some clues as to what was going on. The whole plot was only uncovered, though, when whodunit confessed to it all.

There was no sex. There was a minor amount of swearing. Overall, I'd recommend this intriguing historical 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Guilty as Cinnamon by Leslie Budewitz

Guilty as Cinnamon by Leslie Budewitz ISBN-13: 9780425271797 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Dec. 1, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Springtime in Seattle’s Pike Place Market means tasty foods and wide-eyed tourists, and Pepper’s Spice Shop is ready for the crowds. With flavorful combinations and a fresh approach, she’s sure to win over the public. Even better, she’s working with several local restaurants as their chief herb and spice supplier.

Business is cooking, until one of Pepper’s potential clients, a young chef named Tamara Langston, is found dead, her life extinguished by the dangerously hot ghost chili—a spice Pepper carries in her shop. Pepper must use all her senses to find out who wanted to keep Tamara’s new café from opening—before someone else gets burned…


My Review:
Guilty as Cinnamon is a cozy mystery. It's the second book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novel to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous whodunits.

The mystery was clue-based, and it was complex enough to make putting the clues together more challenging. The heroine asked good questions and did a good job of following up on leads. The main characters were interesting and likable. But I'm getting a little tired of ghosts showing up in cozies even in a "maybe it was, maybe it wasn't" capacity. Then again, I never was a paranormal fan.

There was a minor amount of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Stitching Hour by Amanda Lee

The Stitching Hour by Amanda Lee ISBN-13: 9780451473844 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Obsidian Mystery Released: November 3, 2015

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Marcy Singer’s embroidery shop, the Seven-Year Stitch, is one year old so she's holding an anniversary party. Aside from the Halloween decorations and festive stitching kits and patterns, Marcy’s got all sorts of celebratory swag, including Seven-Year Stitch key rings and goodie bags.

Unfortunately, her new neighbors might spoil the revelry. An eccentric couple has opened a haunted house next door, and all that screaming will certainly scare off customers. But there’s even more to be frightened of after a local waitress is found dead on the sidewalk with mysterious markings on her neck—and one of Marcy’s key rings beneath her.


My Review:
The Stitching Hour is a cozy mystery. It's the ninth in a series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one.

The mystery was clue-based. Whodunit was one of my suspects from the start, and I was pretty certain who it was about two-thirds of the way through. The heroine assumed innocent reasons for suspicious behavior, so she didn't catch on to whodunit until she had already put herself in a dangerous situation. The characters were interesting and enjoyable. The heroine and her boyfriend were nice and had a sense of humor.

There was no sex. There was a very minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.