Better Off Thread by Amanda Lee

Better Off Thread by Amanda Lee ISBN-13: 9780451473851 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Dec. 6, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Marcy is busy helping her customers make hand-crafted ornaments at her embroidery shop, the Seven-Year Stitch. But when her friend Captain Moe asks her to play the elf to his Santa for sick children at a local hospital, she can’t refuse. Despite the ridiculous outfit, Marcy finds herself enjoying spreading cheer—until the hospital’s administrator is found murdered.

Although the deceased had plenty of people willing to fill her stocking with coal, evidence pins the crime on Moe. Now it’s up to Marcy, with the help of her police officer boyfriend Ted and her Irish Wolfhound Angus, to stitch together the clues to clear Moe’s name.


My Review:
Better Off Thread is a cozy mystery. It's the tenth in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil previous whodunits.

I liked the heroine and her friends. The mystery was clue-based. I was pretty certain of whodunit by about halfway through. Marcy was focused more on finding people with motive (and there were plenty) than in thinking through who could have actually done it. But she did figure out whodunit before the suspenseful ending and even saved some people's lives.

There was no sex or 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.

Firewall by DiAnn Mills

Firewall by DiAnn Mills ISBN-13: 9781414389936 Trade Paperback: 391 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Released: June 20, 2014

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
After a whirlwind romance, Taryn Young is preparing to board a plane at Houston International Airport, bound for a dream honeymoon, when a bomb decimates the terminal. Injured but still alive, she awakens to discover her husband is missing and they're both considered prime suspects in the attack. Further, the FBI is convinced her husband isn't who he appears to be.

Agent Grayson Hall's number-one priority is to catch those responsible for the day's act of terror. All evidence is pointing to Taryn and her new husband. But his instinct tells him her pleas of innocence are genuine. Is her naivete just for show, or could she truly be another victim of a master scheme, possibly linked to the software she recently developed for her company? With both their lives and reputations on the line, and the media outcry for justice increasing with each passing minute, Taryn and Grayson pray they can uncover the truth before they become two more casualties.


My Review:
Firewall is a Christian romantic suspense novel. The characters were interesting and some were developed into complex-motive characters. I found it believable that Taryn was initially fooled even though she's a smart woman, but it did take her longer than I expected to believe the truth. The suspense was from physical danger to several characters; this was a very deadly story to be a character in. There was very little down-time as events raced along. The romance was based on two people coming to trust and care for each other (rather than many repetitions of "(s)he's sooo hot!")

The Christian element was mainly some short prayers asking God to help them with the situation and the realization that God is there with them through the confusion. There were no sex scenes. There was no bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting, suspenseful 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.

Where Does Love Hide? by Mary Manz Simon

Where Does Love Hide? by Mary Manz Simon Illustrated by Hannah Wood ISBN-13: 9781496411686 Board Book: 18 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Released: Jan. 1, 2017

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Where Does Love Hide? children are reminded that they not only receive love but have the opportunity to share love. Looking under the fun, lift-a-flap feature, children will see examples of everyday love opportunities. Each page includes a memory verse and an example of a way to share God's love. Because love is an abstract concept and young children are concrete thinkers, they must gradually learn to understand love by what they experience.


My Review:
Where Does Love Hide? has 6 double-spread pages that each demonstrate a way for children to show love. Each page has "Where does love hide?" on one side and a flap for children to open on the other. Behind the flap is a picture that completes the scene. On the flap is text describing how to show love and a Bible verse relating to that action. (For example, "A friend is always a friend." Proverbs 17:17) The problem is that you'll lose much of the text if the flap (which is thin cardboard) gets ripped off.

So what are the ways to show love? Inviting a friend over to your house to play, helping Mom to put the groceries away, taking turns when playing with a toy at the park, sharing your cookies with others, helping a wheelchair-bound grandpa in the yard, and saying (or hearing) "I love you" at bedtime. The illustrations are stylized and simple (like the cover picture). They illustrate the text but don't go much beyond that.

Compared to the inviting and charming Lots of Love, this felt like a "because it's good for you" teaching tale. Probably because it's intended to be a teaching book. The flaps are a fun idea, but I really doubt they'll last and it's unfortunate that much of the text is on the flap.


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.

For the Record by Regina Jennings

For the Record by Regina Jennings ISBN-13: 9780764211423 Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Released: Dec. 6, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Betsy Huckabee knows that writing for her uncle's small-town newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away.

Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. A young woman who tried to trap him into marriage ruined his reputation in the process. Now his skills and patience is test by dealing with vigilantes feeling that they are the real law. Not to mention Betsy's popping up to trail him, day and night.


My Review:
For the Record is a Christian historical romance set in 1885 in the Ozark Mountains. It's the third book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one. I was in the mood for humor, and another reviewer said this story was funny. While some scenes were silly (like the hero mounted on a small, feisty pony), I didn't find the overall storyline funny.

The sheriff in Pine Gap is ineffectual, so some local men have taken to running dangerous men out of the area to make it safe. Several people explained the situation to Joel, and he's told that the vigilante activities will stop if he'll find and arrest the dangerous men. Yet Joel focused on arresting these vigilantes, and people got hurt because he went after the wrong people. It took half the book before he considered that maybe he's going about it wrong. I was frustrated with him, especially as figuring out what's really going on isn't too hard for the reader. By the time he started looking beyond the vigilantes, people weren't giving Joel the information he needed because they had no trust in him.

Incidentally, the story's not meant to be strongly historical. Betsy acted like a modern gal. She wasn't the least bit bothered by things like the hero's comment about hoping to sleep in her bed (which he didn't know was hers) or by being frequently alone at night in Joel's company. And Joel passionately kisses her several times before even officially courting her.

The Christian element was a brief mention or two that maybe Joel should rely on God instead of his own efforts. I don't recall him actually following this advise, though. There were no sex scenes or bad language.


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.

Lots of Love by Kim Washburn

Lots of Love by Kim Washburn ISBN-13: 9780310758617 Board Book: 18 pages Publisher: Zonderkidz Released: Dec. 27, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

Book Description from Booklook:
Lots of Love celebrates all the ways we show love—from hugs and kisses to sharing and helping others. The sweet rhymes and whimsical artwork in this board book illustrate the special bonds of love between families and friends. Perfect for young children, this book will make you want to snuggle with your little one as you two explore the greatest blessing of all—love!


My Review:
Lots of Love is a charming board book. It shows sweet, appropriate ways to show love to friends and family throughout an ordinary day. For example, her mother hugs her and she, in turn, hugs her sister and brothers. She helps clean up the craft supplies at school and gives the card she made to her teacher. And "Sitting with my best friends, / We laugh and talk and play. / I want to share some kindness / With all the words I say."

The Christian element explains why we should show love to others: "God fills my life with blessings. / He loves me through and through. / My heart is overflowing / And I want to show love too." The illustrations are nice and invite talk about the scenes since they illustrate the text but show even more. I liked that the people shown had a variety of skin tones. Overall, I'd highly recommend this board book.


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 Lake District Murder by John Bude

The Lake District Murder by John Bude ISBN-13: 9781464206535 Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Dec. 6, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
When a body is found at an isolated garage, Inspector Meredith is drawn into a complex investigation where every clue leads to another puzzle: was this a suicide, or something more sinister? Why was the dead man planning to flee the country? And how is this connected to the shady business dealings of the garage? This classic mystery novel is set amidst the stunning scenery of a small village in the Lake District. It is now republished for the first time since the 1930s.


My Review:
The Lake District Murder is a mystery novel that was originally published in 1935 and is set in England. The mystery was a clue-based puzzle. We mainly follow the Inspector, who carefully followed up on every clue and strange circumstance until the puzzle is solved. I did guess what was going on before the detectives, but it was still enjoyable to see them solve exactly how it was being done. It wasn't so much about whodunit as how it was done and why. I also liked the main characters, so it was a fun read.

There was no sex. There was occasional use 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.

Egg Drop Dead by Laura Childs

Egg Drop Dead by Laura Childs ISBN-13: 9780425281703 Hardback: 288 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Dec. 6, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Maintaining good personal relationships with their suppliers is one of the secrets of the Cackleberry Club Café’s success, so Suzanne doesn’t mind going out to Mike Mullen’s dairy farm to pick up some wheels of cheese. She’s looking forward to a nice visit with the mild-mannered farmer before heading back to their hectic kitchen.

But when she arrives, Mike’s nowhere to be found. The moaning of his cows leads her to look in the barn, where she discovers a bloodcurdling sight—the farmer’s dead body. Apparently not everyone was as fond of Mike Mullen as the Cackleberry Club.

Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to find the farmer’s murderer—but as they get closer to the truth, the desperate killer gets whipped into a frenzy and plans to put the squeeze on them.


My Review:
Egg Drop Dead is a cozy mystery. It's the seventh book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous whodunits.

Suzanne and her friends were an enjoyable characters. The story took place around Halloween, so they participated in several Halloween activities. There was even a haunted house (well, forest) chase scene.

While there were clues, this wasn't really a "puzzle it out" mystery. Suzanne poked around, asked some questions, worked to save some horses, befriended one suspect, and didn't find any serious clues against the others. When the critical clue was finely uncovered, the story ended with a scene worthy of an action movie. The heroine saves the day!

There was occasional use of of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this fun mystery/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.

Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan

Daughter of Joy by Kathleen Morgan ISBN-13: 9781441217257 ebook: 261 pages Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Company Released: September 1, 2007

Source: "Bought" (during a for-free offer) through Christianbook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Abigail Stanton's whole life was rooted in her faith. In the wake of losing her husband and young son, Abby sets out, bereft and heartsick, to discover what God wants her to do. When she starts working for Conor MacKay, though, the very foundation of her beliefs starts to shift.

As the volatile rancher's new housekeeper, Abby is supposed to keep his house --- and his equally capricious little girl --- in order. Why, then, does she feel confusion, desire, and anything but order every time they are together? Conor tries to hide his own seething emotions beneath a cold facade, but the more ruthlessly he attacks Abby's faith, the more his defenses crack.

As Abby and Conor draw closer to the flame of their attraction, they must grapple with their deepest beliefs and fears. In opening their hearts again, both risk even greater loss for a chance at the greatest love of all.


My Review:
Daughter of Joy is a historical romance set in 1895 in Colorado. It has a common storyline: a lady becomes the housekeeper for a handsome but unkind man with an untamed child and she wins them over. We get some details about everyday life in 1895, but the historical aspect is mostly just a backdrop for the action.

The hero and heroine have some depth to their character and underlying motives which plays a nice role at the beginning and end to make the story unique. However, the middle felt a bit rushed. She decides to marry someone not a Christian in hopes her influence will make the difference. Suddenly everything from the man's past comes back--and seems easily overcome. Too easily. I would have liked it better if his struggle had been a little more developed here. Then she realizes he hasn't changed, really, but is simply doing what she asks because he wants her. At this point, the story slows down and explores their struggles and conflicting emotions again.

I do not find unkind men to be attractive even if they are handsome, so I couldn't quite relate to that. But I could accept that she was attracted to him based on her past and because he wasn't always unkind.

The Christian element was woven into the story. Their religious beliefs were a part of their lives, their past, and motivated their actions. The characters' theology wasn't always correct. It bothered me that a Christian friend was strongly encouraging the heroine to marry someone not a Christian, among other things. However, I didn't get the feeling that we were being asked to accept these conclusions as true but as what flawed, confused humans come up with.

There were no sex scenes or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.

We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany

We Wish You a Murderous Christmas by Vicki Delany ISBN-13: 9780425280812 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
It’s Christmastime three hundred sixty-five days a year in Rudolph, New York, and as Christmas Day approaches, shop owner Merry Wilkinson is enjoying a rare evening off at the Yuletide Inn when she runs into owners Grace and Jack Olsen.

With Jack's health failing, his son Gord will be taking over the day-to-day running of the Inn. But Gord reveals that his new plans have no room for Christmas at the Inn. Merry and the other shopkeepers fret about the effect a bland franchise hotel could have on their livelihoods.

When Gord is found stabbed to death, there’s an entire town of potential suspects—and it’s up to Merry to find whoever brought homicide home for the holidays.


My Review:
We Wish You a Murderous Christmas 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.

This was a clue-based mystery. The heroine was good at noticing important things and understanding what various clues meant. The critical clue for determining whodunit didn't come until nearly the end. She quickly understood what it meant and was able to act quickly to save someone's life. I liked the heroine and the other main characters, so it was an enjoyable read.

There was no bad language or 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.

Hooking for Trouble by Betty Hechtman

Hooking for Trouble by Betty Hechtman ISBN-13: 9780425279458 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
The Tarzana Hookers’ Yarn University has been a big success, and the classes have drawn in a slew of new crochet devotees. A less welcome arrival is the boxy monstrosity in the yard behind Molly’s house. She hasn’t met her new neighbors, but when she sees a couple struggling on the balcony and later spies what looks like someone lying on the ground, Molly wastes no time calling in her ex, homicide detective Barry Greenberg.

To Molly’s shock, Barry reports that nothing is amiss with her neighbors and asks her to lay off with the amateur detecting. Molly knows she wasn’t just seeing things, but with no body to prove her case she’ll have to unravel the evidence on her own—because someone in Tarzana is tangled up in murder.


My Review:
Hooking for Trouble is a cozy mystery. It's the eleventh book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous whodunits.

Molly sees a body in her neighbor's yard and calls the cops, but the body is gone by the time they arrive. No body, no murder. So Molly tries to figure out who was killed (which isn't as easy as it sounds), who did it, and why.

It's a clue-based mystery, and you can guess whodunit from the clues. However, a critical clue about "why" was described so vaguely that the reader has little chance of guessing the motive before Molly explains it. Molly wanted to catch whodunit in an incriminating action at the end, but she apparently gave little thought to video-taping it as proof or protecting herself if she was spotted by whodunit.

There were no sex scenes and no 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.

Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl

Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl ISBN-13: 9780764217777 Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Mercy Brennan, a U.S. Marshal, is assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. The gang believes Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, so her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.

It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive--if help is even coming at all?


My Review:
Fatal Frost is a Christian suspense novel. It's not a romantic suspense as the situation didn't really allow a romance. It was more about Mercy finding healing for past hurts so that she could potentially have a relationship in the future. I liked the characters, but I felt more intrigued by the internal conflicts faced by some of the side characters (like Tally, Troy, and Angel) than by Mercy and Mark. The suspense came from the constant physical danger from gangsters with guns and a bad snow storm.

But parts weren't very realistic. For example, a point is made about the danger of attack by bad guys and the need to keep watch, then they do things like take a shower or that otherwise make themselves vulnerable. They're outnumbered but often don't immediately handcuff or tie up their captives. Later, they don't even consider using newly available ATV vehicles to escape danger.

Several characters re-connected with their childhood faith in God. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to those who enjoy lots of action and aren't bothered if some parts aren't realistic.


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 Royal Christmas to Remember by Jeanna Young and Jacqueline Johnson

A Royal Christmas to Remember by Jeanna Young Jacqueline Johnson, Illustrated by: Omar Aranda ISBN-13: 9780310748021 Hardback: 32 Publisher: Zonderkidz Released: Oct. 11, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
With the arrival of the most spectacular winter in years and Christmas only a night away, Princesses Joy, Grace, Faith, Charity, and Hope find themselves in the midst of a scene right out of a holiday fairytale. But then the threat of bandits in the village lead the king away from the castle on Christmas Eve!

Suddenly, the bandits come crashing into the castle. Praying to God for courage and safety, the princesses are soon rescued by five brave squires. The next day, the princesses go to the village to see how they can be of help to the people, discovering that the true meaning of Christmas is in sharing rather than storing up things for themselves.


My Review:
A Royal Christmas to Remember is a children's book for ages 4-8 years old. The illustrations are of the "animated movie" style and do a good job of illustrating the text, though I never did figure out which princess was which. It's a nice story about what Christmas is really about. It included the father reading to the princesses about Christ's birth, and they sing a Christmas song.

Yet the main lesson of the story seemed to be that Christmas is about sharing rather than greedily (their words at the very end) storing up things for yourself. I thought what they decided to share was very odd, though. The village had been burned and many precious items stolen, yet the princesses give away...their Christmas decorations! And their gifts.

A sacrifice, to be sure, but I'm thinking the villagers would have better appreciated an invitation to stay at that large castle until their houses were fixed or something more practical. I guess considering what will actually help those in need is a topic for a future book, though. Overall, it's a fun story that kids will enjoy, even if this adult was a little disappointed.


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.

Killing Thyme by Leslie Budewitz

Killing Thyme by Leslie Budewitz ISBN-13: 9780425271803 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Pepper Reece is busy conjuring up spice blends bursting with seasonal flavor and crossing her fingers for a rave review from a sharp-tongued food critic. Add to the mix a welcome visit from her mother, Lena.

While browsing in the artists’ stalls, Pepper and Lena drool over stunning pottery made by a Market newcomer. But when Lena recognizes the potter, Bonnie Clay, as an old friend who disappeared years ago, the afternoon turns sour. To Pepper’s surprise, Bonnie seems intimately connected to her family’s past. When Bonnie is murdered only days later, Pepper is determined to uncover the truth.


My Review:
Killing Thyme is a cozy mystery. It's the third 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. The critical clues didn't come until nearly the end. I must admit that I didn't guess whodunit, though I came close. The main characters were interesting and likable, and the trap that they set at the end was fun. There was a very 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.

God Bless My Friends by Hannah C. Hall

God Bless My Friends by Hannah C. Hall, Steve Whitlow (Illustrations) ISBN-13: 9780718089535 Board book: 20 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: Oct. 11, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Hi, my friend! Come play with me—though we’re as different as can be! Big and small, short and tall, fluffy and prickly . . . these playmates of all shapes and sizes are the best of friends. Share some giggles with your little one about how fun friendships—and differences—can be!


My Review:
God Bless My Friends is a board book for young children. According to the publisher, this book is intended to teach "the importance of being a friend to all kinds of people, including ones who are different from them." The interior illustrations are of the same style as the cover and feature those same animals. The book starts, "Whenever I can be with you, / That's when the fun begins. / On days we play, I love to say, / 'God bless my greatest friends!'"

Each page shows different types of animals playing together. Some pages emphasize playing with people different than you: different talents, different heights or sizes, and different physical appearances. The other pages show these different animals helping each other, sharing with each other, cheering each other up, and simply having fun together ("We romp and stomp. We jump and tromp. / With you, I'm never bored!").

The illustrations can prompt further comments on how people can be different yet still enjoy playing together and helping each other. My niece is currently a newborn, but I think she's going to enjoy this book when she's a little older. Overall, I'd recommend this book.


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 Underground by Mavis Doriel Hay

Murder Underground by Mavis Doriel Hay ISBN-13: 9781464206610 Paperback: 270 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
When Miss Pongleton is found murdered on the stairs of Belsize Park station, her fellow-boarders in the Frampton Hotel are not overwhelmed with grief at the death of a tiresome old woman. But they all have their theories about the identity of the murderer and help to unravel the mystery of who killed the wealthy Pongle. Even Tuppy the terrier has a part to play in the events that lead to a dramatic arrest.

This classic mystery novel is set in and around the Northern Line of the London Underground. It is now republished for the first time since the 1930s.


My Review:
Murder Underground is a mystery that was originally published in 1934 and is set in London. We don't follow the police interviews but instead follow the gossip of the people at the victim's rooming house and the antics of her relatives.

It's more a comedy of errors than a puzzle-type mystery, and the story had a humorous, lighthearted tone. One of the main characters--a potential heir of the victim--lied to the police about his movements. This caused no end of trouble, and his efforts to set things right without making the police suspect him only made things into a worse muddle.

The critical clues were only uncovered once people stopped hiding secrets. You can guess whodunit from the clues, and some characters figure it out about the same time that the readers can. There was no sex. There was a minor amount of of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.

A Christmas Message by Anne Perry

A Christmas Message by Anne Perry ISBN-13: 9781101886380 Hardcover: 176 pages Publisher: Ballantine Books Released: Nov. 1, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
The year is 1900, and Victor Narraway is giving his wife, Vespasia, an unforgettable Christmas present a trip to Jerusalem. Vespasia is enchanted by the exotic landscape of Palestine, and charmed by a fellow traveler the Narraways meet at their hotel in Jaffa. But when the man is murdered over a torn piece of ancient parchment he was taking to Jerusalem, Victor and Vespasia risk their lives to finish his mission. Pursued by a shadowy figure with evil intent, they embark on a dangerous yet ultimately enlightening pilgrimage to the holy city.


My Review:
A Christmas Message is a suspense novel set in 1900 in Palestine. A man is murdered in Jaffa, where our hero and heroine are staying briefly before taking a train to Jerusalem. They discover that he slipped them an ancient document in a foreign language and asked them to deliver it to a shop on the Via Dolorosa on Christmas Eve. They set out for the train, and the killer is after them.

Then the story gets really surreal. I kept expecting the heroine to wake up and discover it was all a dream. The descriptions of the people and the landscape seemed based more on symbolism than reality. The 39 mile trip from Jaffa to Jerusalem came across as a long, dark journey across a flat desert (even though they started out in daylight, Jerusalem is in the hill country, etc.). Almost everyone they met were inhuman beings (or at least not normal human beings) who spoke cryptically or philosophically. Not what I was expecting.

So the story turns out to be a spiritual journey. They concluded that we need to follow our inner guiding vision (the true "star of Bethlehem") and you should love God whatever way you wish, shouldn't condemn people who follow another religion as everyone will get the eternity promised by his religion, and all you need to do to gain God's forgiveness is forgive others.

There were no sex scenes. There was a very minor amount of bad language.


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.

Hook, Line and Murder by Donald Bain, Renée Paley-Bain

Hook, Line and Murder by Donald Bain, Renée Paley-Bain ISBN-13: 9780451477835 Hardback: 288 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Jessica enters a fly fishing competition at a nearby lake. Joining her is the sheriff’s wife, Maureen Metzger, who surprises Jess with her enthusiasm for the sport. Their guide, however, is a surprise to both...

Brian Kinney is an ex-con. Jailed as an accomplice to Darryl Jepson, a convicted killer, Brian was later exonerated, but not before spending seven years behind bars. He seems like a decent enough fellow. Just a man trying to rebuild his life as a family man and fishing guide.

Yet when Jepson breaks out of prison vowing revenge, and the lawyer for both men is found murdered, Cabot Cove becomes the focus of the nation as local, state, and federal authorities descend on Jessica’s home town. And to add to the tension, Maureen has gone missing. Is she lost or is she a hostage? Jess soon finds herself caught in a net full of lies, deceit and ulterior motives. In order to save her friend, she’ll need to find some answers by hook or by crook.


My Review:
Hook, Line and Murder is a cozy mystery. This is the forty-sixth book in the series. You don't have to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this one doesn't spoil the whodunit of previous novels.

This was more of a suspense novel than focused on following up clues to solve a mystery. Will they find Maureen alive? But Jessica did look into an older murder as it was connected to the current events. You can guess whodunit from the clues. I'm glad that Jessica was back "in character"--as in, she's nice like in the TV show and not as pushy and self-righteous as she's been in some recent books. I liked how she gave Darryl a chance when others weren't.

There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun 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 Hammett Hex by Victoria Abbott

The Hammett Hex by Victoria Abbott ISBN-13: 9780425280355 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Book collector Jordan Bingham has been able to swing a romantic trip to San Francisco with Officer Tyler “Smiley” Dekker on one condition—she must return with a rare copy of Dashiell Hammett’s Red Harvest for her irascible employer, Vera Van Alst. For his own part, Smiley is full of surprises. He’s a Dashiell devotee himself—excited to be in the city of Hammett’s hard-boiled heroes like Sam Spade and the Continental Op—and also announces he plans to visit his previously unmentioned estranged grandmother, who lives in an old Victorian on Telegraph Hill.

But the trip goes downhill fast when Jordan is pushed from a cable car and barely escapes death. And when a dark sedan tries to run the couple down, it’s clear someone’s after them—but who? Just like in Hammett’s world, nothing is quite what is seems...


My Review:
The Hammett Hex is a "cozy" suspense novel. It's the fifth book in the series. This book did not spoil the whodunits of the previous books, but you'll probably understand this novel better if you've read the previous books.

So what is a cozy suspense? One where I never worried that the main character was really in danger, but she was in danger and had one near miss after another. It's intended to be mildly humorous, which tended to negate actual suspense. The story was about discovering who was after them and stopping them.

Considering her relatives are crooks, I found it odd that the heroine wasn't more suspicious of certain things. As in, I suspected certain people and things much more quickly than she did, and she suspected some people that weren't even acting odd. Also, some aspects of the story were wrapped up pretty quickly at the end. Still, I enjoyed the story.

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

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon

Tangled Webs by Irene Hannon ISBN-13: 9780800724542 Paperback: 368 pages Publisher: Revell Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
After a disastrous Middle East mission ends his six-year Army Ranger career, Finn McGregor needs some downtime. A peaceful month in the woods sounds like the perfect way to decompress. But peace isn't on the agenda once he crosses paths with publishing executive Dana Lewis, a neighbor who is nursing wounds of her own. Someone seems bent on disrupting her stay in the cabin she inherited from her grandfather.

As Finn and Dana work together to discover who is behind the disquieting pranks, the incidents begin to take on a menacing tone. And when it becomes apparent Dana's foe may have deadly intent, Finn finds himself back in the thick of the action--ready or not.


My Review:
Tangled Webs is a Christian romantic suspense novel. This book is the third in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mystery/suspense of the previous books.

The characters were likable and acted realistically. There was no mystery for the reader since we know exactly what is going on even though the characters don't. The suspense came from the potential danger to the various characters. Much of the story was about the hero and heroine getting to know each other and falling in love.

The Christian element was how the characters treated people. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting 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.

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin ISBN-13: 9780764217616 Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from NetGalley:
Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she's asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.


My Review:
Waves of Mercy is Christian historical fiction. The primary story is set from 1845 to 1897 and follows the life of Geesje, a woman whose family migrated to America for religious freedom. Her family and others who came from Netherlands struggled to build a town out in the wilderness in Michigan.

The historical details about events in Netherlands and during the building of the new town were very interesting and were woven into the story. These events were seen through the eyes of a young woman struggling with why God would allow so much death and suffering in her life. It's a very good story with realistic characters of complexity and depth.

The framing story was about Anna, a young woman in 1897 who felt like she had to choose between God or an excellent marriage with a man she thought she loved. While at a lakeside resort, she strove to learn more about God and in the process became friends with a seminary student. This young man was just learning of Geesje's past and her struggles with faith, and he believed her story might help Anna. Healing is found by all as the past touches on the present.

The 1897 stories were told in first person, present tense. This was one of the few times that I didn't find this device distracting. (Authors usually end up wandering through various tenses rather than sticking to present tense, which I find distracting.) There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this 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.

Mystery in White by J Jefferson Farjeon

Mystery in White by J Jefferson Farjeon ISBN-13: 9781464206634 Paperback: 244 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
On Christmas Eve, heavy snowfall brings a train to a halt near the village of Hemmersby. Several passengers take shelter in a deserted country house, where the fire has been lit and the table laid for tea – but no one is at home. Trapped together for Christmas, the passengers start to unravel the secrets of the empty house when they realize there is a murderer in their midst.

My Review:
Mystery in White is a mystery novel that was originally published in 1937 and is set in England. Actually, it was more a mild horror or suspense novel than a mystery. Various characters get caught in a bad snow storm and end up in a house whose occupant is missing--like he just stepped out for a moment and didn't come back.

Two of the characters were psychics. The older one discreetly explains that one of the passengers from the train is a murderer and also pieces together parts of what happened at the house right before they arrived. The reader is simply along for the ride as the characters deal with spending the night in a creepy house with a known murderer in their midst.

The main characters were interesting and varied, and their interactions were mildly humorous. I enjoyed their interactions, but I'm not very fond of horror or psychic stories, so I'm probably not the target audience. There was no sex. There was a fair amount of bad language.


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.

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette

Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette ISBN-13: 9780764218217 Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Bethany House Released: October 18, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from NetGalley:
Having escaped Egypt with the other Hebrews during the Exodus, Shira is now living in freedom at the foot of Mt. Sinai, upon which rests the fiery glowing Cloud containing the shekinah glory of God. When the people disobey Yahweh and build a golden idol, the ensuing chaos gives Shira an unexpected opportunity to learn the arts of midwifery. Although her mother wishes for her to continue in the family weaving trade, Shira's gifts shine brightest when she assists with deliveries. In defiance of her mother, Shira pursues her heart's calling to become an apprentice midwife.

When a delivery goes horribly wrong, Shira finds herself bound to a man who betrayed her, the caretaker of three young children, and the target of a vengeful woman whose husband was killed by Shira's people, the Levites. As contention between the Hebrew tribes and the foreigners fans the flames of another dangerous rebellion, Shira will come face-to-face with the heartbreak of her past that she has kept hidden for so long. How can she let go of all that has defined her to accept the love she's denied herself and embrace who she truly is?


My Review:
Shadow of the Storm is biblical fiction (with a romance) set when the Israelites were at Mount Sinai. This is the second book in the series. You can understand what's going on in this book without having read the previous book. However, this book spoils some major events in the previous book, so I'd recommend reading these books in order.

The author stayed true to the description of events given in the Bible and wove vivid, everyday-life details into the story. She's clearly done her research (thank you!). The characters acted realistically and were complex. I sympathized with their struggles. Shira feels undesirable due to a past event and the knowledge that she's barren. Her love interest has made some bad decisions in the past and is paying the price. The underlying theme was forgiving oneself for past sins once God has forgiven us.

There was no bad language. There were no sex scenes, though there was some minimally graphic descriptions leading up to "off scene" sex. Overall, I'd highly recommend this novel to biblical fiction fans.


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 Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude

The Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude ISBN-13: 9781464206511 Paperback: 260 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
The Reverend Dodd, vicar of the quiet Cornish village of Boscawen, spends his evenings reading detective stories by the fireside. But the vicar's peace is shattered one stormy night when his neighbor, Julius Tregarthan, is found at his house with a bullet through his head. The local police inspector is baffled by the lack of expected clues. He carefully follows each clue until the truth of it is uncovered yet gets no closer to whodunit. Luckily for Inspector Bigswell, the Reverend Dodd has an idea of how the murder was actually accomplished.


My Review:
The Cornish Coast Murder is a mystery novel that was originally published in 1935 and is set in England. The mystery was a clue-based puzzle. The clues initially could be put together several ways, but then further clues were found and the possibilities only expanded.

We mainly follow Inspector Bigswell, who carefully followed up on every clue until he knew how it got there. Reverend Dodd helped point the Inspector in the right direction with his local knowledge and an insight into how the murder was achieved. I did guess whodunit before the detectives (due to suspects getting cleared), but I still can't quite visualize how it was done. I liked the main characters, though, so it was a fun read.

There was no sex. There was occasional use 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.

Identity Unknown by Terri Reed

Identity Unknown by Terri Reed ISBN-13: 9780373447701 Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Love Inspired Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
When a John Doe washes up on the shores of Calico Bay, no one knows who he is—including him. But one thing's instantly clear to deputy sheriff Audrey Martin: the man's marked for murder. And she's the only one who can protect him from the assassins who lurk at every turn.

The arrival of a team of men claiming he's Canadian Border Services officer Nathanial Longhorn only further complicates the matter. As his memories slowly start drifting back, Nathanial's determined to work with Audrey to uncover who wants him dead and why. But he's tangled in something that threatens to submerge them both. And unless Audrey can help him figure out what, this Christmas might be their last.


My Review:
Identity Unknown is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the fifth book in a series, but each novel can be read as a stand alone. There were plenty of gun fights as the people out to kill Nathanial were very determined. The continuous threat posed by the bad guys created suspense. However, there were a number of unrealistic details, like prying open elevator doors with one's bare hands and throwing a knife not designed for this with great precision.

The romance didn't work for me, especially as Nathanial and Audrey never learned to work as a team. I can accept that Nathanial, unable to remember any of his past, would become attached to a beautiful woman whom he knew he could trust since she's repeatedly saved his life. But Audrey? We're told repeatedly that Audrey has a deep-seated distrust of handsome, charming men. Yet she's immediately attracted to Nathanial's looks, charm, and tempting lips, and rarely remembers that, oh, yeah, she distrusts this.

We're also told repeatedly that she wants to be in control and has a chip on her shoulder about men who don't treat her as an equal as a cop. Well, Nathanial keeps knocking her to the ground to protect her rather than allowing her to do her job and protect him. She's touched that he instinctively wants to protect her. Personally, I'd be more impressed if he shot the bad guys instead of knocking her down. Anyway, based on Audrey's stated past and his actual actions, I didn't see why she would be attracted to him.

The characters occasionally prayed. There was no sex or bad language.


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.

Death on the Cherwell by Mavis Doriel Hay

Death on the Cherwell by Mavis Doriel Hay ISBN-13: 9781464206597 Paperback: 260 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
For Miss Cordell, principal of Persephone College, there are two great evils to be feared: unladylike behavior among her students, and bad publicity for the college. So her prim and cozy world is turned upside down when a secret society of undergraduates meets by the river on a gloomy January afternoon, only to find the drowned body of the college bursar floating in her canoe.

The police hope that it's a student prank got out of hand, but the resourceful Persephone girls suspect foul play and decide to investigate on their own. This classic mystery novel, with its evocative setting in an Oxford women’s college, is now republished for the first time since the 1930s.


My Review:
Death on the Cherwell is a mystery that was originally published in 1935 and is set in Oxford. Four girls from the women's college started investigating the mystery (giving it a cozy mystery feel), but soon Detective-Inspector Braydon arrived from Scotland Yard. He asked the girls to tell him the information they had uncovered, set them to explore potentially useful (and less disruptive) avenues, and pulled various clues together to discover whodunit.

There were many, tangled clues, but it wasn't difficult to guess whodunit by the time the detective named his suspect. It was interesting to follow how he sorted out the clues and gathered the needed evidence to arrest the suspect. The antics of the undergraduates were humorous and gave a lighthearted feel to the story.

There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable 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.

Paws and Effect by Sofie Kelly

Paws and Effect by Sofie Kelly ISBN-13: 9780451472168 Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Oct. 4, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Magical cats Owen and Hercules and resourceful librarian Kathleen Paulson are back. Kathleen is excited to meet three old pals of her beau, Detective Marcus Gordon, while they visit charming Mayville Heights on business. But the reunion is cut short when one of the friends is killed—and the evidence points towards Marcus as the murderer.

Though it seems she doesn’t know all of Marcus’s secrets, Kathleen is sure he’s no killer. With his suspect status sidelining him from investigating the case, it’s up to Kathleen and her feline partners-in-crime to find whoever is framing Marcus—and make sure the good detective hasn’t found his last clue.


My Review:
Paws and Effect is a cozy mystery. This is the eighth book in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books.

I liked the heroine as she's not judgmental, cares about people, and is intelligent. She also knows how to ask questions without being pushy or accusing. The cats are pretty intelligent and have cat abilities (disappearing and getting out) taken to a magical degree. They provided some humor to the story.

This was a clue-based puzzle mystery. The heroine looked for clues (with some help from her cats and friends) and eventually found the evidence needed to arrest whodunit. Unfortunately, whodunit realized this and so we get a suspense sequence were the heroine showed her courage, optimism, and determination. Frankly, whodunit was my only suspect, but there was a reason why the characters took longer to suspect that person.

There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun 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.

Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima

Stalking Ground by Margaret Mizushima ISBN-13: 9781629538341 Paperback: 320 pages Publisher: Crooked Lane Books Released: Sept. 13, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
When Deputy Ken Brody's sweetheart goes missing in the mountains outside Timber Creek, Mattie Cobb and her K-9 partner Robo are called to search. But it's mid-October and a dark snow storm is brewing over the high country. And they're already too late. By the time they find her body, the storm has broken and the snow is coming down hard.

While Brody hikes down to bring back the forensics team and veterinarian Cole Walker gathers supplies to protect them from the storm, Mattie and Robo find themselves alone, guarding the gravesite overnight in the dead of the early winter. As their investigation develops, Mattie, Robo, Brody, and Cole find themselves in the middle of the killer's stalking ground--where the hunters could become the hunted.


My Review:
Stalking Ground is a detective mystery/suspense novel. It's the second in a series. You can follow this book without reading the previous one, and this book didn't spoil the previous mystery. However, I'd recommend reading them in order as the previous novel was also well-written and you'll probably understand the main characters better if you do.

I really enjoy the characters in this series. They have depth and complexity. Violent deaths have a realistic impact on them. I liked how Cole's daughters contributed both to the problem (as in, they didn't always cooperate) and the solution (some comments they made). It's fun to see how Mattie and Robo are growing in their bond, and I appreciate that the author did research to make the vet and K9 scenes accurate.

Much of the book was suspense--will we find this person in time? will the cougar attack? The murder investigation was interesting and kept me slightly uncertain, but whodunit is unlikely to surprise the reader.

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

The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders

The Secrets of Wishtide by Kate Saunders ISBN-13: 9781632864512 Paperback: 352 pages Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Released: Sept. 13, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Mrs. Laetitia Rodd, aged fifty-two, is the widow of an archdeacon and makes her living as a highly discreet private investigator. Her brother, Frederick Tyson, is a criminal barrister living in the neighboring village of Highgate with his wife and ten children. Frederick finds the cases, and Laetitia solves them using her intelligence, discretion, and immaculate cover as an unsuspecting widow.

When Frederick brings her a case involving the son of the well-respected, highly connected Sir James Calderstone, Laetitia sets off for Lincolnshire to take up a position as the family's new governess. But the seemingly simple case--looking into young Charles Calderstone's “inappropriate” love interest--soon takes a rather unpleasant turn as blackmail demands show up and so do murders. As the family's secrets begin to unfold, Laetitia discovers the Calderstones have more to hide than most.


My Review:
The Secrets of Wishtide is a mystery set in 1850 in England. Though Laetitia has had previous cases, this is the first book in the series. The backgrounds of several characters reminded me of novels I've read that were written in the mid-1800s. It turns out that these backgrounds were based off of a Charles Dickens novel, which helps give this novel an authentic feel.

Laetitia had some progressive views about fallen women due to being a romantic at heart, but she reflected the current (1850 England) culture in other views. I liked that she tried to be non-judgmental and show Christian compassion. I enjoyed the humorous interactions between the characters, especially between her and her brother.

At times the book felt more like a historical drama than a mystery, but Laetitia did uncover clues and stick with the investigation until the full truth came out. I wasn't surprised by whodunit, but the answer wasn't necessarily obvious.

There were no sex scenes. There was occasional use 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White ISBN-13: 9780764213526 Paperback: 416 pages Publisher: Bethany House Publishers Released: Sept. 13, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from NetGalley:
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better.

Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?


My Review:
A Lady Unrivaled is a Christian romance set in 1913 in England. This book is the third in a series. You can understand what's going on without reading the previous books, but you might want to read these books in order. There's an over-arching storyline involving red diamonds, so we're told many details from the previous two books and this spoils the suspense of those books.

All of the characters felt well-developed, with complex motives and histories. I really enjoyed Ella. She's an optimist and generally met life with laughter. Lord Cayton needed this laughter in his life. Ella was kind and offered grace to those who had wronged her friends in the past, and this made a difference in how things played out in the end. The suspense came from physical danger due to the bad guys desperately wanting the red diamonds. Historical details provided a backdrop for the story.

Lady Ella demonstrated her Christian faith in how she treated others and offered them second chances. Lord Cayton struggled to accept that God really had forgiven him for his past. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable book.


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 Methods of Sergeant Cluff by Gil North

The Methods of Sergeant Cluff by Gil North ISBN-13: 9781464206672 Paperback: 158 pages Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press Released: Sept. 6, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
It is a wet and windy night in the town of Gunnarshaw, on the edge of the Yorkshire moors. The body of young Jane Trundle, assistant in the chemist s shop, is discovered lying face down on the cobblestones. Her purse is full of money.

Sergeant Caleb Cluff is not a man of many words, nor does he play by the rules. He may exasperate his superiors, but he's the only CID man in the division. The case is his. As Cluff investigates, he refuses to except the obvious suspect and sets his sights on a respected member of the town.


My Review:
The Methods of Sergeant Cluff is a detective novel that was originally published in the early 1960s and is set in England. The writing tended to be vague and dreamy. Characters would have whole conversations using "he" or "she" without defining who they meant. They also found themselves in the middle of action without being conscious of starting it. A lot of time was spent describing the moody setting.

There were enough clues that you can guess whodunit, but the story wasn't about finding evidence. Cluff doesn't like to talk and did as little interviewing as possible. When he had to visit suspects, he'd moodily survey and pass judgment on the occupants. (And if there was something wrong in a relationship, he blamed the woman. One woman's main faults seemed to be that she kept a neat house and didn't worship her husband as god.)

Cluff decided on a suspect despite a lack of evidence. He didn't bother to get evidence. Instead, he stalked the suspect until he went crazy and another death occurred. I didn't like that Cluff "solved" the case by both provoking and allowing another murder. There were no sex scenes. There was one use of swearing.


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.

No Farm, No Foul by Peg Cochran

No Farm, No Foul by Peg Cochran ISBN-13: 9780425282021 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: Sept. 6, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
On her blog, The Farmer’s Daughter, Shelby McDonald is growing her audience as she posts recipes, gardening tips, and her experiences raising two kids and running Love Blossom Farm in the small western Michigan town of Lovett.

Working the farm is demanding but peaceful—until that peace is shattered when the minister’s wife is murdered on Shelby’s property during a fund-raiser for a local church. Out of curiosity and because the police seem to be making no headway, Shelby decides to figure out the murderer herself.


My Review:
No Farm, No Foul is a cozy mystery. Shelby is a widowed organic farmer with three love interests and two kids that tend to get into trouble (climbing trees for the boy, with boys for the girl). Shelby didn't need to interrogate people as people liked to gossip with or confide in her.

There were enough clues to guess whodunit. One "clue" was obviously meant as a clue yet made no sense considering how the murder was done. There were a few other "huh?" points, like why did a cop shove his gun into his waistband instead of his holster? Anyway, whodunit didn't come as a surprise, but we get a long suspense scene at the end. Finally, some useful dogs!

Despite skirting the edge of several of my pet peeves, I did enjoy the story. The author developed the characters and gave them more complexity than is usually found in a cozy. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting 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.

The Sculthorpe Murder by Karen Charlton

The Sculthorpe Murder by Karen Charlton ISBN-13: 9781503938243 Paperback: 306 pages Publisher: Thomas & Mercer Released: August 30, 2016

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from NetGalley:
Northamptonshire, 1810: As a new canal network snakes across the landscape, a vicious mob stakes its claim to the county. Every local constable is out on the hunt for the ruthless Panther Gang. When an elderly man is robbed and murdered in sleepy Middleton, the beleaguered magistrates send for help from London’s Bow Street Police Office.

Detective Stephen Lavender and Constable Ned Woods soon discover there’s more to William Sculthorpe’s demise than meets the eye. Mystery surrounds the old man and his family, and the stench of revenge hangs heavy in the air. Are the Panther Gang really responsible or is something more sinister afoot? As Lavender delves further into long-hidden secrets, Woods has demons of his own to contend with: ghosts from his past that stalk him through the investigation.

Uncovering decades of simmering hatred and deceit, Lavender and Woods must use all their wit and cunning to solve this evil crime.


My Review:
The Sculthorpe Murder is a mystery novel set in March 1810 in Northamptonshire and Leicestershire in England. It's the third book in a series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this story did not spoil any previous whodunits.

The characters were engaging and had realistic reactions to events. Constable Wood's past is developed in this story. The vivid historical and setting details made the story feel unique to that time and place. There were a few details that aren't correct for the period (like the word "Detective" wasn't invented for another thirty or so years), but I was impressed overall.

It was a clue-based mystery with plenty of secrets to be uncovered. I guessed much of what was going on before Lavender explained things. However, I got the feeling from the questions he asked and things he looked for that he had the same suspicions when I did.

There was a fair amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes (though descriptions of a barmaid got mildly sexually graphic when she interacted with patrons). Overall, I'd recommend this interesting 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.

Catching Heat by Janice Cantore

Catching Heat by Janice Cantore ISBN-13: 9781414396705 Trade Paperback: 432 pages Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Released: Sept. 1, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Twenty-seven years after the deaths of Detective Abby Hart's parents, she's desperate to find the proof that will put the mastermind--the governor's wife--behind bars. When she joins a newly formed task force and teams up with PI Luke Murphy, Abby is sent to San Luis Obispo to work the cold case of a murdered college student. Realizing their investigation will bring them near the town where Alyssa Rollins grew up, Abby decides to do a little digging of her own into the Triple Seven fire.


My Review:
Catching Heat is a Christian romantic suspense novel. It's the third book in a series, and it continues the story of the previous books. I'd recommend reading these books in order (starting with "Drawing Fire"). There was a lot of suspense in this novel due to physical danger threatening from several directions. It's more a suspense novel than detective work.

Luke's behavior baffled me in this book. Luke and Abby were attracted to each other due to their mutual loss and interest in finding justice regarding the Triple Seven fire despite everyone telling them to let it go. Abby uncovered a lead that wasn't clear-cut but shouldn't be dangerous to follow up on if she's wrong. In the past, Luke would have supported Abby, but now he's the one telling her to let go. Why? Because a victim in one of their cases is completely obsessed to the exclusion of all else. Abby asked other people to partner her because Luke wasn't supporting her, and Luke concluded this means she's obsessed and tells her so. I can accept him worrying about it, but so quickly changing sides to become one of her nay-sayers? So the characters didn't quite grab me in this book, but the suspense was plenty exciting.

The main characters found comfort in the thought that even if we don't have all the answers about what happened in the past, God knows. There was no sex. The author used "he cursed" to indicate bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting series.


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.

Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams

Murder in the Secret Garden by Ellery Adams ISBN-13: 9780425265611 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Released: August 2, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
There is a hidden garden filled with beautiful but deadly plants such as mandrake and nightshade. Tucked away behind ivy-covered walls and accessible only through a single locked door, the garden is of special interest to Jane’s current group of guests, The Medieval Herbalists. But when one of them turns up dead, Jane must discover whether a member of the group has come to Storyton Hall to celebrate their passion for plant lore or to implement a particularly cruel means for murder.


My Review:
Murder in the Secret Garden is a cozy mystery and the third book in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the previous mysteries.

There is a "secret" garden in the sense that a group of gardeners and herbalists visit a hermit who has a walled garden, but it's only briefly mentioned in the story. Herbal knowledge didn't play much of a role in solving the murder, either. But the mystery was interesting enough that I kept reading, and the main characters were nice, interesting people.

The main characters belong to a secret-society security detail for the resort/hidden library, so they used their skills to investigate. Due to this sense of having equal right (and need) to investigate, the heroine took a piece of evidence from a scene so she could have first look at it. She otherwise had a good relationship with the official investigators.

It's a clue-based mystery, and they looked for solid evidence like the police did. I realized whodunit before the heroine, but there were a number of possible suspects until the last few clues were found. There was no sex. There was occasional use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this cozy 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 Cat, The Collector and the Killer by Leann Sweeney

The Cat, The Collector and the Killer by Leann Sweeney ISBN-13: 9780451477408 Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: NAL Released: Aug. 2, 2016

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Back Cover:
Jillian Hart and police chief Tom Stewart are enjoying peaceful, newly wedded bliss in Mercy, South Carolina, until a woman is found wandering the streets one night. She's in her night clothes, disoriented, and carrying a kitten in a tote bag. A search of the woman’s house reveals many more cats, a maze of cardboard boxes—and a dead man.

Although the evidence suggests the frail woman is the killer, Jillian doesn’t believe she’s capable of such a crime. The dead man had many enemies in town, which means finding the real murderer may prove to be its own cat and mouse game...


My Review:
The Cat, The Collector and the Killer is a cozy mystery. This is the eighth in the series. You don't need to read the previous books to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the mysteries in the previous books.

It was a clue-based puzzle mystery. It was somewhat complex, which delayed my figuring out "whodunit" a little and meant that additional pieces fell into place until the very end. However, it didn't really make uncovering who was involved more difficult. I realized whodunit about two-thirds of the way in. The heroine was right in the middle of things (by request of her husband) and had access to the most clues...yet she still didn't figure it out until whodunit attacks her. Sigh. At least she didn't need rescuing.

There was no sex. There was a minor amount of bad language. If you like mysteries involving lots of playing with and caring for cats, then you'd probably enjoy this one.


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.