Why Kings Confess by C.S. Harris

Why Kings Confess
by C.S. Harris

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

Source: Borrowed from library.

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

Where Secrets Lie by Colleen Coble; Rick Acker

Where Secrets Lie
by Colleen Coble;
Rick Acker

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

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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

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


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

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

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


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

The Lawyer and the Laundress by Christine Hill Suntz

The Lawyer and the Laundress
by Christine Hill Suntz

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

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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

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


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

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

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


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

Missing in Texas by Virginia Vaughan

Missing in Texas
by Virginia Vaughan

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

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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


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

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


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

A Telegram from Le Touquet by John Bude

A Telegram from Le Touquet
by John Bude

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

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

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

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


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

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


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

A Lesson in Propriety by Jen Turano

A Lesson in Propriety
by Jen Turano

ISBN-13: 9780764243851
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Released: May 20, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
With her father dead, her fortune stolen, and her fiancé casting her aside, Miss Drusilla Merriweather's privileged life has been upended. She is left with only one option: to provide for her family by opening a finishing school in the allegedly haunted castle she's inherited from her eccentric aunt. However, her plan is immediately threatened by unscrupulous developers keen on claiming the coveted estate for themselves, by any means necessary.

Mr. Rhenick Wittenbecker, a dashing architect with a tendency to charm his way out of trouble, is convinced he can protect Drusilla but is challenged by her fierce independence. Yet when strange occurrences--walking suits of armor and unexpected ghostly visitors--arise within castle grounds, Drusilla must decide whether to risk her family's safety and her school on the gallant architect who seems to have found his way into her heart.


My Review:
A Lesson in Propriety is a romantic comedy set in 1885, mostly in Chicago. Drusilla has learned to be extremely proper in matters of etiquette, so much so that her 'friends' have said that she reminded them of a finishing school teacher. Her ex-fiancé was always more interested in other women, too, making it hard for her to accept that Rhenick is immediately smitten with her beauty, courage, and willingness to be practical rather than proper. It's just not how she sees herself (even if he's seeing the truth). He helped her get the inherited castle remade into a finishing school and backed her up when she needed friends to stand against those who wanted to buy the property (and weren't afraid to use tricks and bullying to get it).

The characters were nice people with interesting personalities. The comedy was mainly silly situations that Drusilla and her family (and friends) had to deal with. Drusilla and Rhenick got along well, respected each other, and I understood why they were attracted to each other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this fun romantic comedy.


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.

An Unexpected Grace by Tracie Peterson & Kimberley Woodhouse

An Unexpected Grace
by Tracie Peterson &
Kimberley Woodhouse

ISBN-13: 9780764239014
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: May 20, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After a decade away, Parker Bennett returns home with a traveling troupe to perform a play based on Uncle Tom's Cabin at the Kalispell Opera House. Parker has relished his life on the road, but being home awakens long-buried emotions when he encounters his first love, Johanna St. John. He can't help but wonder if there might still be a place for him in her heart.

Widowed for three years, Johanna's husband's father is determined to marry her despite her repeated and clear . devotes all her time to a demanding toddler, an injured father, and a successful millinery business. After the loss of her husband, she's unsure of what lies ahead. Both committed to God's distinct calling on their lives, Johanna and Parker struggle to see how their futures can unite.


My Review:
An Unexpected Grace is a Christian romance set in 1905 in Montana. This is the 3rd book in the series but can be read as a standalone. Ten years before, Parker went to seminary, intending to marry Johanna and become a preacher in Kalispell when he finished. Without consulting anyone, he quit school and accepted a position as an actor in a travelling acting troupe, mainly performing Shakespeare. He expected Johanna (whom he knew felt called to marry a preacher) to happily marry him--love is enough!--and create their family on the road. She's shocked. That wasn't what she agreed to, and she called off their engagement.

When he returns 10 years later, he's growing tired of traveling, misses his family, and realizes that fame hasn't presented him with the opportunities to present the Gospel that he'd expected. Johanna's still wonderful, and her daughter's charming. He once again made his decisions about his future without consulting anyone, which made things hard on Johanna, who loved him but thought a relationship meant she'd have to join his traveling lifestyle with a toddler and a father who needed her help.

At the same time, Johanna's dead husband's brother was determined to marry her despite her repeated and clear statements that she would never marry him and didn't trust or like him. He's determined to force her into accepting him, either from financial need or to stop his threat of accusing her of being a poor mother and so take her daughter from her. Happily, Johanna asked for help from the Judge (her friend) and had friends in the community. The villain descended into insanity, determine to kill those she loves--like that would convince her. The end got a little far-fetched. Also, the villain's ability to prevent Johanna from learning of her inheritance (which he wanted) seemed unrealistic to me.

The romance was predictable but enjoyable. The villain thought himself very clever but was illogical and stupid. I liked Johanna, but I was exasperated that Parker didn't learn from the past and discuss with Johanna his changing feelings about life as a traveling actor. Johanna trusted God despite the hard things happening to her family. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this book to fans of the 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.

Dead Or Alive by Bill Kitson

Dead Or Alive
by Bill Kitson

ISBN-13: 9781805730958
Kindle: 272 pages
Publisher: Joffe Books
Released: May 13, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.


Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Two dead bodies, locked in a disused mortuary in the basement of a hospital that shut its doors over twenty years ago. The victims have been shot in the head, execution style, leaving no evidence and no solid leads for DI Mike Nash to go on.

The deeper Nash digs, the more he realizes that these bodies are tied to a dark history of crime and betrayal, and a past case with more loose ends than Nash cares to remember. It’s not long before a third body surfaces. This time the scene’s awash with DNA, belonging to a man who died decades ago. Now Nash must face the chilling possibility that his oldest adversary is behind it all, watching and waiting to take his own brand of deadly vengeance .


My Review:
Dead Or Alive is a police detective mystery. It's the 18th book in a series and ties up loose ends from a previous mystery, but it can be understood even if you haven't read any of the other books (like me). Nash heads a team of detectives, and they solve a series of crimes (thefts of oil, cars, jewelry) while working on several murders that appear to be linked. The story focused mostly on the investigation (asking questions, following up leads, etc.) rather than on developing the characters or the setting. There were some scenes from the point-of-view of the bad guys, so the reader has more idea of what's going on than the detectives. It's not really a puzzle for the reader, just reading to discover how Nash and his team will solve the crimes.

There was a minor amount of bad language. There were no sex scenes (though there were several references to couples sharing a bed or finding comfort in each other). Overall, I'd recommend this mystery to fans of action-focused detective mysteries.


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.

Capture the Moment by Suzanne Woods Fisher

Capture the Moment
by Suzanne Woods Fisher

ISBN-13: 9780800745318
Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: May 6, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Kate Cunningham has the opportunity of a lifetime. As a zoo photographer, she's spent years photographing animals in carefully controlled environments, but now National Geographic has dangled an irresistible prize: If Kate can snag a unique photo of a legendary bear in Grand Teton National Park, they might publish it. Kate's eager to prove herself in the wild. 

With more enthusiasm than experience, Kate soon realizes that capturing an image of this bear isn't as simple as she hoped. Fortunately, she crosses paths with Grant Cooper, a seasonal park ranger who knows the terrain--and the bears--better than anyone. His tracking skills could be exactly what Kate needs to succeed, and it doesn't hurt that he's easy on the eyes. But they're not the only ones with an interest in the park's most famous bear. An illegal hunter wants the bear as his final hunting trophy, and he's found someone willing to help him get the bear.


My Review:
Capture the Moment is a Christian romance. A lot of experienced wildlife photographers want a memorable picture of a famous mama bear in Grand Teton National Park. Kate soon realizes that she'll never get published in National Geographic if she keeps standing next to her competition, but no one knows when the mama bear is coming out of hibernation or even if she's still alive. Coop would rather be in the back country than keep a eye on photographers, though rescuing the inexperienced Kate and giving her tips is enjoyable. When Kate learns Coop knows where mama bear's den is, she asks him to take her on the difficult hike into an area the public isn't supposed to go into in order to get her prize shot. Throw in a teen boy whom Coop has to mentor, his boss's 13-year-old, very enthusiastic (about everything) daughter who keeps hanging around, and rumors of illegal hunting, and he has his hands full.

The characters were well-developed, likable, and acted in realistic ways. Though I can't believe that Kate was willing to risk damage to her beloved, expensive camera to get that critical picture without even checking that the motion sensor function on the camera worked. Or knowing that the teen girl can't stop talking or moving, that they took her along when she and Kate would have to sit in the vehicle for 2-3 hours. And I don't think the author actually knows what waders are as Kate often walked around in them like boots. But the story was entertaining. Kate and Coop got along well and built each other up. The kids found some healing in their families.

Several characters didn't believe in God but became more open to a relationship with Him through events in the story. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, entertaining romance and park adventure.


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.

When Maidens Mourn by C.S. Harris

When Maidens Mourn
by C.S. Harris

ISBN-13: 9780451235770
Hardcover: 341 pages
Publisher: NAL
Released: March 6, 2012

Source: Borrowed from library.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Regency England, August 1812. Sebastian's plans to escape the heat of London for a honeymoon are shattered when the murdered body of Hero's good friend, Gabrielle Tennyson, is discovered drifting in a battered boat at the site of a long-vanished castle known as Camlet Moat. A beautiful young antiquarian, Miss Tennyson had recently provoked an uproar with her controversial identification of the island as the location of Camelot. Missing and presumed also dead are Gabrielle's two young cousins, nine-year-old George and three-year-old Alfred.

Still struggling to define the nature of their new marriage, Sebastian and Hero find themselves occasionally working at cross-purposes as their investigation leads from London's medieval Inns of Court to its seedy back alleys, and from grand country homes to rural enclaves where ancient Celtic beliefs still hold sway. As he probes deeper, Sebastian also discovers dark secrets at the heart of the Tennyson family, and an enigmatic young French lieutenant with a dangerous, mysterious secret of his own.

Racing to unmask a ruthless killer and unravel the puzzle of the missing children, Sebastian and Hero soon find both their lives and their growing love for each other at risk as their investigation leads to Hero's father, who is also Sebastian's long-time nemesis.


My Review:
When Maidens Mourn is a mystery set in 1812 in London. This book is the 7th in a series. You can understand it without having read the previous novels, and it didn't spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries.

The characters were interesting, complex, and acted in realistic ways. The historical information was woven into the story without slowing the pacing. It created a distinct feeling of that specific time and place and helped bring the story alive in my imagination. Sebastian investigated by questioning suspects and witnesses. Sebastian tracked down leads and asked good questions. There were plenty of suspects, and I did not suspect whodunit. We didn't get the critical clues to whodunit until nearly the end.

There were no sex scenes. There was some 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.

Smoky Mountain Escape by Rhonda Starnes

Smoky Mountain Escape
by Rhonda Starnes

ISBN-13: 9781335980601
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: April 29, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sheriff Heath Dalton accidentally stumbles upon two gunmen trying to hide a body in the Smoky Mountains and barely escapes with his life. Soon traveling nurse Kayla Eldridge finds herself stranded in the stormy wilderness with Heath. They must work together to navigate the treacherous terrain and evade the criminals who are tracking their every move.


My Review:
Smoky Mountain Escape is a Christian romantic suspense. Apparently these characters were in a previous novel, but this novel can be understood and enjoyed without reading the previous one. Kayla was previously held in a cabin in the forest by a serial killer, so she had to deal with traumatic memories of the past as well as escaping from the current killers. The suspense was mainly created by the bad guys trying to kill Health for witnessing them commit a crime, and Kayla because she soon knew, too. Kayla and Heath worked well together, and Heath made Kayla feel safe around him. The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events.

My only complaint is that coyotes generally avoid humans, and a lone coyote would generally run from humans rather than seem determined to attack them for no apparent cause. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.


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

Who Will Remember by C. S. Harris

Who Will Remember
by C. S. Harris

ISBN-13: 9780593639214
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: April 15, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
August 1816. England is in the grip of what will become known as the Year Without a Summer. Facing the twin crises of a harvest-destroying volcanic winter and the economic disruption caused by the end of the Napoleonic Wars, the British monarchy finds itself haunted by the looming threat of bloody riots not seen since the earliest days of the French Revolution. Amidst the turmoil, a dead man is found hanging upside down by one leg in an abandoned chapel, his hands tied behind his back. The pose eerily echoes the image depicted on a tarot card known as Le Pendu, the Hanged Man. The victim—Lord Preston Farnsworth, the younger brother of one of the Regent’s boon companions—was a passionate crusader against what he called the forces of darkness, namely criminality, immorality, and sloth. His brutal murder shocks the Palace and panics the already troubled populace.

Sebastian St. Cyr, Viscount Devlin, learns of the murder from a ragged orphan who leads him to the corpse and then disappears. At first, everyone in the dead man’s orbit paints Lord Preston as a selfless saint. But as Sebastian delves deeper into his life, he quickly realizes that the man had accumulated more than his fair share of enemies, including Major Hugh Chandler, a close friend who once saved Sebastian’s life. Sebastian also discovers that the pious Lord Preston may have been much more dangerous than those he sought to redeem.

As dark clouds press down on the city and the rains fall unceasingly, two more victims are found, one strangled and one shot, with ominous tarot cards placed on their bodies. The killer is sending a gruesome message and Sebastian is running out of time to decipher it before more lives are lost and a fraught post-war London explodes.


My Review:
Who Will Remember is a mystery set in 1816 in London. This book is the 20th in a series. You can understand it without having read the previous novels, and it didn't spoil the whodunits of the previous mysteries.

The historical information was woven into the story without slowing the pacing. It created a distinct feeling of that specific time and place and helped bring the story alive in my imagination. The characters were interesting, complex, and acted in realistic ways. Sebastian investigated by questioning suspects and witnesses while the magistrate handled other aspects of the investigation. Sebastian tracked down leads and asked good questions. There were plenty of suspects. A couple had more motive than others, but we didn't get the critical clues to whodunit until nearly the end.

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


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

Impact of Evidence by Carol Carnac

Impact of Evidence
by Carol Carnac

ISBN-13: 9781464230523
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Released: April 8, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Near St. Brynneys in the Welsh border country, isolated by heavy snow and flooding from the thaw, a calamity has occurred. Old Dr. Robinson, a known 'menace on the roads', has met his end in a collision with a jeep on a hazardous junction. But why was there a second body—a man not recognised by any locals—in the back of Robinson's car?

As the local inspectors dive into the muddy waters of this strange crime, Chief Inspector Julian Rivers and Inspector Lancing are summoned from Scotland Yard to the windswept wilds, where danger and deceit lie in wait.


My Review:
Impact of Evidence is a mystery set in Wales, which was first published (and is set) in 1954. The author included interesting descriptions of life on farms in this remote area and having to deal with bad flooding that cut the area off from easy access. The characters were interesting, though it seemed like the city detectives were offended by smart farmers. They assumed a smart farmer must either be doing something super sneaky or hiding from secrets in their past.

The clues as to whodunit were not hidden and were even repeated several times, so whodunit was guessable. I didn't correctly guess the exact details about how, though the detective did figure out different parts of 'how' throughout the story. He withheld the most important clue until the end. I also couldn't guess a motive until nearly the end, so the story did keep me engaged and guessing even though I was pretty sure of whodunit.

There was no sex. There was a fair amount of bad language. There were simpler ways to dispose of a body, but, hey. Overall, I'd recommend this intriguing mystery.


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

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle

No Roast for the Weary
by Cleo Coyle

ISBN-13: 9780593642283
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As much as master roaster Clare Cosi adores coffee, the landmark shop she manages won't survive if she doesn't sell enough of it. So when the Village Blend's customer traffic grinds to a halt, she turns to her staff for creative ideas, and the Writer's Block Lounge is born.

Madame, the eccentric octogenarian owner of the shop, is upset by this news. Years ago, a group of accomplished writers used the shop's second-floor lounge to inspire each other, but the group disbanded when one of their members was found murdered in another part of town. The case was never solved. Though that history is shrouded in mystery, Clare presses forward...

Soon the Village Blend tables are filled with aspiring novelists, playwrights, and poets, all happy to be coaxed, cajoled, and caffeinated by her coffeehouse crew. Clare admires the stamina of these scribes, many of them toiling at night jobs—driving taxis, tending bar, ushering for Broadway—while penning projects during the day.

Then one of their fictions turns fatal when a shocking secret leads to a deadly end. Unless Clare can untangle this mystery, uncover the truth, and stop a desperate killer, she fears more of these weary writers may be marked for eternal rest.


My Review:
No Roast for the Weary is a cozy mystery. This novel is the 21th in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books.

A member of the original Writer's Block group (who has mental problems) is writing a true crime unveiling whodunit of an unsolved crime. Two members of his group got into a fist fight behind the Village Blend, and one of the fighters was later found murdered in another part of town. In current day, this writer is attacked and unconscious, and his manuscript is nowhere to be found. And several people want to find it.

Clare was the one primarily investigating by finding the original group members and talking with them about the old Writer's Block Lounge. She asked good questions and realized that several people were lying about various things. This was a clue-based mystery, but the clues built up slowly and the critical clue didn't come until the end. Then Clare had to race to warn several young writers about an unexpected danger.

There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no graphic sex scenes. 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.

Discovering Dahlia by Jennifer Moore

Discovering Dahlia
by Jennifer Moore

ISBN-13: 9781524427931
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Following a painful public rejection, Dahlia Lancaster was left heartbroken and shunned by London Society. Dahlia has turned her attentions to her unconventional inheritance—a steamship company. After a year of work, she’s preparing to launch The Aurora, a luxury ocean liner that promises to revolutionize travel. The invitation list is Dahlia’s closest friends—the Blue Orchid Society—as well as a few influential individuals from her old life, whose presence will ensure the success of her endeavor. Unfortunately, not all have the best interests of Dahlia or her shipping line at heart.

Lord Meredith has loved Dahlia since their first meeting. But after her fall from grace, she has evaded his every attempt to see her—until she extends an invitation to join her on The Aurora. Lord Meredith and Dahlia tentatively rekindle their friendship when things begin to go terribly wrong. When mischievous dealings take on an ominous tone, Lord Meredith is determined to keep Dahlia safe, hoping to win her heart as they spend time together.


My Review:
Discovering Dahlia is a romance set in 1874 in England. This was the 5th book in the series, but it can be read without first reading the previous books. This was not a mystery but a denial. Every time something happened, Dahlia dismissed it, even when--like the grease on a step--it was pretty obviously not an accident. This meant that Lord Meredith had to spend his time protecting her because she didn't believe herself to be in any danger. It's only when the detective (a friend on the cruise) was finally feeling better that her friends quickly solved the mystery and saved her ship's reputation.

The historical details were off, sometimes in important ways. Since Dahlia was going to inherit her father's successful business and a nobleman's heir proposed marriage to her, their fathers would have gotten together to work out a marriage settlement before making any public announcement. They didn't. The author referred to the English law of primogeniture, but Dahlia would have inherited her father's property under that. While it was unusual for Dahlia to run her father's business, it wasn't odd for the sole child to inherit.

Anyway. Dahlia seemed quite competent in running the company and had a useful, supportive assistant. Lord Meredith admired her and was very supportive of her. He didn't expect her to give up running the company (as he certainly didn't want to) if they married. However, it was never resolved what his father would say about his heir marrying a business woman. Lord Meredith had responsibilities, but he didn't feel up to doing them. The story kind of left things like he would travel with Dahlia and play at being a sailor while she did the real work.

He never seemed realistic. He hated being hot, yet he shoved coal into the ship's steam engines for hours, kept up with the regular workers, and only suffered a 'pleasant ache' in his muscles. He ought to have admired how hard they worked, but somehow he was instantly good at everything, including climbing ropes faster than a man could run up stairs.

I also got tired of Dahlia being unwilling to forgive Lord Meredith, her friend who tried to stay her friend, but he wouldn't drop his friendship with the man who rejected her. On the other hand, the female 'best' friend who triumphantly stole her betrothed, Dahlia forgave at once. Hmm. 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.

Murder in the Appalachians by Susan Furlong

Murder in the Appalachians
by Susan Furlong

ISBN-13: 9781335980533
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After unearthing secrets from her late brother’s police notebook, journalist Emma Hayes discovers his death was no accident—he was murdered. Only someone doesn’t want Emma to find out the connection to the cold case her brother was investigating…and they’ll kill to keep it that way. Now Emma must rely on local ER doctor Logan Greer to help her stay alive and follow a trail of elusive evidence. But as they unravel a conspiracy, they realize that the killer could be anyone.


My Review:
Murder in the Appalachians is a Christian romantic suspense. Emma's an investigative journalist whose detective brother was looking into an old, closed case. The murderer's in prison, so Emma had to figure out from his police notebook just what got him killed. ER doctor Logan helped protect her while she investigated, and he had an interest in it as his sister went missing during that old murder. They came to admire each other as they worked together.

The main characters were engaging, interesting, and generally reacted realistically to events. The suspense was created by ongoing attacks on Emma, some intended to be deadly. Emma and Logan supported each other and built each other up. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting romantic suspense.


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

A Constant Love by Tracie Peterson

A Constant Love
by Tracie Peterson

ISBN-13: 9780764241109
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In the wake of a harsh winter, Micah Hamilton and Charlotte Aldrich are grappling with loss and guilt after the disaster that took the lives of their loved ones. Struggling to cope with his grief, Micah abandons his father's dreams of a prosperous ranch and cuts himself off from the rest of the world.

Charlotte has loved Micah her entire life and is determined not to lose him as well. With her mother's help, she begins coaxing Micah to live again. Despite their enduring heartache, the affection between them deepens, but just as Charlotte thinks her dreams may come true, a scorned suitor threatens everything she holds dear. Micah and Charlotte will have to embark on a journey of healing and restoration if they want to forge a future built on love, faith, and hope.


My Review:
A Constant Love is a Christian romance set in 1888 in Wyoming. In 1887, the area suffered a drought followed by a horrible winter, resulting in thousands of cattle dying. Charlotte's rancher father promised her in marriage to a business associate. She loves Micah and hotly refused the arranged marriage. Then Charlotte's father and brother headed out into the winter storm. Micah and his father searched for them, only to find them dead. Micah's father committed suicide after so many losses. Worried that Christians will condemn Micah for his father's actions, Charlotte's mother encouraged him to bury his father on his own land, and she told the officials that he died with her husband and son (which is technically true).

Charlotte refused to forgive herself for the argument with her father until her mother talked with her about God's forgiveness. Micah struggled over if his father was in heaven or not. He eventually found verses that assured him that his father was forgiven for committing suicide. I liked how this was worked into the story.

But some things didn't feel realistic. The bad man that Charlotte was supposed to marry was determined to marry her for her money. Since everyone suffered great loss, how can he know that she's still wealthy enough? He wanted a submissive bride, but he's determined to force feisty Charlotte to marry him even if he has to resort to blackmail. Charlotte talked to her mother and Micah about everything, but she refused to tell either about the blackmail or ask someone else for help.

Spoiler paragraph: Micah was willing to go to prison under false charges and Charlotte to marry a horrible man, all to save her mother's reputation for honesty. Seriously? Her mother was a smart woman and their elder. But neither was willing to let her decide what she valued more.

Anyway, I did like the main characters and their story of healing and love. The blackmail angle just seemed forced. 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.

Murder and Meaning by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

Case Files Vol 1:
Murder and Meaning
by Jimmy Wallace and J. Warner Wallace

ISBN-13: 9780830786152
ebook: 162 pages
Publisher: David C Cook
Released: April 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Detective Michael “Murph” Murphy is near retirement. After twenty-five years as a sworn peace officer in Los Angeles County, he joins his team—with a few newbies along—to comb the cliffs of San Pedro for any clues to a recent murder there. But when a fresh murder in Palos Verdes occurs, and a mysterious subject starts calling the police department to talk to Murph, the stakes get higher. A third killing leads the team to suspect one person is behind all the murders—and still on the loose. Worse, the crimes have happened at one-week intervals, which means Murph and his colleagues have only a few days left to keep the killer from striking again.

This highly engaging, full-color graphic novel for adults is one of the first available that Christian comic book enthusiasts can feel great about reading and recommending to friends. Written by the real-life detectives and Christian apologists behind Cold-Case Christianity, and featuring art from the renowned creators of The Chosen comic book series, Case Murder and Meaning has all the action and intrigue comic book readers want laced with questions about the purpose and value of human life.


My Review:
Murder and Meaning is a graphic novel following 4 homicide detectives working on a series of murders. Detective Murph and his partner teach two detectives new to the homicide department while they investigate the murders. While we get scenes from the point of view of several characters (including the bad guy), we mostly follow Murph. When there's a new murder linked to the first one, it becomes clear that a man arrested in a past case took some angry words Murph said to him to heart and now, free, wants to make Murp feel that same hurt.

The focus of the story was on solving the cases, but there's an underlying theme about what gives a person or a thing worth. The first murder victim was a drug addict that was valued by his girlfriend but few others. A later murder victim was someone well known, and suddenly the pressure was on. Is it popularity give you more value? Is your worth dependent on how much you contribute to the case? That sort of thing. At the end, a minor character stated that God says he's valuable, so he focuses on that rather than on human opinions.

There were some bloody wounds shown, but it wasn't gory. The illustrations were clear and easy to follow, but occasionally it wasn't clear to me which word bubble was the next one to read. This wasn't necessarily confusing, but it did take me out of the story while I sorted out the order. This novel is aimed at adults, not kids. Overall, I'd recommend it to adults who enjoy detective novels.


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.

Cat Got Your Killer by Sofie Ryan

Cat Got Your Killer
by Sofie Ryan

ISBN-13: 9780593550267
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: March 25, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sarah is making sure the store is stocked and ready for tourist season. But while the weather’s heating up, Sarah gets involved in a case when a man who was linked to a drowning death years ago is found dead himself, on the same stretch of beach. Some of Sarah’s friends from the store knew the victim.

It’s beginning to look like the drowning death might in fact be the work of a killer who has struck again. Between Charlotte’s Angels, the group of senior citizen private detectives who operate out of the store, and Elvis’s abilities to sniff out trouble, Sarah won’t let a second chance at catching this purr-petrator pass her by.


My Review:
Cat Got Your Killer is a cozy mystery. It's the 12th book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. This book didn't spoil any of the previous mysteries.

The main characters were generally nice people. More time was spent describing refurbishing furniture and eating food than on actual detection. Sarah and the PI detectives asked questions, mostly about the past murder. I identified whodunit for the current murder, how, and why from the first time we met that character. Whodunit for the old murder was a little less clear-cut, though the clues did point a certain way and I had that correct. However, no one suspected whodunit because Sarah made a bad assumption. I was a little annoyed with several main characters, too. For example, Mac tried to control his little brother and just couldn't understand why he (an adult) might want to make some decisions on his own.

There were only a few uses of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery, but the earlier mysteries were better.


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.

Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn

Break My Fall
by Lynn H. Blackburn

ISBN-13: 9780800745370
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: March 18, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Dr. Meredith Quinn always planned to return to Gossamer Falls to practice dentistry. Now that she's back home, she's made it a point to offer clinics to children and adults in nearby underserved areas. Unfortunately, those same areas are known to harbor drug traffickers, and Police Chief Grayson Ward suspects that local law enforcement is looking the other way.

After too many losses, Grayson has closed off his heart. But when Meredith enters his life, his walls crumble, and he's left exposed and vulnerable. To keep her alive, he must keep her close, but that makes it impossible for him to retreat and rebuild. Will she be the one who finally helps him emerge from isolation?


My Review:
Break My Fall is a Christian romantic suspense. This is the second book (and third story) in the series, but it works as a standalone. Grayson has lost everyone he loves, so he decided to never marry and have kids because of the risk of losing them. But he notices every detail about what Meredith likes and doesn't, and he works hard to keep her safe when she visits the neighboring county to put on free dental clinics. Everyone knows there's a drug problem in that county and even some of the police officers are corrupt.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. But, seriously, Gray never even asked Meredith on a date, but when he told her why he avoided relationships, she reacted like he'd left her at the altar. I know she's supposed to be emotional and she felt like his rejection meant she was horribly flawed, but it just seemed overboard for the level of relationship they actually had. Once Gray realized he loved her so he'd better try to win her, he built her up every time she tore herself down with her words. She thrived under his attentions. Once they figured out that Meredith was in danger (and why), Gray and her family had to keep her safe from repeated attempts to harm her.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I would recommend this enjoyable suspense novel.


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

The Four Queens of Crime by Rosanne Limoncelli

The Four Queens of Crime
by Rosanne Limoncelli

ISBN-13: 9798892420600
Hardback: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: March 11, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
1938, London. The four queens of British crime fiction, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, and Margery Allingham, are hosting a gala to raise money for the Women’s Volunteer Service to help Britain prepare for war. Baronet Sir Henry Heathcote has loaned Hursley House for the event and all the elites of London society are attending. The gala is a brilliant success, despite a few hiccups, but the next morning Sir Henry is found dead in the library.

Detective Chief Inspectors Lilian Wyles and Richard Davidson from Scotland Yard are quickly summoned and discover a cluster of potential suspects among the guests, including an upset fiancée, a politically ambitious son, a reserved but protective brother, an irate son-in-law, a rebellious teenage daughter, and the deputy home secretary.

Quietly recruiting the four queens of crime, DCI Wyles must sort through the messy aftermath of Sir Henry’s death to solve the mystery and identify the killer.


My Review:
The Four Queens of Crime is a mystery set in 1938. Except everyone's convinced that Britain will soon go to war against Hitler. Actually, in 1938, British politicians expected to keep Britain out of Hitler's war. One character says, "Hitler's about to knock on our door and at least the Communists are on our side against him." This was before the Soviet Union was at war, let alone helping out anyone but themselves. Anyway. We see various events from the party and aftermath from the viewpoints of Agatha, Dorothy, Ngaio, Margery, a few of the servants, and the two Scotland Yard detectives. Sir Henry had arguments with every member of his family and was making business deals with known 5th columnists, so there are plenty of suspects.

The two lesbian teenagers would have had the least to complain about as it was still illegal to be openly homosexual (which is not mentioned in the book), so, duh, a Baronet would obviously object to their public display. Everyone else seemed touched by their love for each other and fully supported them. Several times, I felt like the author didn't have a good feel for the actual history of the time....though she did do some research into female cops!

As for the mystery, the four writers eavesdropped and casually asked questions and reported their discoveries to the female detective, Lilian. The detectives interviewed everyone and poked around. At the end, Lilian asked pointed questions about motives in a group setting (a sort of 'big reveal' scene), revealing the last needed clue and prompting a confession. Whodunit and why was my main suspect all along. There was no real arrest, and everyone's satisfied. Except me. I prefer actual justice served. There were only a couple of uses of bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'd recommend this mystery to those intrigued by the idea of the Queens of Crime being involved a 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.

The Filling Station by Vanessa Miller

The Filling Station
by Vanessa Miller

ISBN-13: 9781400344123
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: March 11, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sisters Margaret and Evelyn Justice have grown up in the prosperous Greenwood District of Tulsa, Oklahoma--also known as Black Wall Street. In Greenwood, the Justice sisters had it all--movie theaters and entertainment venues, beauty shops and clothing stores, high-profile businesses like law offices, medical clinics, and banks, all owned by blacks. While Evelyn aspires to head off to the East Coast to study fashion design, recent college grad Margaret plans to settle in Greenwood, teaching at the local high school and eventually raising a family.

Then the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre upends everything they know and brings them unspeakable loss. Left with nothing but each other, the sisters flee along what would eventually become iconic Route 66 and stumble upon the Threatt Filling Station, a safe haven and the only place where they can find a shred of hope in oppressive Jim Crow America. At the filling station, they are able to process their pain and wrestle with a God that has left them feeling abandoned.

But Greenwood needs to be rebuilt. The search for their father and their former life may not give them easy answers, but it can propel them--and their community--to a place where their voices are stronger...strong enough to build a future that honors the legacy of those who were lost.


My Review:
The Filling Station is a Christian historical set in 1921 in Oklahoma and continued for several years after the Tulsa Race Massacre. While well-written, it's not an easy story to read. The point-of-view characters, Margaret and Evelyn, go through the massacre and struggled through the aftermath of rebuilding, when it seemed like no one wanted to help or give them justice. For most of the story, Margaret was full of anger and bitterness while Evelyn just wanted to forget the trauma they'd experienced and seemed determined to self-destruct. Margaret was determined to make things right herself because she didn't believe that God cared or would do so. It's not really until the last 10% of the story that things started to turn around for them.

The main characters were complex and likable, and I cared about what happened to them. They felt like real people. The vivid historical details brought the time and place alive in my imagination without slowing the pacing. Margaret and Evelyn questioned why a good God would allow such injustice and evil to happen. There were no sex scenes. There was no written bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this well-written historical novel.

Every Deadly Suspicion by Janice Cantore

Every Deadly Suspicion
by Janice Cantore

ISBN-13: 9798400501296
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
In Dry Oaks, California, Chief of Police Hanna Keyes has long believed her father, Joe, is a murderer, justly imprisoned. When she’s told he’s dying and is being given compassionate release from prison, she wants nothing to do with him. But taking him in might be Hanna’s one shot at cracking the cold case, so she reluctantly agrees to oversee his care.

Joe’s arrival in Dry Oaks seems to set off a chain reaction of crimes. An bullying true-crime podcaster comes sniffing for information, and Hanna’s first love, Jared, shows up just when she least needs the distraction. As Hanna tries to convince Joe to reveal what he knows about the missing persons, evidence in the cold case surfaces at a suspiciously rapid pace . . . suggesting there’s more to the murders than people thought.

With Joe’s strength failing, Hanna and her colleagues look for answers, not only about the past but also about recent criminal dealings in Dry Oaks. As the puzzle pieces start to fit together, it becomes clear that there’s a sinister plot at work, far more wide-reaching than anyone suspected, and that someone is desperate to silence the truth at any cost.


My Review:
Every Deadly Suspicion is a Christian romantic suspense. The main characters were engaging, complex, and reacted realistically to events. Hanna's father was arrested for murder as she was being born, and her mother never had anything good to say about him. A local true-crime writer wrote a book full of sensational speculation, so she grew up never able to forget what her father did. But now he's dying. Some of her friends urge her to allow him to come home. Maybe he'll confess where the bodies are. But then the bodies turn up anyway (a God timing thing), and Hanna digs into the past case only to realize the murderer couldn't be her father.

Hanna and her boyfriend, who was investigating a serial killing, got along well. But a close male friend from the past returned, and he understood how she's struggled because of her father. So there was both romantic and familial relationship tensions in addition the the danger from the job. The police work was interesting, especially as we had hints about what really happened but don't know the actual whodunit.

Several main characters were Christian. They prayed for help or forgave past hurts because of their faith. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting suspense.


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

Ambush by Colleen Coble

Ambush
by Colleen Coble

ISBN-13: 9780840714220
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: March 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Paradise Alden's childhood in Nova Cambridge, Alabama, was idyllic until the night her parents were murdered. Since then life has left her scarred. The abuse she suffered in the foster care system, her first love's betrayal, and the jaguar attack that nearly destroyed her career have led to an unshakable distrust--in men, in God, and maybe in even in herself.

After fifteen years, returning to her hometown is a last resort to finding her life again. She's hoping the wildlife refuge where she's accepted a veterinarian job will be the perfect place to heal from her recent traumas and unlock her memories about the night her parents died. But on the day she arrives at The Sanctuary, a body is discovered on the grounds. And soon, a series of deadly events threatens not only her future but the man who, despite all odds, still makes her pulse stutter. Arson, a shooting, a break-in, and multiple instances of animals being freed from their enclosures; the detective claims Blake's responsible, but Paradise knows Blake Lawson isn't. Not the man who has been helping his mother manage The Sanctuary these past six months and care for his stepbrothers in the wake of their father's death...even if his betrayal years ago cost her everything.

Someone dangerous is lurking beneath the town's moss-draped trees, and Paradise refuses to let another murderer disappear into the shadows.


My Review:
Ambush is a Christian romantic suspense. Paradise first lost her parents in an unsolved murder then was abused in foster care. She doesn't trust a God that allows things like that to happen to a child. During this story, she experienced God protecting a young child, and it touched her in a profound way. She started praying to God for help. Anyway, she's come back to try to solve her parent's murder, hoping it will bring her peace. She and Blake also worked to solve the murder and attacks threatening to undermine The Sanctuary since the detective had a huge grudge against Blake. They asked questions and tried to figure out who would gain from the attacks. I correctly suspected part of the answer, and both mysteries were resolved by the end of the book.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The suspense came from the danger from the released animals and random attacks (which could have hurt anyone). Blake and Paradise had a long history of caring for each other, and both genuinely wanted to help and support the other. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting novel.

Rodeo Rescuer by Lynette Eason

Rodeo Rescuer
by Lynette Eason

ISBN-13: 9780373677023
ebook: 288 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: September 1, 2015

Source: Rented Kindle ebook.

Book Description from Goodreads:
No matter where she runs, rodeo clown Tonya Waters's stalker always finds her. Now he's managed to track her down on the rodeo circuit. If bull rider Seth Starke hadn't saved her, she'd be dead. But when the handsome cowboy is injured in the ring and Tonya rescues him, Seth seems more determined than ever to keep her safe. But can she risk staying at his Tennesee ranch and bringing danger to his family? As her stalker gets more violent, Tonya and Seth vow to outsmart him before he makes good on his ultimate threat: if he can't have her, no one will.


My Review:
Rodeo Rescuer is a romantic suspense. Tonya's a rodeo clown and Seth's a bull rider, so they know each other from the rodeo circuit and are friendly. Tonya's boyfriend recently died because he was afraid for her when she was distracting a bull and he tried to help her rather than get to safety. Now Tonya's worried about people getting hurt when trying to help her. Now a stalker from Tonya's past has somehow tracked her down and threatens her. Seth helped protect her while the police tried to capture her stalker. Seth and Tonya supported and protected each other.

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. The exception was the person trying to kill her, who was not rational. The motive didn't really make sense. Still, between the dangers from the rodeo bulls and stunts and those out to kill Tonya, the story was suspenseful. It was interesting to have a rodeo setting. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting suspense.


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

I Died for Beauty by Amanda Flower

I Died for Beauty
by Amanda Flower

ISBN-13: 9780593816462
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: February 25, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Amherst, 1857. The Dickinson family braves one of the worst winters in New England’s history. Trains are snowbound and boats are frozen in the harbor. Emily Dickinson and her maid, Willa Noble, have never witnessed anything like it. As Amherst families attempt to keep their homes warm, fears of fire abound.

These worries prove not to be unfounded as a blaze breaks out just down the street from the Dickinson in Kelley Square, the Irish community in Amherst, and a young couple is killed, leaving behind their young child. Their deaths appear to be a tragic accident, but Emily finds herself harboring suspicions there may be more to the fire than meets the eye. Emily and Willa must withstand the frigid temperatures and discover a killer lurking among the deadly frost.


My Review:
I Died for Beauty is a mystery set in 1857 in Massachusetts. This is the 3rd in a series, but you can understand the story without reading the previous novels.

Historical details about the time (mainly the bad winter and how it affected people) were woven into the story and brought it alive in my imagination. The main characters were interesting and likable. This was a clue-based mystery. The author successfully diverted my attention from the true whodunit. Some things in the story were obvious, like a certain woman seemed to be having an affair (or two?). But with whom, and is it significant to the murder? Emily was fairly direct in her questioning, while Willa tended to advise Emily, overhear clues, or observe things. Willa was also able to get the traumatized child to talk about what happened.

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

Lethal Reunion by Lacey Baker

Lethal Reunion
by Lacey Baker

ISBN-13: 9781335980472
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: February 25, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The last thing Halle Jefferson expects is to receive a chilling threat at her high school reunion—or the gunshot that follows. It’s been fifteen years since her sister’s unsolved homicide, and now her twin’s killer is back. They want something from Halle, and they’ll stop at nothing to get it. At her side is her former high school sweetheart, Sheriff Kyle Briscoe. Can Halle and Kyle outwit a ruthless murderer and uncover the truth?


My Review:
Lethal Reunion is a Christian romantic suspense. While there was some suspense at the beginning and end, the middle was basically Halle and Kyle trying to figure out what the bad guy wanted with the time capsule. I found it a bit odd that they knew this probably had something to do with her twin sister's murder yet they never looked at the old case file. It's almost like no one ever tried to solve that murder.

They spent time together as they tried to figure out what her sister did that could have lead to her death. Halle and Kyle had dated previously, and they still cared for one another. They liked the more mature versions of each other. Halle wanted to be free of her sister's shadow, so solving whodunit helped her move into her own future instead of the future she'd envisioned with her twin. Kyle's ended up living the life his father wanted for him, so he needed to rethink what he really wanted out of life. The characters were likable and grew as people throughout the story.

Both Halle and Kyle relied on God to help them through difficulties. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this romance with a mystery and suspense.


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

Bound by Duty by Valerie Hansen

Bound by Duty
by Valerie Hansen

ISBN-13: 9781488087929
ebook: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: May 1, 2018

Source: Rented Kindle ebook.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Her serial killer brother’s escaped—and it’s single mom Zoe Sullivan who’s under suspicion! Sgt. Linc Colson trusts two things: his instincts and his Rottweiler K-9 partner, Star—and certainly not the pretty face he’s assigned to monitor. He’s done everything to keep her from getting under his skin—now he must stop those who want to put her six feet under.


My Review:
Bound by Duty is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the 2nd book in the series, but it works as a standalone. Zoe's brother is a serial killer, escaped and threatening women on base. Military police are keeping an eye on her in case her brother contacts her, and everyone treats her like she's a criminal, too. Even Colson at first, who was once deceived by a woman who seemed innocent but led his squad into an attack. It doesn't help that someone's trying to make people doubt Zoey's reliability and mental state.

Zoe liked how Colson made her feel protected, was good with her young son, and their shared background of criminal family members. Colson became her friend when no one else believed her. The suspense came from the threats to Zoey, some physical and some playing mental games. Still, I don't like Christian romances that end with the couple married after knowing each other for only a short period of time and only liking each other for about a week. Yes, they got married, not just engaged.

There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting romantic suspense.


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

Nerves of Steele by Susan Sleeman

Nerves of Steele
by Susan Sleeman

ebook: 314 pages
Publisher: Edge of Your Seat Books
Released: May 1, 2022

Source: Rented Kidle ebook.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
As a middle child, Peyton Steele has always needed to find a way to standout. But coming to the attention of the head of security for her client’s jewelry store when millions of dollars in jewels go missing is not the way to do it. She thinks the state-of-the-art cameras she’d recently had installed will make it easy to find the thief, but she’s stunned when the video doesn’t show the theft taking place.

The lack of video evidence is not acceptable to store security manager and former detective, Grant Logan. He’s given up his law enforcement career to spend more time with his daughter and he’s up for a promotion as security manager for the entire jewelry chain. To gain the job that will give his young daughter everything he wants for her, he has to prove his abilities by finding the thief at all costs. He’ll put everything on the line to gain this new job, but how far will he go? Despite his growing interest in Peyton, will he risk both of their lives to succeed?


My Review:
Nerves of Steele is a romantic suspense. Though there wasn't much danger to the main characters or people they cared about, so it's more of a mystery. Peyton and Grant worked well together, investigating stolen diamonds. The mystery was interesting, and they followed up on any leads until they found the diamonds. However, Peyton got lazy and not only unlocked her car at a distance where she couldn't see the car but didn't check to make sure no one was in her car (something an average woman knows to do, and she was once law enforcement). So she's abducted and had to survive the suspenseful ending until help arrived.

Peyton and Grant seemed mostly physically attracted at first, kissing with no intent to later date and knowing they valued different things in life. Grant's obsessed with protecting the people he cares about--especially from any risky activities--because his wife died in a freak accident. Peyton wanted to try adventurous activities and immerse herself in her job, not be tied down by a husband or kids. And Grant has a kid, which she falls in love with at first sight. She finally feels the non-competitive love that she hasn't felt with her own family, so she questions what she really wants in life.

Both Peyton and Grant were Christians and would pray or briefly talk about their faith during the story. There was no sex or bad language. 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.

Cold Fury by Susan Sleeman

Cold Fury
by Susan Sleeman

ebook: 314 pages
Publisher: Edge of Your Seat Books
Released: February 1, 2018

Source: Rented Kindle ebook.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Forensic anthropologist Maggie Turner happily works as an assistant professor at her local university and lives a quiet life near campus. Until Jackson Lockhart reenters her life. Then a cyclone of emotions erupt as she remembers the tragedy that once tore them apart. She’s often thought of him, but they’d agreed never to see each other again and so far they’d kept their promise. But Jackson has a good reason for breaking his promise. Maggie’s life depends on it.

In an ongoing investigation, Jackson has learned that university officials secretly videoed her classroom in a study on attendance. The recorder was supposed to run only during the class session, but it recorded an entire week, which includes a shocking murder that has now put Maggie’s life in danger. Can Jackson unravel the lies surrounding this incident before the killer unleashes his fury on Maggie?


My Review:
Cold Fury is a Christian romantic suspense. Though a part of a series, this worked as a standalone. Maggie's working on identifying human remains after a wildfire when they come across a murder victim. Jackson's team is working on solving the murder of one of Maggie's students when they discover that Maggie actually saw the murderer. They rush to protect her until they can solve the case, but she insists on working her own case, too.

The suspense was created by constant attacks on Maggie. Jackson and Maggie had a relationship in the past, but Jackson wasn't ready to commit to marriage and a family. Then tragedy struck, both blamed themselves, and they figured there was too much hurt between them to heal the relationship. But things have changed with time, so they explored if there was a possible future together.

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

One Last Promise by Susan May Warren

One Last Promise
by Susan May Warren

ISBN-13: 9780800745493
ebook: 304 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: August 1, 2024

Source: Rented Kindle ebook.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
After years as a pilot of a Navy rescue chopper, Arlo "Moose" Mulligan returned home to start Air One Rescue--and made a name for himself. He loves his job, his life, and his routines, which include breakfast at the Skyport Diner, always at one of Tillie Young's tables. She's sweet and pretty, but Moose knows his life has no room for anything more. Until the day Tillie shows up beaten and desperate and needing his help.

Tillie Young never thought her ex would track her to Alaska, but somehow he's found her. When he kidnaps her daughter, she'll do anything to get her back--even enlist help from her favorite grumpy customer. But Moose Mulligan is no match for a former MMA boxer and possible child trafficker, right?

He's not going to let another child go missing on his watch. Moose must find the girl, keep Tillie safe, and outwit a man fueled by revenge. It will take all of Moose's Alaskan savvy to keep them alive.


My Review:
One Last Promise is a Christian romantic suspense. It's the 3rd in the series, but you can understand this story without having read the previous one. I enjoyed Tillie in the other books, but I lost all respect for her in her own story. She was panicky, impulsive, and repeatedly did things that she knew were making another bad decision on top of the past ones, only making things worse. And she used to be in the military AND was trained in mixed martial arts! Somehow, she didn't learn how not to panic.

Sadly, she got Moose so caught up in trying to make things better for her that he almost committed a crime for her. Solely based on this book, I would say these two were a bad idea for getting married, but Moose and the Air One Rescue crew were good friends to Tillie.

Anyway, the main characters were likable and came across as real people. I cared about what happened to them. There was plenty of suspense from the physical danger to Tillie and, to some extent, her daughter. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable suspense.


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

The Wagtail Murder Club by Krista Davis

The Wagtail Murder Club
by Krista Davis

ISBN-13: 9780593817520
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: February 4, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Holly Miller's driving back to Wagtail, Virginia when she spots something hiding on the side of the road. It's an adorable black Labrador in a cage with a note attached to his collar, dubbing him Squishy and asking the finder to care for him. Holly takes Squishy home to the Sugar Maple Inn and another surprise awaits her. Holly’s ex-boyfriend Ben is set to check-in with a group of his attorney colleagues who all seem to think he and Holly are still an item.

When one of Ben’s fellow attorneys dies in a fall, it could be chalked up to an unfortunate accident but then a second lawyer is murdered. Along with her beloved furry friends Trixie and Twinkletoes, Holly has to put the pieces together to find the killer before the fiend causes another fatality.


My Review:
The Wagtail Murder Club is a cozy mystery. It's the 10th 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. But I lost all respect for Holly in this book. The author decided to have a crisis between her and Holmes, whom she supposedly loves. Ben showed up unexpectedly and proposed marriage to Holly in public in front of his business colleagues even though she'd made it clear she's not interested in him. A thousand ways to handle that, but she choose 'I can't embarrass Ben; I'll say yes and break the engagement later' like that'd do anything but delay the embarrassment. She didn't think once about Holmes' feelings, and she didn't try very hard to tell him what she intended to do before he heard the news of her engagement to Ben from someone else. This became a big mess and yet...in the end, no feelings were hurt. Seriously?

At the beginning, I quickly identified whodunit. I'm going, "Oh! What a horrible person!" though this was based off of subtle clues rather than outright meanness. By halfway through, I'd figured out whodunit for the old murder (though why came out later). Then there's another murder, and I easily figured that one out. Only Oma thought things out logically. Holly would think a clue could mean this or that or that. Or she'd recognize a clue indicated this but then conclude the exact opposite a moment later. At the very end, suddenly the lightbulb went on for her.

The pets were charming, as usual. I never did understand why a law firm wanted to open an office in Wagtail and why Ben, of all people, wanted so badly to move there. 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.

Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin

Midnight on the Scottish Shore
by Sarah Sundin

ISBN-13: 9780800741860
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: February 1, 2025

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
The only way Cilla van der Zee can survive the German occupation of the Netherlands is to do the unthinkable--become a spy for the Nazis in Britain. She soothes her conscience with a plan to abandon her mission and instead aid the Allies. Her scheme is thwarted when naval officer Lt. Lachlan Mackenzie finds her along the Scottish shore and turns her in to be executed.

But perhaps she is more useful alive than dead. British intelligence sends her to Scotland to radio misleading messages to Germany, messages about the naval base at Scapa Flow to be crafted by Lachlan. At the station in the lighthouse at Dunnet Head, Lachlan and Cilla must work together if the war is to be won. But how can he trust a woman who arrived on his shores as a tool of the enemy--a woman certain to betray both him and the Allied cause?


My Review:
Midnight on the Scottish Shore is a Christian romantic suspense set in 1941-1942, mostly in Scotland. Cilla spies on the Nazis for a Dutch resistance group until it gets dangerous. Desperate to escape the danger, she charms a German intelligence officer into taking her into training to spy for Germany on British soil. But things go terribly wrong when she's dropped off. She's captured by Lt. Lachlan, who unknowingly sends her to the British counter-intelligence to be trained as a double agent. No one believes that she's not truly a German spy, but she's determined to be pleasant and do a good job if it'll help the British war efforts.

The characters were well-developed, had complexity, and acted realistically to events. They felt like real people who really lived through these events. The historical details were woven into the story and brought the story alive in my imagination. Lachlan and Cilla worked well together, finding ways to convince Cilla's German contact that she's loyal while providing only information of minimal importance. Lachlan struggled with forgiving his brother, who betrayed him by deliberately ruining his naval career. Cilla found the freedom that God offers, even when we're physically confined. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable historical romance.


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