Canter with a Killer by Amber Camp

Canter with a Killer
by Amber Camp

ISBN-13: 9781639101801
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Released: Oct. 11, 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Mallory Martin left her marriage and her unfulfilling job to move back to her hometown of Hillspring, Arkansas, and start a horse rescue with paddocks of happy horses and one very quirky donkey. But when her cantankerous neighbor and longtime critic, Albert Cunningham, is found murdered in his fancy show barn, Mallory becomes a suspect. Since she feels that Sheriff Grady Sullivan is ignoring all good sense and focusing only on Mallory, she decides to take matters into her own hands.

Aided by her best friend, Lanie, and rescue volunteer Tanner, Mallory races headlong into the investigation in search of the real killer. But horses and murder aren’t the only thing on her mind when she meets Albert’s handsome son, Braydon. The suspects mount quickly. There’s Albert’s girlfriend, Kathleen, who was on the farm when he was murdered; organic farmer Heather Rogers, who accused Albert of contaminating her creek; and Philip Atwood, who’d been trying for a right-of-way across Albert’s farm.


My Review:
Canter with a Killer is a cozy mystery. Having read hundreds of cozy mysteries, I nominate Mallory as the most annoying, childish main character that I've encountered. She's in her forties but acted like a fifteen-year-old. Her college-age rescue helpers were much more responsible and mature. Mallory occasionally had epiphanies, like realizing that she's been impatient and judgmental. But she always justified her behavior and didn't seem to realize that these were her norm. She had a terrible temper (often aimed at the undeserving), and she felt it was justified because it felt so good to go off on someone. Let's add self-centered to the list. She hated when the police searched her home legally, but then decided to break into the home of one of her suspects and snoop around. It wasn't even clear what she was looking for. She realized she would be breaking the law and even briefly felt bad about going through his closets, file cabinets, and computer, but she justified it as "he might be guilty" and therefore he deserved it. So it's okay for her, but not the cops?

From the beginning, the sheriff assured her that he didn't think her guilty but needed her cooperation to rule her out. Her response was to get a lawyer, investigate on her own, and tell everyone that she's the #1 suspect. Even though the sheriff proved that she wasn't his only or even main suspect, she yelled at him for not considering other suspects. She respected no one and blamed others for believing her the #1 suspect when, hello, she's the main one spreading that rumor.

She had a handful of suspects and looked mostly for motives. She overlooked possible suspects and focused on people she didn't like. She never found out exactly how or when the victim died. She jumped to (wrong) conclusions and acted on them. She was rude to the people who tried to help her. For example, she asked her (rather nice) ex-husband, a lawyer, to help, then blocked his texts because he didn't find her a lawyer fast enough to suit her, then mostly ignored him when he showed up to help. He concluded that she hated him, and she's shocked that he could think that. Really?! Anyway, the author made the clues very, very "look at that!" obvious, so I had whodunit figured out as soon as we met whodunit. I identified the clue that would solve the case way back at the beginning of the story. So no puzzle to distract from Mallory's appalling behavior.

Finally, I live in the very area that "Hillspring" is fictionally located. I've never met such friendly, polite, nice people anywhere else I've lived, but this book makes us seem like bitter, mean, backbiting people out to sue all of our neighbors. Plus, it's unrealistic that a larger town like Hillspring only had one feed/hardware store and one lawyer. A little town near me has 2 feed stores and 1 hardware store just on the main street through town. It's also very safe in this area. People are extremely unlikely to point a shotgun at you, especially if the public is welcomed on their land. Being a cozy mystery meant Cabot Cove had hundreds of murders, but it still came across as a nice town. Yet this author's Hillspring makes it sound like you should do everything you can to avoid the area.

There was occasional use of bad language. There were no sex scenes. Everyone forgave Mallory's behavior at the end and told her that she's so clever. That's pure fantasy.


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

A Twist of Murder by Heather Redmond

A Twist of Murder
by Heather Redmond

ISBN-13: 9781496737977
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Kensington
Released: October 25th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Harrow-on-the-Hill, March 1836: In a sense, orphans Ollie, John, and Arthur have always been treasure hunters. The mudlarks have gone from a hardscrabble life scavenging the banks of the Thames for bits and bobs to becoming students at a boarding school outside of London, thanks to the kind and generous intercession of Charles Dickens. But now they’re missing—as is a treasure map. When Charles arrives at the school, he’s hit with another twist—the servant girl who was allegedly in possession of the map has been strangled in the icehouse. Unbeknownst to them on their spirited adventure, his young friends may be in mortal danger. Now Charles and his fiancée Kate Hogarth, who has come to join him in the search for the runaways.


My Review:
A Twist of Murder is a mystery set in 1836 in England. It's the fifth in a series. You don't need to read the previous book to understand this one, and this book didn't spoil the previous mysteries. Vivid historical and setting details were woven into the story, creating a distinct sense of the time and place. The author tried to stay true to what is known about Charles Dickens' career and lifestyle in his early twenties. The main characters were likable and acted realistically.

There really wasn't much of a mystery since much of the focus was on solving the treasure map rather than solving the murder. The mystery wasn't the location of the missing boys (which was soon discovered) but who killed the maid, the cousin of Charles' friend, William. They investigated enough to determine a handful of suspects, then simply waited until whodunit voluntarily confessed. Ironically, someone even told them what was at the end of the treasure map, but they didn't pay any attention (like, question him about it). Much of the story was the treasure hunt and a cholera outbreak (full of gross details), which added suspense.

There was one use of British bad language. There was no sex. Overall, I'll probably keep on reading the series because of the vivid, accurate historical details, so I'd recommend this book to fans of historicals.


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 Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson, Sian Ann Bessey

The Danger with Diamonds
by Traci Hunter Abramson,
Sian Ann Bessey

ISBN-13: 9781524421205
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Covenant Communications
Released: October 10th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly linked to Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.


My Review:
The Danger with Diamonds is a romantic suspense that occurs after the events in "Heirs of Falcon Point." You don't need to read that book to understand this one, but, frankly, I think it was the better book. The viewpoint just seemed distant in this story, like we're watching a movie with a narrator rather than inside someone's head.

I liked the romance between Lars and Marit. They weren't communicating quite so much after life took them to different places and they got busy with their jobs. However, Lars set up a get together during a break. Once they cleared up that both wanted to pursue a romantic relationship, Marit quickly forgave Lars and they enjoyed being together.

Cole likes a challenge which may be the main reason behind his continued pursuit of Isabelle. Granted, she had reason to think things were over between them after months of no contact with him, but it's all about her hurt feelings. There's no friendly "hey, glad to see you're still alive and doing well" when they meet again but "What, you're not even here to see me?!"

Cole and Isabelle worked together well enough as CIA agents, but Cole could do nothing right on the romantic front. She didn't easily forgive past hurts and wasn't interested in the reasons why he had neglected her. Likely, this is how their relationship will always be: him working hard to beg forgiveness for unintended hurts (which he already resents) and her reluctant to forgive him. She should know that her desire to be the main focus of a man's attention is doomed with a CIA agent who travels a lot, especially one who has just been reunited with long-lost cousins.

There was plenty of suspense as people keep attacking Cole (and those helping him) as he investigated a case. 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.

Abduction Cold Case by Connie Queen

Abduction Cold Case
by Connie Queen

ISBN-13: 9781335587374
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: October 25th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Finding a mysterious file on her desk sends psychologist Kennedy Wells chasing down clues to solve a twenty-six-year-old kidnapping—and straight into a violent assault. When Texas Ranger Silas Boone comes to Kennedy’s rescue, he can’t help but wonder at her resemblance to the long-missing girl. With someone willing to kill to end the investigation, can they uncover the truth?


My Review:
Abduction Cold Case is a romantic suspense novel. Kennedy had loving parents, though they did keep her a bit isolated as a child. She's shocked when Texas Ranger Silas suggests she might be the missing girl in the cold case she's working on. He witnessed the kidnapping all those years ago and comes to the rescue when her scheduled interview with the mother of the missing child turns into an assault that leaves the woman in critical condition. Why did someone send Kennedy the file and who will kill to prevent her from discovering the truth behind the kidnapping?

The main characters were likable and reacted realistically to events. Kennedy and Silas worked well together and respected each other. They came to care for each other as they spent time together. They asked questions and followed up on leads and while trying to stay alive. The suspense came from repeated attacks on Kennedy and those who knew information or continued to investigate the case. 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.

The Secrets of Emberwild by Stephenia H. McGee

The Secrets of Emberwild
by Stephenia H. McGee

ISBN-13: 9780800740238
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: October 4, 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Nora Fenton desires to be a Standardbred horse trainer in a time women are not allowed to race. She distrusts men, who constantly stand in the way of the things she wants. After her father's passing, Nora is determined to save her struggling horse farm, starting with entering her prize colt into the harness races at the 1905 Mississippi Fair. If she wins, she may have a chance at independence. But when a stranger arrives and starts asking disconcerting questions, she suspects he may have other motives than the training job that is rightfully hers.

Silas Cavallero will do whatever it takes to solve the mystery of his father's death--even if it means training an unwieldy colt for Nora, who wants nothing more than to see him gone. But when mysterious accidents threaten their safety and circumstances shrouded in secrets begin unlocking clues to his past, Silas will have to decide if the truth is worth risking ruining everything for the feisty woman he's come to admire.


My Review:
The Secrets of Emberwild is a romance set in 1905 in Mississippi. Silas was a skilled trainer and understood horse behavior. Despite growing up around horses, Nora was very ignorant about basic horse safety and was trying to train her first horse by learning from a book. Worse, the first horse that she wanted to train was a young stallion, which aren't easy to train because they're more unpredictable and prone to challenge you for dominance. The author showed all of this, but I just couldn't get passed Nora saying foolish things like the stallion would never hurt her. Especially as she often said this after the horse came very close to hurting her.

Silas saw the danger and kept saving her from harm. Nora didn't listen very well and had unrealistic expectations, so maybe she had been told horse and barn safety but thought she knew better than the despised men who kept trying to tell her what to do. She had no respect for men until Silas took the time to listen to her, explain why he did things, and tried to include her in safe ways. As an employee, Silas was respectful to the family, including Nora, so tried to gain her cooperation. He did his best to support Nora's ambitions even though she stubbornly took foolish risks that not only endangered her but the horse and others. I understand why she liked him, but I don't understand why he was attracted to her except maybe he liked that she suddenly kissed him.

There was no sex or bad language. While I appreciate that the author knows horses and worked that into the story, I just didn't like Nora and didn't feel like she grew up even if her skills increased.


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 Provence by Vivian Conroy

Mystery in Provence
by Vivian Conroy

ISBN-13: 9780008549244
ebook: 314 pages
Publisher: One More Chapter
Released: October 7th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Fresh from teaching at her prestigious Swiss boarding school, Miss Atalanta Ashford suddenly finds herself the most eligible young lady in society when she inherits her grandfather’s substantial fortune. But with this fortune – and an elegant new Parisian home – comes a legacy passed down from grandfather to granddaughter… sleuthing discreetly for Europe’s elite.

This amateur detective isn’t one to back down from a challenge and Miss Ashford must depend on her sharp wit and charm to solve her first case, which takes her to the lush lavender fields of Provence and a wedding at the mansion of the Comte de Surmonne.

Now, as murder strikes twice, Atalanta will have to race to solve the case to stop the blushing bride from facing a fatal ‘I do’.


My Review:
Mystery in Provence is a mystery set in 1930 in France. The main characters were likable and interesting. Atalanta always liked problem solving but now she's learning how to solve mysteries. Her grandfather left her advice on sleuthing and some staff that helps dig up information about suspects. Atalanta tried to subtly ask questions and uncover information as she was undercover. This was a clue-based mystery that could be guessed before the end. There's so much information and deception that I felt the author could have chosen between several of the suspects and made them fit the clues in the big reveal, but whodunit did seem the most likely. There was no sex 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.

The Belle of Belgrave Square by Mimi Matthews

The Belle of Belgrave Square
by Mimi Matthews

ISBN-13: 9780593337158
Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: October 11th 2022

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Tall, dark, and dour, the notorious Captain Jasper Blunt is hailed a military hero, but tales abound of his bastard children and his haunted estate in Yorkshire. What he requires now is a rich wife to help finance the repairs to his isolated ruin, and he has his sights set on the enchanting Julia Wychwood.

For Julia, an incurable romantic cursed with a crippling social anxiety, navigating a London ballroom is absolute torture. The only time Julia feels any degree of confidence is when she’s on her horse. Unfortunately, a young lady can’t spend the whole of her life in the saddle. Her parents' choice for her future husband is much worse than Jasper, so Julia makes an impetuous decision to take her future by the reins—she proposes to Captain Blunt.

In exchange for her dowry and her hand, Jasper must promise to grant her freedom to do as she pleases. To ride—and to read—as much as she likes without masculine interference. He readily agrees to her conditions, with one provision of his own: Julia is forbidden from going into the tower rooms of his estate and snooping around his affairs. But the more she learns of her thoughtful husband, the more she realizes the many secrets that he's been hiding.


My Review:
The Belle of Belgrave Square is a romance set in 1862. This is the second book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Since we get both Julia's and Jasper's viewpoints, we have hints about Jasper's secrets but they come as a shock to Julia. She actually handled them quite well, disappointed at his lack of trust in her but willing to listen to why he acted as he did and not just reject him out of anger. Jasper was very supportive of her, valuing her and willing to sacrifice on her behalf. His support built her up so that she had the courage to stand up to those who had belittled her in the past.

The characters were complex and reacted realistically to events. I cared about what happened to them. The author deeply researched the time period and wove this information into the story, creating a distinct sense of time and place without slowing the pacing. There was a brief (married) sex scene, but the focus was on her emtoions rather than graphicly describing the physical part. There were some uses of bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this story, especially if you enjoy accurate historical aspects in your fiction.


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.