Undercover Kitty by Sofie Ryan

Undercover Kitty
by Sofie Ryan

ISBN-13: 9781984802354
Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Berkley
Released: January 26th 2021


Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Sarah and Elvis can always be found at a charming secondhand shop in the village of North Harbor, Maine. Despite the small-town setting, the daring duo often find themselves wrapped up in murder, but luckily they have help--a quirky group of senior citizens runs an amateur detective agency called Charlotte's Angels out of the store.

The Angels are hired to look into who is sabotaging cat shows in the state, and they decide the best way to do that is to send Elvis the cat undercover as a contestant. But then one of the cat show volunteers is murdered just before the latest competition, and Sarah and the Angels have to catch a killer in two shakes of a cat's tail!


My Review:
Undercover Kitty is a cozy mystery. It's the eighth book in the series, but you don't need to read the previous books to understand this one. This book did not spoil any of the previous mysteries. The main characters were nice, engaging people. The cat was mainly the excuse for being at the cat show and played little role in the detection of whodunit. More time was spent describing the cat show than on doing actual detection.

The mystery was a clue-based puzzle mystery. The amateur detectives asked questions and looked into various alibis. My main problem was that the fire didn't seem to actually destroy anything, even allowing the investigators to determine the exact type of "kindling" used to start the fire. Also, the initial clues greatly restricted the possible suspects for the murderer, though none of the investigators seemed to notice this. They also seemed especially dense when a major clue was dropped by a suspect. The readers' were going, "Oh, whodunit!" but Sarah's going "um, seems like I should be able to put this together by now, but I'm just not sure..."

There were no sex scenes. There was only one use of bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable mystery, but it's my least favorite 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton

Forever Phoebe by Chalon Linton ISBN-13: 9781524416881 Paperback: 224 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: February 8th 2020

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
At the dignified age of eighteen, Phoebe Jamison knows she should behave in a manner befitting her station, as her three loving elder brothers often tease. Unfortunately, the lively young woman has a personality every bit as outgoing as her red hair, a fact brought to her attention in the criticism from the gentleman she has long pined for. But not every man is of the opinion that a woman should be decorous above all else. The newest resident of Somerset, Mr. Franklin Everly, is considered a most eligible bachelor, and he is immediately drawn to Phoebe’s honest, outgoing nature as he becomes acquainted with the delightful Jamison siblings of Primly Park.

Franklin embarks on a friendship with Phoebe that quickly deepens into a warm and thrilling connection. But even as he fights for Phoebe’s attentions, a very real danger is revealed: girls in neighboring villages have gone missing, and the kidnapper is moving ever closer to Primly Park. Despite the guard of her fiercely protective brothers and Franklin, Phoebe must rely on her own strength when she finds herself in the sights of the Bride Snatcher.


My Review:
Forever Phoebe is a romance set in 1814 in England. Phoebe has longed after one of her brother's friends for ages, but he hardly notices her except to criticize her. When a new neighbor becomes friends with her brothers, she enjoys how he complements her, appreciates her outspoken, honest nature, and is not put off by her sometimes impulsive choices. His attention sparks the interest of the other man, though, and now both wish to court her.

I liked the romance as both Phoebe and Franklin admired the character of the other, built each other up, and even sacrificed for each other and others. They got along well, and their love grew as they got to know each other better. The historical time period was a vague backdrop for the story rather than a distinct part of the setting.

My main problem with the story was the mysterious Bride Snatcher, who boldly kidnapped well-bred, pretty young girls to sell to men as their wives. Because...English men who can afford to buy someone don't need a dowry, don't fear the law, and are somehow unable to attract someone willing to be their wives? It just didn't make any sense. Especially when he threatened to kill his valuable wares. Also, if you have one bullet, know how to shoot, and someone is threatening you and your best friend, naturally you will shoot the bullet into the air rather than at the threat? Though sometimes not very realistic, it was an enjoyable read. 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.

When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

When Twilight Breaks
by Sarah Sundin

ISBN-13: 9780800736361
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Revell
Released: February 2nd 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.


My Review:
When Twilight Breaks is a Christian romantic suspense set in March through December of 1938 and mostly in Germany. The story was very suspenseful all the way through as Evelyn and Peter were doing things that the Nazis didn't like. They realized there was danger but felt protected by the fact that they were Americans. The reader's more aware of how evil the Nazis were, so the suspense was even higher knowing that they could simply "disappear." There were also relationship tensions. Evelyn felt that all men were trying to cage her, so Peter had to first prove his friendship, support, and admiration for the very characteristics that previous boyfriends had tried to force her to change. They had similar values, though it didn't appear so at first, and they became a good team working for a good cause.

The characters were likable, well-developed, complex, and acted realistically to events. They were better people for having met each other. The historical details were woven into the story and were very interesting. Evelyn had to learn that depending on God and others did not make her weak. Peter came to realize that God was in control even when bad things happened. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd highly recommend this very suspenseful historical.


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.

Lethal Intent by Cara C. Putman

Lethal Intent
by Cara C. Putman

ISBN-13: 9780785233312
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Released: January 12th 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Caroline Bragg’s life has never been better. She and Brandon Lancaster are taking their relationship to the next level, and she has a new dream job as legal counsel for Praecursoria—a research lab that is making waves with its cutting-edge genetic therapies. The company’s leukemia treatments even promise to save desperately sick kids—kids like eleven-year-old Bethany, a critically ill foster child at Brandon’s foster home.

When Caroline’s enthusiastic boss wants to enroll Bethany in experimental trials prematurely, Caroline objects, putting her at odds with her colleagues. They claim the only goal at Praecursoria is to save lives. But does someone have another agenda?

Brandon faces his own crisis. As laws governing foster homes shift, he’s on the brink of losing the group home he’s worked so hard to build. When Caroline learns he’s a Praecursoria investor, it becomes legally impossible to confide in him. Will the secrets she keeps become a wedge that separates them forever? And can she save Bethany from the very treatments designed to heal her?


My Review:
Lethal Intent is a Christian legal suspense novel. There were several areas of suspense: Brandon's group home for foster children is threatened by new legislation; Caroline can't talk with Brandon about the things troubling her at work due to legal reasons, putting great strain on their relationship; and Caroline objects to the way her boss pushes the legal line regarding rushing the testing of their treatments on children. When some of the researchers start dying when they question certain treatments, Caroline's worried for her own safety as she investigates. But it's difficult to track down who, exactly, is the threat.

The main characters were engaging and reacted realistically to events. Caroline's smart, caring, and determined to do the right thing, but she has trouble asking for help. Brandon's past allows him to connect with the foster children, but he has trouble believing that Caroline would choose him, especially as she seems to be putting up walls between them. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting, interesting 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.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards

Of Sword and Shadow by A.L. Sowards ISBN-13: 9781524413583 Paperback: 251 pages Publisher: Covenant Communications Released: February 8, 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Greece, 1379. She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.

Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.


My Review:
Of Sword and Shadow is a romance and adventure set in 1379 in Greece. The characters were well-developed, complex, interesting, and I cared about what happened to them. Gillen's a Christian and a soldier who has sworn a vow to God to help the innocent, so he's doing what he can to remove bad rulers from power. Eudocia had never been valued let alone loved, but she began to see her worth and see herself as more than just a slave because Gillen treated her that way. She had to obey her master who warned her away from Gillen, but she was still hired to help with this political scheme and increasingly became a vital part of it. The adventure involved many suspenseful scenes of them using very creative ways to barely manage to get out of serious trouble. The historical details about the political takeover were woven into the story with many unknown details added by the author.

Eudocia was also introduced to the forgiveness and second chances offered by Jesus Christ. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this exciting, 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.

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna

The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna ISBN-13: 9781984848697 Hardcover: 432 pages Publisher: Delacorte Press Released: Feb. 9, 2021

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
Sixteen-year-old Deka lives in fear and anticipation of the blood ceremony that will determine whether she will become a member of her village. Already different from everyone else in this Northern village because of her Southern, dark-skinned mother, Deka prays for red blood so she can finally feel like she belongs. But on the day of the ceremony, her blood runs gold, the color of impurity--and Deka knows she will face a consequence worse than death.

Then a mysterious woman comes to her with a choice: stay in the village and submit to her fate, or leave to fight for the emperor in an army of girls just like her. They are called alaki--near-immortals with rare gifts. And they are the only ones who can stop the empire's greatest threat. Knowing the dangers that lie ahead yet yearning for acceptance, Deka decides to leave the only life she's ever known. But as she journeys to the capital and trains for the biggest battle of her life, she will discover that the great walled city holds many surprises. Nothing and no one are quite what they seem to be--not even Deka herself.


My Review:
The Gilded Ones is a young adult fantasy novel. Though somewhat dark in tone, this reminds me of the epic fantasies I used to read when I was young. The women of this empire are oppressed through a religion that says they will be accepted by their god only if they submit to men and follow many rules. Rules that Deka quickly learns are meant to prevent "demon" women from realizing their power. The men have been identifying these women as soon as they come into their power and then kill them. But they're difficult to kill and so may need to be killed multiple ways until they really die. This is the dark part of the story. Deka and the other women are exploited and are tortured to keep them in line even after they agree to fight for the Emperor. We're not really graphically shown the torture, but we're told that it happens and see how this mentally affects the girls.

Throughout the story, Deka and the other warrior girls start to uncover the many lies that they have been told about their role and their power. Some of the twists won't surprise longtime fantasy readers, but it's still enjoyable to watch the girls grow in strength, knowledge, and self-confidence as they uncover the truth. They envision a future where women and men are equals in opportunities and respect. This novel tells a complete story, but we're told about possible future battles that suggest a sequel in the future.

The characters were well developed, complex, and reacted realistically to events. They were likable, and I cared about what happened to them. The world-building created a land that was unique without getting bogged down in details unnecessary to the story. The mystery about why Deka is different and about who will die in battle added suspense. There were no sex scenes. There were a few uses of bad language (an evil man repeatedly called the women b**ches in one scene). Overall, I'd recommend this enjoyable, interesting fantasy. I look forward to future novels in 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.

Trailing a Killer by Carol J. Post

Trailing a Killer
by Carol J. Post

ISBN-13: 9781335405005
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Love Inspired Suspense
Released: February 9th 2021


Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
A killer with an explosive agenda and a K-9 and determined detective on the case.

In a hurricane’s aftermath, Detective Erin Jeffries is stunned when she and her search-and-rescue K-9, Alcee, uncover a collapsed building’s only survivor—her long-ago ex, Cody Elbourne. And it’s quickly clear that the disaster was no accident. Now only Cody can identify the man who set the explosives that killed his grandfather…and Erin must stop the killer dead set on silencing him.


My Review:
Trailing a Killer is a Christian romantic suspense novel. I liked that Cody never questioned Erin's abilities as a cop. When he resisted her suggestions on how to stay safe, it wasn't because he thought her incompetent or that he knew better but because he didn't like his freedom being restricted and financially needed to keep working. After she was proven correct several times, he was willing to follow her suggestions because he realized that the situation was serious and she could keep him alive. The romance started back when they were young, but they parted and had some really bad romantic experiences that put them off dating and marriage. As they got to know each other again, they realized what a relationship between them could offer might be worth the risk.

The main characters were thoughtful, likable, and reacted realistically to events. Suspense was created by multiple attempts to kill Cody while Erin's investigation kept hitting dead ends. Erin found strength and healing in God. Cody initially wasn't interested in religion, though he was curious about why Erin believed since she didn't need a religious crutch. There was no sex or bad language. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and would highly recommend it.


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.