The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!
My 56 for this week is from:
Bone White
by Wendy Corsi Staub
Genre: Mystery
My 56 from the paperback.
“Your turn now, Jane. I’ll do for you what I did for the Beauties. I’ll find out who you were, and what happened to you.”
~~~~~
Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
New York Times Bestselling Author Wendy Corsi Staub revisits Mundy’s Landing—a small town with a blood-soaked past.
The town of Mundy’s Landing was founded on a horrifying secret, but stark white bones of the dead never lie…
“We shall never tell.” Spurred by the cryptic phrase in a centuries-old letter, Emerson Mundy travels to her ancestral hometown to trace her past. In Mundy’s Landing, she connects with long lost relatives—and a closet full of skeletons going back centuries.
In the year since former NYPD Detective Sullivan Leary solved the historic Sleeping Beauty Murders, she—like the village itself—has made a fresh start. But someone has unearthed blood-drenched secrets in a disembodied skull, and is hacking away at the Mundy family tree, branch by branch…
I enjoyed the first book in this series and I’ve been following Lauren’s Mac Faraday series too. It’s fun to have the character’s cross back in forth in both of them.
This story focuses on Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton, recently married and getting used to life together.
Jessica is having a recurring nightmare, like a night terror, and they decide the only way to rid her of them is to revisit the scene from whence they come, a horrible crime from her youth. Several people were brutally murdered in Pine Bridge and she had spent the summer there at her relative’s inn.
Jessica and Murphy, along with their dog, Spencer/Candi, arrive at the inn and start to sniff out clues. The deeper they dig, the more dangerous it becomes as bullets fly from in and from all directions.
Boy, this is one tangled up bunch of shenanigans. There’s lots going on and plenty of suspects. I really didn’t know who was guilty of what until right near the end. That’s always a good thing for me.
And, as usual, Lauren drips beloved characters from past stories into this one, just like I’d hope. Bumping into them is always fun, as they stay in my mind from earlier adventures.
I also enjoy the non human characters, of which there are many. Lots of critters romp through all Lauren’s books. One in particular I was hoping to meet again. Monica. She made an appearance. Did she ever.
And I met a new character that quickly became another favorite. Nigel. He’s not a breathing entity. He’s Jessica’s and Murphy’s virtual butler, designed by her brother, Tristan. Nigel comes in very handy with his ability to go anywhere on the internet, plucking out info no one else can. Fun occurs when he starts to become a bit big for his britches.
Another fun, convoluted mystery from a talented author. I’ll always be waiting for the next one.
5 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
Five women with seemingly nothing in common are found brutally murdered in a townhome outside Washington, DC. Among the many questions surrounding the massacre is what had brought these apparent strangers together only to be killed.
Taking on his first official murder case, Lieutenant Murphy Thornton, USN, believes that if he can uncover the thread connecting the victims, then he can find their murderer.
The case takes an unexpected turn when Murphy discovers that one of the victims has a connection to his stepmother, Homicide Detective Cameron Gates. One wintry night, over a dozen years before, her first husband, a Pennsylvania State trooper, had been run down while working a night shift on the turnpike.
In this first installment of the Thorny Rose Mysteries, the Lovers in Crime join newlyweds Lieutenant Murphy Thornton and Jessica Faraday to sift through a web of lies and cover-ups. Together, can the detectives of the Thorny Rose uncover the truth without falling victim to a cunning killer?
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!
My 56 for this week is from:
The Roanoke Girls
by Amy Engel
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
My 56 from the hardcover.
Sharon laughs, a hoarse little cackle, when she sees my face. “What? Did I hurt your feelings? Are you going to tell on me?
I couldn’t believe it when I won this book. It’s so my kind of story and I’m itching to get started on it. Hey….. it’s supposed to rain this weekend, so guess what I’ll be doing! LOL
~~~~~
Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
Roanoke girls never last long around here. In the end, we either run or we die.
After her mother’s suicide, fifteen year-old Lane Roanoke came to live with her grandparents and fireball cousin, Allegra, on their vast estate in rural Kansas. Lane knew little of her mother’s mysterious family, but she quickly embraced life as one of the rich and beautiful Roanoke girls. But when she discovered the dark truth at the heart of the family, she ran fast and far away.
Eleven years later, Lane is adrift in Los Angeles when her grandfather calls to tell her Allegra has gone missing. Did she run too? Or something worse? Unable to resist his pleas, Lane returns to help search, and to ease her guilt at having left Allegra behind. Her homecoming may mean a second chance with the boyfriend whose heart she broke that long ago summer. But it also means facing the devastating secret that made her flee, one she may not be strong enough to run from again.
As it weaves between Lane’s first Roanoke summer and her return, The Roanoke Girls shocks and tantalizes, twisting its way through revelation after mesmerizing revelation, exploring the secrets families keep and the fierce and terrible love that both binds them together and rips them apart.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser for this week is from
House Of Seven Days
by Juniper Ellis
Genre: Mystery
My teaser from 10% in the eBook.
“I’m dangerously close to being thoughtful right now. At least it doesn’t require me to do much of anything.”
This tickled my funny bone. LOL
~~~~~
Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
An inheritance with a twist… A wanderer and confirmed loner, Francine Pond is not thrilled to inherit her great-aunt True’s sprawling mansion. She’s even less pleased to learn she is required to solve a mystery involving a series of clues contained in True’s will. And she only has seven days to complete the task. Complicated by life-sized games, ghosts, and a cast of improbable tenants… Pond is not alone in this house of oddities. In addition to a teenaged storyteller and an enigmatic chimney sweep, she is joined by Ferdinand, a mysterious man who wants to help her in her mission for reasons known only to himself and his beloved dog. Unsure who to trust… Between a rogue circus performer and her elephant, a vengeful ringmaster, meddling neighbors, and a bewildering series of quests, Pond begins to doubt if she’ll ever solve the twisted-and sometimes deadly-puzzles and regain her freedom. But is there anywhere to go if the apocalypse really has already come to Baltimore? Or will she have to stay, no matter the cost, to save herself and the misfits who might have become her friends?
I am so excited that the SHERLOCK BONES series by Lauren Baratz-Logsted is now available and that I get to share the news!
If you haven’t yet heard about these wonderful books by Author Lauren Baratz-Logsted, be sure to check out all the details below.
This blitz also includes a giveaway for a pair of Great Dane socks and Dog or Cat treats for your Fur Babies, US Only
courtesy of Month9Books.
So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.
The Adventures of Sherlock Bones turns snooping on its floppy ear when
one day, Dr. Jane Catson, a surgeon injured in the Cat Wars has an afternoon
nap interrupted by a most unusual occurrence.
On the front lawn of her home, rather loud footsteps disturb her peace as
Sherlock Bones, a Great Dane in a deerstalker claiming to be the greatest
detective in the world arrives.
After a quick critical examination of the intrusive dog whose enormous
body blocks the entire sun from view, Catson has her doubts. But that’s not
all. The monstrously-sized creature makes an even more astonishing claim. He
has come to live with her!
Before Catson can collect her thoughts into an intelligent rebuttal,
Sherlock Bones has made himself quite at home, inventing things like a jetpack
for her Castilian housekeeper-cook, a turtle named Mr. Javier and placing his
gigantic food and water dishes next to hers.
But there’s no time for protest. The great detective and Dr. Catson have
caught themselves their first case: A suspiciously dead human in a nearby
abandoned building. Can Sherlock Bones and Dr. Catson crack the case before the
killer strikes again? Or will their differences get in the way of solving Case
File No. 1? One thing’s for sure, that would be a doggone shame.
Title: THE
ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK BONES: DOG NOT GONE
After being introduced to Sherlock Bones, the Greatest Detective in the
World, in Case File #1: Dogged to Death, Dr. Jane Catson – surgeon and veteran
of the Cat Wars – is back to share an all-new mystery adventure with readers.
Despite all of Jane’s resistance, Bones is now living with her and her
housekeeper/chef, the turtle with a jetpack, Mr. Javier. This time out, the
mismatched duo’s investigations lead them to a case involving murder, of
course, and – wait for it! – Utah. If there’s one thing readers can be certain
of it’s that in this world, the animals are always smarter than the humans.
Also, did we mention…Utah?
Enjoy the Excerpt:
“You can’t be serious!” I practically shouted, outraged.
If a murder really had been committed, I couldn’t believe he wasn’t going
to do anything about it. I also couldn’t believe that I was arguing with him
about this. I’d never wanted to get involved with him and all his craziness in
the first place.
“Oh, but I am, my dear Catson.”
My dear … Who did this dog think he was?
“And why is that, Bones?” I demanded, determined not to let my right eye
squint.
“Because I am tired of not getting credit.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Here’s how this kind of case always goes: a crime, usually murder,
occurs. The professional, public detectives—the so-called ‘experts’—are called
in. They fail to solve the case. Then I am called in. I solve the case, but
they take all the credit. End of story.”
As he spoke, his eyes shifted sadly from me to the floor to studying his
toenails.
I found myself, for the first time, starting to feel sorry for him. Then:
“Wait,” I said, this time letting my right eye go ahead and twitch.
“You’re not going to investigate, you’re going to let a murderer run
free—because your feelings are hurt? Because you feel you don’t get enough
credit?”
“Well,” he said, now looking slightly embarrassed, “yes, that is exactly
what I plan to do. Or rather, not do.”
“You can’t be serious! If you think you can help, it is your duty to do
so!”
“I suppose … ” His eyes met mine. “Do you want to come with?”
“Come with where?”
He eagerly un-crumpled the crumpled piece of paper.
“There,” he said, pointing to an address.
I thought of my lunch, which was still sitting on the table. I thought
longingly of the cushion in front of the bay window, my nap long overdue. And
then I thought of the adventure of potentially aiding to solve a murder. I must
confess: I was curious. It also occurred to me that perhaps since returning
home from the Cat Wars, my life had been a little dull.
“Fine,” I said, mildly exasperated with myself.
“Great,” he said, all smiles once more. “I’ll go get my hat.”
About Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Lauren Baratz-Logsted is the author of over 25 books for adults, teens
and kids, including The Sisters 8 series for young readers which she created
with her husband and daughter. She lives in Danbury, CT, with that husband and daughter as well as their marvelous cat, Yoyo.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
My Teaser for this week is from
Murder And Other Unnatural Disasters
by Lida Sideris
Genre: Mystery / Humor
My Teaser from page 122 in the paperback.
“The way I see it,” Michael said. “We have a few options.”
“Such as?”
“Continue listening – ”
“Which means do nothing.”
“Doctor a search warrant and get inside – ”
“Which means our possible arrest and incarceration.”
“Come back tomorrow with ammo.”
“I like that.”
“I thought you would.”
~~~~~
Synopsis
Watch out Southern California! There’s a new entertainment attorney in town and she’s got game. Only problem is, it’s not the one she should be playing. Corrie Locke belongs behind a desk, not behind a Glock. She should be taking VIP calls, not nosing around a questionable suicide. Instead, she’s hot on the trail of a murderer. Luckily, she’s the daughter of a late, great private eye and she’s inherited his love of sleuthing…and illegal weaponry. It doesn’t help matters that her gene for caution is a recessive one. Corrie finds herself in the center of a murder case, unearthing suspects in shocking places. With a cold-blooded killer on the loose, Corrie will have to up her game, or die trying.
If you could go back in time, what period and where would you go?
Oh, man! Right off hand, first gut reaction, I say Texas during the days of wild west. Simply because I love horses and animals and I would want to live on a ranch and go horseback riding every day. But then, that would be before the days of indoor plumbing, which means I would not have my whirlpool tub and men would smell like body odor. So let me think about that.
What is your favorite travel spot?
LC: Anywhere a cruise ship can take me! Finally, after years of talking about it, I went on a cruise this summer to the Bahamas a couple of years ago now I am hooked. I came back swearing that I would go on a cruise every year—but then life took over, my son went off the college. Oh, man! Give me a minute. I need to call Royal Caribbean now!
What is your favorite dessert?
LC: Cheesecake Factory Tuxedo cheesecake or if that is not available, chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Actually, anything that includes chocolate makes my top ten dessert list.
If you were stuck on a dessert island, what three books would you want with you?
LC: Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe for inspiration.
SAS Survival Handbook, Third Edition: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere by John “Lofty” Wiseman for tips on how to make the most out of this experience.
The Holy Bible. Always good to have.
What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
Write a book and allow it to be made public for readers to read.
What’s next for Lauren Carr?
LC: Twofer Murder will be a treat for mystery lovers because it will be two mysteries in one novel. This book will contain all of the characters from the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go fishing and get embroiled in a murder mystery. Meanwhile, the ladies go off to a murder mystery writers conference and end up wrapped up in their own mystery when an up and coming mystery writer ends up dead! Can’t beat that! Two mysteries for the price of one!
As for Murphy and Jessica of the Thorny Rose, sorry, readers, but the next Thorny Rose Mystery is at least a year away. I’m now working on three series! The working title for the next Thorny Rose Mystery is From Rags to Riches to Dead. In this mystery, Jessica’s best friend Amy receives news that her leech of a husband was killed in a freak accident at an expensive resort, where he had spent the last several days living it up. Amy, and Jessica are still trying to sort out this news when Dean walks in—alive and well. Upon investigation, they discover that a killer has been stealing the identity of deadbeat husbands who have been living off their rich wives, and then luring them to expensive resorts to murder them.
~~~~~
A Fine Year For Murder
A Thorny Rose Mystery #
by Lauren Carr
Synopsis
After months of marital bliss, Jessica Faraday and Murphy Thornton are still discovering and adjusting to their life together. Settled in their new home, everything appears to be perfect … except in the middle of the night when, in darkest shadows of her subconscious, a deep secret from Jessica’s past creeps to the surface to make her strike out at Murphy.
When investigative journalist Dallas Walker tells the couple about her latest case, known as the Pine Bridge Massacre, they realize Jessica may have witnessed the murder of a family living near a winery owned by distant relatives she was visiting and suppressed the memory.
Determined to uncover the truth and find justice for the murder victims, Jessica and Murphy return to the scene of the crime with Dallas Walker, a spunky bull-headed Texan. Can this family reunion bring closure for a community touched by tragedy or will this prickly get-together bring an end to the Thorny Rose couple?
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs (including the real Gnarly) on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
This isa Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry.
It’s always a pleasure
For today, I’m sharing my review of Deadly Spirits,book four of the Mac McClellan Mystery Series.
After reading my review, head on over to Sherry’s blog at fundinmental and check out her review. Leave a comment for more entries!
~~~~~
Deadly Spirits
A Mac McClellan Mystery #4
by E. Michael Helms
Genre: Mystery
My Review
This is my favorite in the series so far. I think it’s because I’m falling more for these characters with each new book. That and there’s something a bit more mysterious.
Mac McClellan is branching out from private investigations. His girlfriend talks him into joining the Palmetto Paranormal Society. Now he’s ghost hunting. Not one for whimsy, his military background formed him into a no nonsense man, he’s skeptical about things that go bump in the night.
It’s not long before his lark with the paranormal becomes real. The president of the society is found dead under suspicious circumstances and, as Mac does his thing investigating the death, more bodies start piling up.
Since the dead aren’t speaking, Mac investigates the only way he knows how, checking suspects off his list, digging up knew ones (pardon the pun), and stepping on toes. He may not be subtle, but he’ll get his man, or woman.
I really like Mac. I admire his discipline and bravery. Adore his affection for his dog, sneaking him human tidbits even though the dog will thank him with odiferous emissions later. And he’s quite the ladies man. Though he’s not fooled by a pretty cover. He’s just as likely to open a ladies door as to grill her when he suspects something fishy. And he doesn’t stray from his lady love. Mac knows a good thing when he’s got it.
The author gives you a wide variety of suspects and more than one mystery to solve. He puts you in the setting, feeling the humidity of the southern air, smelling the fishy scent of the ocean, and hearing the calls of the soaring gulls. I’m a southern gal and felt right at home. Minus a dead body or two.
There’s also plenty of action. Things get burnt up and bullets fly. SSDD for Mac.
If you’re looking for a fun detective series with a great storyline, look no further.
5 Stars
~~~~~
Synopsis
When PI Mac McClellan’s girlfriend convinces him to join the Palmetto Paranormal Society, he becomes embroiled in a case of whooodunnit. The society president, while investigating an old hotel, is found dead at the foot of the stairwell, his neck broken. The man’s secretary and current squeeze stands horrified beside his body. Authorities rule the death an accident. Mac has doubts—no one heard the man tumbling down the stairs. Then the secretary dies in an apparent suicide. Two deaths in two paranormal investigations, and not a peep out of either victim. Mac suspects there’s more going on than a vengeful spirit.
Book 4 in the Mac McClellan Mystery series, which began with Deadly Catch.
E. Michael Helms grew up in Panama City, FL. He played football and excelled in baseball as a catcher. Turning down a scholarship offer from the local Junior college, he joined the Marines after high school graduation. He served as a rifleman during some of the heaviest fighting of the Vietnam War until wounded three times in one day. Helms discounts it as “waking up on the wrong side of the foxhole.”
His memoir of the war, The Proud Bastards, has been called “As powerful and compelling a battlefield memoir as any ever written … a modern military classic,” and remains in print after 25 years.
The Private War of Corporal Henson, a semi-autobiographical fictional sequel to The Proud Bastards, was published in August 2014.
A long-time Civil War buff, he is also the author of the historical saga, Of Blood and Brothers.
Seeking a respite from writing about war, Helms decided to give mysteries a try. The first novel of his Mac McClellan Mystery series, Deadly Catch, was published in November 2013 and was named Library Journal’s “Debut Mystery of the Month.” The second Mac McClellan Mystery, Deadly Ruse, premiered in November 2014. It won the 2015 RONE Award for “Best Mystery.” Deadly Dunes was published in March 2016 by Camel Press. Deadly Spirits is scheduled for release in January 2017.
With his wife, Karen, Helms now lives in the Upstate region of South Carolina in the shadow of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking, camping, fishing, canoeing, and is an avid birdwatcher. He continues to listen as Mac McClellan dictates his latest adventures in his mystery series.
The grand prize is a $25 Gift Card, and available for anyone in the U.S. or Internationally, where legal. Also giving away 4 ebooks ( U.S. and/or International, in whichever available format you prefer). And two paperbacks (US Only).
Entry is easy. Just leave your email address so I can contact you if you win, let me know which format you are entering for, and answer this question:
Have you ever went ghost hunting or had a paranormal experience?
Now hop on over the Sherry’s post on fundinmental for her review. Be sure to comment for more entries!
The only rules are to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader and find a sentence or a few (no spoilers) that grabs you and post it.
Then go over to Freda’s Voice and leave your link so we can visit your 56!
My 56 for this week is from:
Deadly Spirits
A Mac McClellan Mystery #4
by E. Michael Helms
Genre: Mystery
From page 56 in the paperback.
“I been doing some thinking, McClellan. Despite our differences, you’ve always been stand-up with me, so I’m going to let you in on this. I know you already got your big nose stuck in it, anyway.”
“You feeling all right, Sheriff?”
~~~~~
Read on if you want to know more.
Synopsis
When PI Mac McClellan’s girlfriend convinces him to join the Palmetto Paranormal Society, he becomes embroiled in a case of whooodunnit. The society president, while investigating an old hotel, is found dead at the foot of the stairwell, his neck broken. The man’s secretary and current squeeze stands horrified beside his body. Authorities rule the death an accident. Mac has doubts—no one heard the man tumbling down the stairs. Then the secretary dies in an apparent suicide. Two deaths in two paranormal investigations, and not a peep out of either victim. Mac suspects there’s more going on than a vengeful spirit.
Book 4 in the Mac McClellan Mystery series, which began with Deadly Catch.
I’ll be featuring this book in the Tag Team Event hosted by myself and Sherry on Monday, January 16th. Be sure to stop by and read the reviews and enter the giveaway for a chance at a gift card and books!
