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Cayman Conundrum By Stacy Wilder ~ Review And Peek Inside

Posted: June 16, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, reviews
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Cayman Conundrum by Stacy Wilder Banner

CAYMAN CONUNDRUM
by Stacy Wilder
June 9 – 20, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
LIZ ADAMS MYSTERY SERIES

 

A honeymoon in paradise turns perilous in this riveting seaside mystery.

A tropical vacation transforms into a web of danger and deception when an author and his manuscript vanish. Is his thriller about money laundering in the Caribbean too close to the truth? With the stakes high and time ticking, Private Investigator Liz Adams and her new husband, Brad, along with their truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, partner with the local authorities to unravel a multitude of crimes. As they search for clues, the newlyweds explore the delights of the island, including a hunt for buried treasure. Will they uncover the truth in time, or will the honeymoon end in heartbreak? Set against the backdrop of the stunning island of Grand Cayman, this cozy mystery will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.

Praise for Cayman Conundrum:

“5 Stars – Must Read… Set on a beautiful tropical island, Cayman Conundrum is full of fun and quirky characters and a mystery with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the last page.” ~ Sarah Hinrichs, Reedsy Discovery “The characters were well developed and yet offered additional surprises. The storytelling was great moving at a good pace, as was the world setting. It is very well written and keeps you wanting to read on for the next zinger.” ~ Texas Book Nook “We are headed into cozy season, and this is the perfect cozy mystery read . . . This author tells a story that is entertaining while drawing readers into a love of mystery.” ~ Novel News Network “CAYMAN CONUNDRUM is the fourth book in Stacy Wilder’s fun and fast-paced cozy series, “Liz Adams Mysteries,” but readers new to the story shouldn’t have any trouble enjoying it as a standalone. (However, the previous books are cozy mystery gold.) Engaging characters, a puzzling and dangerous mystery, and a romance from the past combine for an entertaining and satisfying story.” ~ Karen Siddall “I’ll admit that sometimes I decide to read a book solely based on its cover. I won’t even read the plot summary. Being the dog lover that I am, when I saw the beautiful black lab on the cover of Stacy Wilder’s Cayman Conundrum: A Liz Adams Mystery I knew I had to pick it up. I’m here to report that in addition to a great cover, this was an excellent, page-turning mystery. While this was my first Liz Adams Mystery, this read smoothly as a standalone. However, now I want to go back and read the first three books. I need more reading hours in my life to inhale all these great books!” ~ Sarah S Erwin

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MY REVIEW

Grand Cayman for your honeymoon. Sounds lovely. That’s what Private Investigator Liz Adams and her new husband Brad think. Fun in the sun and taking in the island’s beauty doesn’t last long. When someone they care about vanishes, it becomes a working vacation. And the stakes are high.

This is the fourth book in the series and I’m never afraid to jump in before I’ve read the other books. I had no problem here and had a lot of fun. I would like to go back and start at the beginning though. I’d like to learn how Liz and Brad met and read about how their romance began.

There’s something else fun in this book. There’s a special dog. A black Labrador named Duke is like a four-legged lie detector. How cool is that.

A beautiful setting. Some genuine and relatable characters. And a whole lot of action and mystery to sort out. All the ingredients for a fun read.

4 STARS

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CAYMAN CONUNDRUM Trailer:

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Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery 

Published by: Wild Hawk Press Publication Date: June 28, 2024 Number of Pages: 227 ISBN: 9798985426694 (Pbk) Series: A Liz Adams Mystery, Book 4 (Learn More About These Stand Alone Novels: Amazon & Goodreads)

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Enjoy this peek inside:
Chapter One
Secrets Are Hell
While Tim cocooned his body in the blue leather chair behind his desk, his fingers flew over the keyboard. The words flowed from his fingertips onto the computer screen. After he completed the final chapter of his novel, Secrets Are Hell, he leaned back in the seat that was positioned to optimize the view of the Caribbean. As he rubbed his newly acquired goatee, he watched the turquoise waves lap against the pearly sand. When Tim and his former partner, Brad, sold their company, Multipoint Protection Services, Tim moved to Grand Cayman to pursue his dream of becoming an author. He grinned. His vision was about to come true. After the identity thefts from his former company, Tim lasered in on the connection between the stolen information used to purchase prescription drugs and the subsequent laundering of the black market proceeds. The thriller was a product of his experiences, research, and imagination. He recalled the conversation with his informant at the bar. Once the man he only knew as Jax consumed three shots of tequila, he’d spilled secrets about the money laundering business on the island. The man dripped sweat as he spoke, and he warned Tim to be careful with the revelations. Although Tim had fictionalized the facts gathered during his research, he prayed that he’d sufficiently disguised the characters involved in the illicit events. Satisfied that the first draft was complete, he saved the document onto the flash drive and locked the device in the desk drawer. He stood and stretched his arms overhead before hiding the key underneath a leather-bound edition of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, one of many in his collection of books in the wall-to-wall bookcase behind him. Tim raised his eyes toward the planked pine ceiling and contemplated his next steps. When he returned from Brad’s upcoming wedding, he would consult with developmental editors. In the meantime, he’d let the story marinate. His phone pinged, and he turned back to the desk to find a text from his girlfriend, Becky. Why haven’t you called or messaged me? His six-month-old puppy, Snooper, barked. He stepped away from his cellphone to let the dog inside. A salty breeze drifted through the opening. As he inhaled the scent, he wondered why he’d ever gotten involved with the former beauty pageant queen. He met her a few months ago when he’d volunteered at the rescue organization where he had adopted Snooper. While he massaged the black and white cocker spaniel mix’s ears, he reflected on that day they’d both tended to the homeless pets. As Tim handed Becky a bag of cat food, a jolt of adrenaline pulsed through his body. Becky measured the servings and filled the bowls they’d deliver to the felines. While she poured, he admired her flowing raven hair that framed a heart-shaped face. Her almond shaped hazel-colored eyes shimmered with intrigue. After he heard Becky’s deep-throated laugh, he invited her to join him for a cup of coffee after their shift. A month into the relationship, she began texting him incessantly. If he didn’t reply within an hour, she’d get agitated. He regretted inviting her as his plus one to Brad and Liz’s wedding in Charleston, South Carolina. A sigh escaped his lips. He longed for a soulmate like his friend had discovered in Liz. Tim was delighted that the couple had chosen Grand Cayman as their honeymoon destination. He smiled in anticipation of the treasure hunt he’d planned as their wedding gift. Snooper wiggled away and bounded toward Tim’s cat, Irish. The feline hissed and halted the puppy in his tracks. Tim chuckled, picked up his phone, and fingered a response. Been working on the book. Meet up for drinks at five at The Deck? We can talk about travel plans. Without waiting for a reply, he placed the device down and strode toward the kitchen to feed his pets. Who knew that today would be the last time he would touch the manuscript? *** Excerpt from Cayman Conundrum by Stacy Wilder. Copyright 2024 by Stacy Wilder. Reproduced with permission from Stacy Wilder. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Stacy Wilder:

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Stacy Wilder

Stacy Wilder writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry. Her mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from the sales of her books to causes that help the homeless, both people and pets. Beyond writing, Stacy is deeply devoted to her faith, family, and her beloved Labradors. She is also enthusiastic about the causes she supports, the beauty of art, the serenity of the beach, and the joy of reading. She and her husband live in Houston, TX with a totally spoiled Labrador named Eve.

Catch Up With Stacy Wilder:

www.StoryStacy.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @wilderstacy Instagram – @authorstacywilder Facebook – @wilderstacy

 

 

Tour Participants:

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Diamond In The Ruff By Cindy Goyette ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: June 10, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
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Diamond In The Ruff by Cindy Goyette Banner

DIAMOND IN THE RUFF
by Cindy Goyette
May 19 – June 13, 2025 Virtual Book Tour
 
 
Synopsis:
WIGGLE BUTT MANOR MYSTERY SERIES

  Charlie Calderbank always dreamed of being a cop, but a medical issue forces her out of the academy and to rethink her future. When Charlie’s Aunt Jo-Jo suffers injuries in a car accident, she offers to help at her aunt’s pet hotel, Wiggle Butt Manor, in the charming Pacific Northwest island town of Orca Cove. With her Cocker Spaniel Noah at her side, she settles into life on the island and at the Manor. When the owner of Maya, the precocious mutt, is murdered, Jo-Jo becomes a suspect, forcing Charlie to find the real killer before they put her aunt away for good. While she rushes to hide clues that point to her aunt, she tries to wrangle Maya into control. But she, too, seems eager to solve the case and doesn’t follow the rules. Charlie’s quest leads her to uncover plenty of the small town’s secrets, and to fall for the hot local cop trying to find the killer. It also puts her on the radar of the murderer who will do anything to protect their secret, including making Charlie the next victim.

Praise for Diamond In The Ruff:

“Diamond in the Ruff brims with intrigue and heart. The engaging heroine, Charlie, will rivet you to her story as she navigates a deadly maze of old and new secrets to uncover a murderer, while Maya and Noah, the canine players, will capture your heart as you race to the novel’s suspenseful ending.” ~ Angela M. Sanders, bestselling author of the Witch Way Librarian mysteries

“A tightly-crafted cozy featuring a memorable cast of characters—and canines!” ~ Dawn Ius, Author of Anne & Henry, Overdrive and Lizzie

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: May 2025 Number of Pages: 320 Series: Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery Series, book 1

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

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MY REVIEW

Okay…. Wiggle Butt Manor. How cool is that for the name of a pet hotel. I easily saw butts wiggling, tails wagging and tongues hanging out. I’m a dog lover and this sounded too fun to miss. Plus there’s a murder to solve, innocence to be proven and romance is in the air.

I immediately took to Charlie and felt her disappointment. An injury caused her to give up her dream of being a cop. At loose ends, she visits her Aunt Jo-Jo, who was injured in a traffic accident, and helps her with the pet hotel. When there’s a murder and evidence points to Charlie’s aunt as the prime suspect, she Decides to do some sleuthing and clear her aunt’s name. She has some help with that from some furry friends. And she brushes up against a handsome cop who’s in charge of the case.

This was all kinds of fun. I love small town settings and the island town of Orca Cove was just that. The characters were genuine and nice, the human ones that is. The four legged ones were adorable rascals. The potential romance had me hopeful. And the mystery did keep me guessing right to the end.

I read this in one sitting. I mentioned it was all kinds of fun and it sure was. When I reached the end and the culprit was revealed it was a now I get it moment. And I was left with a smile on my face, hopeful for more to come.

5 STARS

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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“I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person” Bill Murray

The massive bridge from mainland Washington to the village of Orca Cove lay before me like the highway to hell. Not that Orca Cove’s a bad place. Quite the contrary. It’s just that heights scared the bejesus out of me—and it was going to take every bit of courage I could muster to cross it.

The sky was hazy as the sun threatened to burn off oppressive dark gray clouds. Spikes at the top of the bridge disappeared into the fast-moving fog. The looming structure reminded me of green metal toothpicks, supporting a wobbly death trap in the sky. It took my breath away and not in a good way.

Come on, Charlie. Put on your big girl pants and suck it up. I tried to concentrate on the quaint town on the other side and the refuge it would provide. But all I could think of as I navigated my rental car across the bridge was that the Pacific Northwest was long overdue for an earthquake. Wouldn’t it be my luck to be on this bridge when it happened? I imagined I would feel suspended in the air forever during the plunge, but death would come quickly as the ice-cold water below swallowed us whole. “I know,” I said, glancing down at my buff Cocker Spaniel, Noah, fast asleep on the seat beside me. “Stop being so dramatic.” But as I white-knuckled our way across the bridge, Noah was oblivious. He continued to sleep off the meds I’d given him to make the flight from New Jersey more tolerable. His snore reminded me of what an overweight lumberjack might sound like after a few too many beers. Hard to believe such a rattling noise came out of a twenty-two-pound fur ball, so adorable people often mistook him for Lady from Lady and the Tramp. A thorn in my side, but I was prone to overreacting when it came to my boy. Four miles seemed a long time to contemplate one’s death. Cars behind me honked as I drove just under the speed limit, my eyes intent on the few feet of road in front of me. I tried to stifle the hysteria that rose in my chest and choked me. Deep breaths, Charlie. I did my best to ignore the impatient drivers behind us. Fate threw in a pack of serious bicyclists, making the bridge even more narrow. I focused on the toned calves pumping the petals on the bike of the woman in front of me, while wishing there was another way onto the island. But my unemployed status and dwindling bank account didn’t allow for luxuries like a private boat or seaplane. Exiting the bridge, I let out a long breath. “That was stressful,” I said to Noah. More snoring. Well, it was terrifying for me. The sleepy town always made me feel like I’d entered a time warp and had surfaced in the 1950s. Quaint buildings, with brightly painted mismatched architecture for each mom-and-pop shop, boutique, and restaurant lined the streets. Because orcas frequented the area and drew many tourists, everything had a nautical theme, and murals of killer whales and other sea life decorated the buildings. Despite its appeal, the town remained a best-kept secret, and even during the height of the season, crowds were few and far between. Couples walked hand-in-hand down sidewalks, others pushed strollers, and many had a canine friend on a leash. I knew from previous visits that many of the residents were retired, and there was a high population of artists on the island. Back on solid ground and with this storybook town before me, calm released like water from a dam, washing my trepidation out to sea. Not wanting to visit my aunt empty handed, I stopped at the town bakery and bought two giant molasses cookies, my aunt’s favorite. As I started up the hill to Aunt Jo-Jo’s house, I felt excited at the prospect of seeing her again. She was not only my favorite relative, but she’d also been my savior growing up when my mom went off the deep end—which was more often than I’d like to admit. I spent snippets of my childhood on this island and some of my best memories were of my time here. But I’d been remiss, having not visited her since my uncle passed away about five years ago. Life had gotten in the way. First, there was college and then the life-changing decision I’d made to leave my tedious corporate job for the police academy. Like most people my age, I was perpetually broke, and travel wasn’t in the cards. But my aunt seemed to understand, and we kept in touch through email and weekly phone calls. She was still my sounding board when dealing with my mom’s antics. Those calls kept us close, but there was nothing like face-to-face time. Aunt Jo-Jo’s Craftsman house perched on the hillside like a proud bird overlooking its kingdom. From it, she had a fantastic view of the water and the, gulp, bridge. The house was painted royal blue with white shutters. Colorful gardens surrounded the property, and a small dog park flanked the west side of the house. A banner reading Future Home of Orca Cove’s First Agility Course stretched across the fence. A handful of dogs frolicked on lush grass while owners sat on benches in animated conversation. A more modern structure sat behind the home, painted the same shade of blue. A hotel for dogs–Wiggle Butt Manor. Ten individual rooms were decorated with children’s furniture, on which the four-legged guests slept. Each room had a theme. There was a One Hundred, and One Dalmatians suite, a Lassie room, and one had French Bulldogs and a Paris theme. I parked in the gravel driveway behind a mud-splattered Jeep Cherokee with an I love Golden Retrievers bumper sticker peeking out from beneath the dirt. Rousing Noah with a quick belly rub, I got out of the car and stretched. The chill of the late September air reminded me that fall was around the corner. “Come on, Boo.” I slapped my thigh. Noah’s flowing ears swayed as he jumped to the ground. He followed me like a shadow as I walked up to the pet hotel and rapped on the door. When no one answered, I opened it and stuck my head inside. “Hello?” Barking erupted from the back room when we entered. The lobby held a desk and two overstuffed chairs, along with a giant bucketful of dog toys. A collage of photos taken of guests over the years hung on the wall. Noah gave me a look that said: what the heck, I thought I was the only one. “You’ve led a sheltered life,” I said. “You’re not one of a kind.” Noah was not a “dog person,” and he couldn’t care less about the canines eager to greet him. He glanced toward the barking dogs, yawned, and then leaped onto a chair and curled into a compact ball. I opened the door that led to the pet rooms and made my way down the hall. A wall of guest suites was to my left. Dogs of all sizes and colors stuck their noses out of low, barred windows to greet me. I bent down and said hello to each of them. I didn’t want to be rude. The door at the end of the hall opened as Martha stepped inside. “Oh, dear!” She patted her chest as if she needed to restart her heart. “Charlie! You scared me half to death.” Martha had worked with Aunt Jo-Jo for as long as I could remember. They argued constantly, but they’d take a bullet for each other. Martha’s curly gray hair looked like a startled ferret on her head, and her glasses were askew. She wore faded overalls and lime green Crocs. “Sorry to scare you,” I said. “We just got here. Is everything all right?” “One of the dogs is AWOL,” Martha said. “That teenager we hired must have failed to latch the kennel, and when I opened the hotel door, the slippery rascal bolted.” I grabbed a leash off the hook. “What’s the breed?” Martha scratched her head. “Basic brown dog. Size of a lab, soul of a scoundrel. Answers to Maya, if she’d ever bother.” “I’m on it,” I said. Heading back to my car, I called for Noah to join me. Not buying into the urgency, he lumbered off the chair and followed. Back in the rental car, we set off down the street, driving up and down the hilly roads that made up the neighborhood. Charming houses had well-manicured lawns, and vibrant flowers were abundant. I watched the road while quickly scanning the bushes for a hiding dog. I wished I would have asked how long Maya had been missing. A dog like that could make it to the main road in minutes. I prayed a car wouldn’t hit the runaway. I soon spotted a tan blur leap over a six-foot fence three streets down, disappearing into a backyard. Slamming on the brakes, my arm automatically jerked out to stop Noah from flying off the seat. I told him to stay, grabbed the leash, and jumped out of the car. I was five-foot-ten, and for once, I didn’t curse my height. Standing on my toes, I could easily see over the fence and into the yard. The dog chased a flock of chickens while a middle-aged woman dressed in a low-cut top and shorts that might have fit her twenty years ago yelled at Maya to stop. Yielding a broom, she chased the dog in circles with little effect. “I’m here to help,” I yelled over the fence. “Maya, come here!” If the dog could flip me off, she would have. The look she gave me had the same result. Maya was on a tear. “Do something,” the woman said, near tears. I put my foot onto a nearby wheelbarrow, pulled myself up on my forearms, and swung my leg over the fence like they’d taught me in the police academy. Dropping into a crouch on the other side, I straightened and stepped between Maya and a chicken seconds before what would become the last moment of the feathered creature’s life. “Come here.” I leaned down to the dog’s level and motioned her forward. But Maya had other ideas. She charged at me, knocking me on my backside before pushing off me like a diving board, ready for round two. I struggled for breath as I reached up, and almost caught her mid-flight, but she dodged me, leaving me laying on the ground flat on my back. I got to my knees, then staggered to my feet. “Okay,” I said, out of breath. “You win, you slippery devil.” I swear she laughed at me. Out of ideas, I looked at the woman still wielding the broom like a baseball bat, and the chicken, who ruffled her feathers as if she was trying to pull herself together. They didn’t look impressed by my ungraceful moves. Apparently satisfied that she’d proven her point, Maya walked slowly over to me and ducked her head, allowing me access to her collar. Getting a firm hold of it, I gave Maya a nod. She’d earned my respect. Pushing my hair out of my face, I turned to the woman. “Sorry about that. We’ll get out of your way.” Neither the woman nor the chicken looked particularly grateful. Dragging the dog, who continued to lunge at the flock behind us, we made our way back to the car, where Noah still snored undisturbed. Yin and Yang, I thought as I shoved Maya into the backseat. “Wait,” the woman called, running toward me. Keys in hand, I paused by the door. “You dropped this.” She handed me my phone, covered in mud and what I guessed was chicken poop. I carefully took it, holding it by the corners, trying not to gag. “Awe, thanks.” “And thanks to you, too, Maya,” I said under my breath. I got into the car and looked in the rear-view mirror, about to back out of the space, when I spied Maya biting down on one of the cookies I’d planned to bring to my aunt. A twinkle sparkled in her eyes, and she held my gaze as she swallowed. So, this was how it was going to be? *** Excerpt from Diamond In The Ruff by Cindy Goyette. Copyright 2025 by Cindy Goyette. Reproduced with permission from Cindy Goyette. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Cindy Goyette:

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Cindy Goyette

Armed with a handgun and a word processor, Immigration Officer Cindy Goyette spent her nights creating fictional friends to help pass the lonely hours between border crossers. A portable black-and-white TV cancelled the unexplained noises coming from the ancient jail cells in the creepy basement. The resulting book will stay in the closet where it belongs, but the seed was planted and she’s been writing ever since. Cindy spent the ensuing years as a probation officer, dealing with hardened criminals with hard-luck stories that sometimes kept her up at night. Every day was an adventure. She survived by seeing humor in situations where she could find it. She joked about writing a book and then she did just that.

The Probation Case Files Mystery series books, OBEY ALL LAWS and EARLY TERMINATION incorporates the wild and crazy life of a probation officer with issues currently in the news. Cindy’s history with flirtatious felons who thought they were charmers and addicts who denied the drugs in their pockets, claiming they’re wearing their friend’s pants have given her ample material for the books she now writes. Released JANUARY 2024 and January 2025

Cindy has a habit of adopting dogs who get into as much mischief as her probationers. A vet told her, Maya – a basic brown miscreant mixed breed – was lucky Cindy had taken her home because no one else would have put up with her antics. So why not give Maya her own series? Thus, Diamond in the Ruff: A Wiggle Butt Manor Mystery was born. Released May 6, 2025

Born in New Jersey, Cindy lived in Phoenix for twenty years. She now makes her home in Washington state with her husband and two cocker spaniels.

Catch Up With Cindy Goyette:

www.CCGoyette.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @ccgoyettewriter Instagram – @cindy.goyette Threads – @cindy.goyette X – @cindy_ccgoyette Facebook – Cindy Goyette, Author

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The Penthouse On Park Avenue By Jenny Dandy ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: June 6, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
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Houses of Crime Mystery Series by Jenny Dandy Banner

Houses of Crime Mystery Series
by Jenny Dandy
May 5 – June 13, 2025 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:

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THE BROWNSTONE ON E. 83RD

  When FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski goes undercover at Isabelle Anderson’s brownstone on E. 83rd, he thinks he’s the one calling the shots. Isabelle knows she is. As Isabelle’s butler, Ronnie Charles is privy to all her schemes—knowledge that will take her in a direction she never anticipated.

THE PENTHOUSE ON PARK AVENUE

  FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski and former street thief Ronnie Charles team up once again in New York City, this time to take down John Anthony, suspected money launderer for the Mataderos Cartel who is known for their own brand of evil. Embedded as his live-in butler at the penthouse, Ronnie must reconcile her hatred of drugs with her need to work for Frank. Mateo Rosas de Flores, head of the cartel, comes to town and tests Ronnie’s loyalty. When she passes, her reward is a deeper involvement in his organization. But Mateo’s interest in her might not be enough to protect her as the danger mounts. Frank’s search for his drug addicted daughter continues in the seamier side of the city, taking him places he never thought he would go. He becomes unexpectedly entangled with the very criminals he’s pursuing, threatening not only his career but his family as well. What they require of him is a betrayal of everything he believes in. Frank must find a way to protect his daughter and finish the case. And walk away with his morals intact.

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MY REVIEW OF THE PENTHOUSE ON PARK AVENUE

I had such fun meeting these characters in the first book. And I’m thrilled to read how much they have evolved, grown. And so has the idea of this series. The crime is different. The bad guys are different. But the twisty, bendy plot is just as strong. The characters are even more genuine. And the pacing is just right.

I wanted to know where FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski was in his search for his missing daughter. I wanted to know how Ronnie, who used to be a street thief, was navigating her life and her search for where she belongs in it. And I was curious how hard it was going to be for these two take down a very nasty crime syndicate.

This second book in the series was as much a character driven one as the first was. That’s a big plus for me. I like learning the who and why of their actions and reactions. I’m so vested in these characters now. I have my fingers crossed they’ll return in another book.

4 STARS

 

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Praise for the Houses of Crime Mystery Series:

“The Brownstone on E. 83rd grabbed my attention from the first page. Jenny Dandy’s debut has all the hallmarks of a veteran writer: blistering pacing, rapid-fire dialogue, and characters that not only keep you guessing, but caring about what happens to them. Dandy is an author to watch.” ~ Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling author of The Father She Went to Find “Jenny Dandy’s The Brownstone on E. 83rd hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. Sharply drawn characters, evocative language, knockout pacing, and a strong sense of place make this one of the year’s best crime novel debuts. It’s ambitious, polished, and beautifully crafted. I can’t recommend it enough.” ~ William Boyle, author of Shoot the Moonlight Out and Gravesend “The Brownstone on E. 83rd is an amazing debut with sharp, hard-edged dialogue, lyrical and strong prose, and a fantastic setting in New York City. The story of FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski and small-time thief Ronnie Charles will keep you guessing as well as rooting for these vivid and compelling characters. I hope to read more from Jenny Dandy!” ~ David Heska Wanbli Weiden, award-winning author of Winter Counts “The Penthouse on Park Avenue grips you from the start, never letting go through the twists and turns as Ronnie and Frank pursue a money launderer for the Mataderos Cartel. Jenny Dandy’s characters stay with you long after you finish the book.” ~ Abbott Kahler, New York Times best-selling author of Eden Undone, Where You End, and The Ghosts of Eden Park “Jenny Dandy’s new novel delivers everything you crave in a mystery—hardboiled-yet-scrappy protagonists, high stakes, suspense, dry humor, and true villainy. Written with compassion and an appetite for justice, The Penthouse on Park Avenue lures us even more deeply into Dandy’s Houses of Crime series. I can’t wait for the next one!” ~ Erika Krouse, author of Save Me, Stranger “The Penthouse on Park Avenue sneaks up on you, comes alive, and won’t let you go. Whether Dandy takes us to high end restaurants or low end diners, penthouses or homeless encampments, we’re along for the ride. You’ll care deeply about what might happen to Ronnie and Frank, eager for the next in the series.” ~ Diane Capri, New York Times Bestselling author of the Hunt for Jack Reacher series

 

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Fiction

Published by: Level Best Books

Series: Houses of Crime Mystery Series (on Amazon)

Read an excerpt from THE BROWNSTONE ON E. 83RD:
Prologue
Ronnie Charles slotted the dirty champagne flutes into the plastic racks as fast as she could, two at a time, her arms flashing between trays and crates. Her skin tightened, an overall prickling that never failed her. It meant danger, meant she had to be out of there quick. The bracelet lay heavy in the secret pocket of her trousers, bumping her thigh as she moved. Someone shifted behind her, too close, and she worked faster. She didn’t have time to fight off one of those ass-grabbers who always seemed to work these big charity dos, creeping on anyone. Even when Ronnie dressed as a man like tonight, they would reach out and squeeze a handful. Ronnie swung her bangs out of her eyes, peeked over her shoulder. “You’ll give me back my bracelet, or I’ll rip your balls off.” The silky voice caressed her ear, the woman crowding her into the boxes before she could turn around. The Feline. Ronnie didn’t usually name her marks, but those two words had sprung into her head as she watched the way the calculating woman slinked through the room, eyed the crowd, pounced on her targets. Ronnie took a deep breath, got a whiff of expensive perfume, and then did the only thing she could in a situation like this. She made her voice higher than normal and said, “Ma’am, I don’t have any balls.” The tall blonde stepped back. Ronnie whipped around and saw the guys lugging chairs and tables into the truck, the caterer with her clipboard, and the cleaning crew hard at work. She so needed to keep this job. The Feline tilted her head, narrowed her eyes, examined her through mascaraed lashes. “Well, well.” She scanned Ronnie up and down, checked over the details of her slim hips in the black pants, her flat white shirt and bow tie, her short hair in a boy’s cut. She studied the one thing Ronnie couldn’t fake: her lack of an Adam’s apple. “It’s not often I’m fooled.” The Feline’s voice was low, dark clouds in the distance. “We both know you have my bracelet. I let you take it because I wanted to see how good you are.” Ronnie sucked in a breath and watched the certainty come over her, her brown eyes shining. The Feline wasn’t trying to hide her age with makeup the way a lot of women did. She proudly wore the fine lines around her eyes, the smile lines on her cheeks. She was as beautiful up close as she had been in the crowds. Ronnie had watched her, watched as the men and women gathered around her as if just being near her would save their lives. “And you’re good,” The Feline continued, “but I’m better. I could’ve taken it back from you.” Her eyes flickered to Ronnie’s hand, which had moved all by itself to cover the secret pocket in her trousers. The Feline smiled, lines etching her skin. “I could have, but I was curious about someone almost as brazen as I am, working a crowd of this caliber.” Tiny beads of sweat gathered at Ronnie’s hairline, and she crossed her arms to keep herself still. The first time she got caught by a mark and it was this willowy goddess. She didn’t know why she’d taken it in the first place. Not like she needed it. “Look, lady.” The caterer approached them. “You have to go. Here, I’m giving it back.” She reached into her pocket and fumbled around, for some reason, not finding the opening. “I’ll give it to you, and you can leave. I really need to keep this job.” The Feline ran her eyes over her once more then grabbed her upper arm and started walking Ronnie away from the crates. She smiled and nodded at Ronnie’s boss. Under her breath, she said, “No, you don’t.” Ronnie tried to pull away, but the woman tightened her grip and kept walking. “I’ve decided you’re going to come work for me.” Her heels punctuated her words as they strode toward the exit. “You have skills I can use.” Ronnie caught a glance from another waitperson as they passed. Pure envy. Amazing the feelings this woman could pull out of people. “I have a garden apartment you can live in while you work off the bracelet.” Isabelle cut her eyes to Ronnie, a lioness eyeing her prey. “Your androgyny will throw my marks off balance. I can teach you so many, many things.” Her voice was hard, yet somehow soft at the same time. “I’m giving you an offer of a lifetime.” Ronnie stopped walking, planted her feet, and the woman’s voluminous gown swirled around her legs as if to trap her. The Feline stopped, too, but didn’t let go of her arm. “Or I can call the cops.” No way. Ronnie could not go to jail again. She’d used up whatever goodwill the system had for her, and it would be prison for sure this time. She knew she could run, spin out of her grip, jump off the loading dock, and into the night. Down alleys and through back doors, up fire escapes and over rooftops, disappear into the grit and the cold and the peculiar community of the homeless of New York City. She sucked in her breath. Did she say “garden apartment?” The woman’s earrings glittered at her. No more sleeping on the streets. No more dumpster diving. Okay, one night, that’s it. She’d scope the place out, learn the alarm system and The Feline’s habits. Tuck the information away for when she was desperate, and tonight, she could sleep in a soft bed. An offer of a lifetime. “I have to get my backpack.” Before Ronnie turned toward the setup tables where she’d stashed it, she caught the grin spreading over the woman’s face, her eyes dancing.

Chapter One

Frank Jankowski burst through the emergency room doors, his sixteen-year-old daughter in his arms. He rushed to the front desk, pushed past people in line, yelled at the staff, tried to get someone to pay attention. Cathy moaned, her sweaty head lolling as if she had no neck. A rushing in his ears drowned out all other sounds, and his eyes darted from one person in scrubs to the next. When he opened his mouth to yell again, Cathy vomited on the floor. As if a director had yelled Action, everyone moved at once. A woman with a wheelchair waved aside the guy with the clipboard and yelled, He can do that later! They asked Frank for symptoms, for his daughter’s name, then told the nurse at the desk to page the doctor. The curtain screeched as they yanked it back and deftly placed Cathy on the bed. She looked like a rag doll. More nurses, stethoscopes, pulse-ox on her finger, someone in scrubs pulled him aside to quietly go over the symptoms with him, poking the iPad she cradled with each thing he said. The nurse turned him away as they inserted an IV in his daughter’s arm and led him back to the waiting room to fill out the paperwork. He got as far as “Catherine A. Jankowski” when his gut roiled, and he clutched the clipboard tighter, knuckles whitening, scalp tingling as he waited for it to pass. He breathed in through his nose, out through his mouth, counting breaths as images of his daughter surrounded by medical staff, machines, an IV hookup swam behind his eyes. Not again. Damn. Susan. He called her, told her they were in the emergency room. “Everything’s under control. Don’t worry. I’ll explain when you get here.” He didn’t want her to think it was as bad as it had been a year and a half ago. “Really, it’s okay. It’ll be okay.” Her worry would make her anxious, and her anxiety would make her yell at him. He pressed the button to end the call. Whatever this was, and it certainly warranted the ER, it couldn’t compare to the hit and run that took more than a year from Cathy’s life. The long hospital stay, the painful rehab. But she was past all that, seeing friends, catching up on her schoolwork. So this was just—dehydration from whatever cold or flu had laid her low. He gazed down at the clipboard as if it had just leapt into his hand. He wrote the address of Susan’s apartment on the form. His old apartment. The apartment they had found when he was first transferred to the New York Field Office, the one he thought they would stay in forever, stretching for a two-bedroom because they planned on children. He had been glad she’d kept the walls white, hung cheerful photographs, so when he came home, put his keys in the dish on the table, trying to shed the thoughts of all the evil things people did to other people, the nastiness he worked hard to fight every day, he would pause and try to put himself in the photograph, try to hear the people in them laughing, feel the gentle breeze— Someone sat down next to him and he shifted in the plastic chair, irritated that a stranger would invade his space like that. “Frank.” Susan, his wife—ex-wife—pulled the clipboard away from him and began filling in the form, glancing up at him as if trying to determine what kind of stupid he was. The rhythmic scratching of pen on paper calmed him. She checked off that Cathy had had her immunizations, was current on tetanus, that there was no history of diabetes in their family. The pen hovered over What brought you in today? She raised an eyebrow at Frank. “Are you going to tell me?” “I thought it was the flu.” He stared straight ahead, not wanting to see the accusations firing from her eyes. “But then she started hallucinating…” “The flu.” Susan’s pen scratched on the paper. “In August. You thought it was the flu.” “SuSu—” Frank turned toward her but quickly looked away when he caught the flare of her nostrils and the flash of her blue eyes. He shouldn’t have used his old name for her, but it had just slipped out. He watched the activity at the front desk for a beat, then said, his voice quiet, “You would have thought so, too.” “Not in August, Frank. I would never have thought that. Did she have a fever?” “She didn’t seem to. I felt her forehead because she was sweating so much, but—” “No thermometer at your apartment? How can that be? All these years of Cathy over there, and you don’t even have the rudiments of—the basics for—any way to take—” Susan tripped over her words, sputtered in her anger, and Frank stayed still, waited for it to pass. A man a few rows ahead of them tapped on his phone, his three children around him squirming and kicking each other, whining at their father, who didn’t respond. “…her symptoms?” His ex-wife had taken on a neutral tone, perhaps deciding that the paperwork was more important than fighting Frank. He listed the symptoms in the order they had occurred, the aches, the sweating, the vomiting. Her pen flew over the paper, her frown deepened as the list went on, ending with the hallucinations. “Mr. and Mrs. Jankowski?” Susan flinched, her lips thin, jaw tight. “Could you come with me, please?” The nurse checked for them over her shoulder, an iPad in her hand, led them down the hall, opened a door. “Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Jankowski, let’s go in here—” “We’re divorced.” Susan forced the words through clenched teeth, sounding as if she wouldn’t mind going through the proceedings all over again. They followed the nurse into a small room crammed with desks. The young woman in her cartoon scrubs and bright clogs didn’t ask them to sit. She shut the door and turned to face them. She held up her iPad as if it were a shield, aimed her question at the device, her tone mild as if merely confirming Cathy’s age, “How long has your daughter been addicted to opioids?” *** Excerpt from The Brownstone on E. 83rd by Jenny Dandy. Copyright 2025 by Jenny Dandy. Reproduced with permission from Jenny Dandy. All rights reserved.

 

About Author Jenny Dandy:

.

Jenny Dandy

Jenny Dandy is a graduate of Smith College and of Lighthouse Writers Workshop Book Project. Though she has lived and worked from Beijing to Baltimore, from Northampton to Atlanta, New York City was the place that held onto a piece of her heart. She now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains where there is no way she would scam her dinner guests or launder money for cartels.

Catch Up With Jenny Dandy:

www.JennyDandy.com Amazon Author Profile Level Best Books Author Profile Goodreads BookBub Instagram – @jennydandyauthor Threads – @jennydandyauthor X – @JenniferDandy Facebook – @jennydandyauthor

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

 

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win! Enter Today!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jenny Dandy. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!  

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

The Brownstone On E. 83RD By Jenny Dandy ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: June 5, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
5

 

Houses of Crime Mystery Series by Jenny Dandy Banner

Houses of Crime Mystery Series
by Jenny Dandy
May 5 – June 13, 2025 Virtual Book Tour
Synopsis:

.

THE BROWNSTONE ON E. 83RD

  When FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski goes undercover at Isabelle Anderson’s brownstone on E. 83rd, he thinks he’s the one calling the shots. Isabelle knows she is. As Isabelle’s butler, Ronnie Charles is privy to all her schemes—knowledge that will take her in a direction she never anticipated.

THE PENTHOUSE ON PARK AVENUE

  FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski and former street thief Ronnie Charles team up once again in New York City, this time to take down John Anthony, suspected money launderer for the Mataderos Cartel who is known for their own brand of evil. Embedded as his live-in butler at the penthouse, Ronnie must reconcile her hatred of drugs with her need to work for Frank. Mateo Rosas de Flores, head of the cartel, comes to town and tests Ronnie’s loyalty. When she passes, her reward is a deeper involvement in his organization. But Mateo’s interest in her might not be enough to protect her as the danger mounts. Frank’s search for his drug addicted daughter continues in the seamier side of the city, taking him places he never thought he would go. He becomes unexpectedly entangled with the very criminals he’s pursuing, threatening not only his career but his family as well. What they require of him is a betrayal of everything he believes in. Frank must find a way to protect his daughter and finish the case. And walk away with his morals intact.

,

~~~~~

MY REVIEW OF THE BROWNSTONE ON E. 83RD

I’m always excited to discover a new author who writes in a genre I love. Crime stories are a fav of mine. The more twisty, bendy the plot the better. And I sure got that here.

I also love character driven stories and there are three very charismatic, mysterious ones I got to know. What drives them makes them genuine and likable. Even if those designs aren’t all good. All of them wear masks. They have skeletons in their closets. And they are skilled masterminds.

I sunk my teeth into this one right from the get go. A lot of times I caught myself envisioning scenes like I was watching a movie. The characters faces developed from a blank slate to flesh and blood, and if I concentrated hard enough, they all gained voices.

I sure enjoyed this caper and am already reading the next book. Can’t wait to see what the author drops her characters into next.

4 STARS

~~~~~

Praise for the Houses of Crime Mystery Series:

“The Brownstone on E. 83rd grabbed my attention from the first page. Jenny Dandy’s debut has all the hallmarks of a veteran writer: blistering pacing, rapid-fire dialogue, and characters that not only keep you guessing, but caring about what happens to them. Dandy is an author to watch.” ~ Carter Wilson, USA Today bestselling author of The Father She Went to Find “Jenny Dandy’s The Brownstone on E. 83rd hits the ground running and doesn’t let up. Sharply drawn characters, evocative language, knockout pacing, and a strong sense of place make this one of the year’s best crime novel debuts. It’s ambitious, polished, and beautifully crafted. I can’t recommend it enough.” ~ William Boyle, author of Shoot the Moonlight Out and Gravesend “The Brownstone on E. 83rd is an amazing debut with sharp, hard-edged dialogue, lyrical and strong prose, and a fantastic setting in New York City. The story of FBI Special Agent Frank Jankowski and small-time thief Ronnie Charles will keep you guessing as well as rooting for these vivid and compelling characters. I hope to read more from Jenny Dandy!” ~ David Heska Wanbli Weiden, award-winning author of Winter Counts “The Penthouse on Park Avenue grips you from the start, never letting go through the twists and turns as Ronnie and Frank pursue a money launderer for the Mataderos Cartel. Jenny Dandy’s characters stay with you long after you finish the book.” ~ Abbott Kahler, New York Times best-selling author of Eden Undone, Where You End, and The Ghosts of Eden Park “Jenny Dandy’s new novel delivers everything you crave in a mystery—hardboiled-yet-scrappy protagonists, high stakes, suspense, dry humor, and true villainy. Written with compassion and an appetite for justice, The Penthouse on Park Avenue lures us even more deeply into Dandy’s Houses of Crime series. I can’t wait for the next one!” ~ Erika Krouse, author of Save Me, Stranger “The Penthouse on Park Avenue sneaks up on you, comes alive, and won’t let you go. Whether Dandy takes us to high end restaurants or low end diners, penthouses or homeless encampments, we’re along for the ride. You’ll care deeply about what might happen to Ronnie and Frank, eager for the next in the series.” ~ Diane Capri, New York Times Bestselling author of the Hunt for Jack Reacher series

 

Book Details:

Genre: Crime Fiction

Published by: Level Best Books

Series: Houses of Crime Mystery Series (on Amazon)

Read an excerpt from THE BROWNSTONE ON E. 83RD:
Prologue
Ronnie Charles slotted the dirty champagne flutes into the plastic racks as fast as she could, two at a time, her arms flashing between trays and crates. Her skin tightened, an overall prickling that never failed her. It meant danger, meant she had to be out of there quick. The bracelet lay heavy in the secret pocket of her trousers, bumping her thigh as she moved. Someone shifted behind her, too close, and she worked faster. She didn’t have time to fight off one of those ass-grabbers who always seemed to work these big charity dos, creeping on anyone. Even when Ronnie dressed as a man like tonight, they would reach out and squeeze a handful. Ronnie swung her bangs out of her eyes, peeked over her shoulder. “You’ll give me back my bracelet, or I’ll rip your balls off.” The silky voice caressed her ear, the woman crowding her into the boxes before she could turn around. The Feline. Ronnie didn’t usually name her marks, but those two words had sprung into her head as she watched the way the calculating woman slinked through the room, eyed the crowd, pounced on her targets. Ronnie took a deep breath, got a whiff of expensive perfume, and then did the only thing she could in a situation like this. She made her voice higher than normal and said, “Ma’am, I don’t have any balls.” The tall blonde stepped back. Ronnie whipped around and saw the guys lugging chairs and tables into the truck, the caterer with her clipboard, and the cleaning crew hard at work. She so needed to keep this job. The Feline tilted her head, narrowed her eyes, examined her through mascaraed lashes. “Well, well.” She scanned Ronnie up and down, checked over the details of her slim hips in the black pants, her flat white shirt and bow tie, her short hair in a boy’s cut. She studied the one thing Ronnie couldn’t fake: her lack of an Adam’s apple. “It’s not often I’m fooled.” The Feline’s voice was low, dark clouds in the distance. “We both know you have my bracelet. I let you take it because I wanted to see how good you are.” Ronnie sucked in a breath and watched the certainty come over her, her brown eyes shining. The Feline wasn’t trying to hide her age with makeup the way a lot of women did. She proudly wore the fine lines around her eyes, the smile lines on her cheeks. She was as beautiful up close as she had been in the crowds. Ronnie had watched her, watched as the men and women gathered around her as if just being near her would save their lives. “And you’re good,” The Feline continued, “but I’m better. I could’ve taken it back from you.” Her eyes flickered to Ronnie’s hand, which had moved all by itself to cover the secret pocket in her trousers. The Feline smiled, lines etching her skin. “I could have, but I was curious about someone almost as brazen as I am, working a crowd of this caliber.” Tiny beads of sweat gathered at Ronnie’s hairline, and she crossed her arms to keep herself still. The first time she got caught by a mark and it was this willowy goddess. She didn’t know why she’d taken it in the first place. Not like she needed it. “Look, lady.” The caterer approached them. “You have to go. Here, I’m giving it back.” She reached into her pocket and fumbled around, for some reason, not finding the opening. “I’ll give it to you, and you can leave. I really need to keep this job.” The Feline ran her eyes over her once more then grabbed her upper arm and started walking Ronnie away from the crates. She smiled and nodded at Ronnie’s boss. Under her breath, she said, “No, you don’t.” Ronnie tried to pull away, but the woman tightened her grip and kept walking. “I’ve decided you’re going to come work for me.” Her heels punctuated her words as they strode toward the exit. “You have skills I can use.” Ronnie caught a glance from another waitperson as they passed. Pure envy. Amazing the feelings this woman could pull out of people. “I have a garden apartment you can live in while you work off the bracelet.” Isabelle cut her eyes to Ronnie, a lioness eyeing her prey. “Your androgyny will throw my marks off balance. I can teach you so many, many things.” Her voice was hard, yet somehow soft at the same time. “I’m giving you an offer of a lifetime.” Ronnie stopped walking, planted her feet, and the woman’s voluminous gown swirled around her legs as if to trap her. The Feline stopped, too, but didn’t let go of her arm. “Or I can call the cops.” No way. Ronnie could not go to jail again. She’d used up whatever goodwill the system had for her, and it would be prison for sure this time. She knew she could run, spin out of her grip, jump off the loading dock, and into the night. Down alleys and through back doors, up fire escapes and over rooftops, disappear into the grit and the cold and the peculiar community of the homeless of New York City. She sucked in her breath. Did she say “garden apartment?” The woman’s earrings glittered at her. No more sleeping on the streets. No more dumpster diving. Okay, one night, that’s it. She’d scope the place out, learn the alarm system and The Feline’s habits. Tuck the information away for when she was desperate, and tonight, she could sleep in a soft bed. An offer of a lifetime. “I have to get my backpack.” Before Ronnie turned toward the setup tables where she’d stashed it, she caught the grin spreading over the woman’s face, her eyes dancing.

Chapter One

Frank Jankowski burst through the emergency room doors, his sixteen-year-old daughter in his arms. He rushed to the front desk, pushed past people in line, yelled at the staff, tried to get someone to pay attention. Cathy moaned, her sweaty head lolling as if she had no neck. A rushing in his ears drowned out all other sounds, and his eyes darted from one person in scrubs to the next. When he opened his mouth to yell again, Cathy vomited on the floor. As if a director had yelled Action, everyone moved at once. A woman with a wheelchair waved aside the guy with the clipboard and yelled, He can do that later! They asked Frank for symptoms, for his daughter’s name, then told the nurse at the desk to page the doctor. The curtain screeched as they yanked it back and deftly placed Cathy on the bed. She looked like a rag doll. More nurses, stethoscopes, pulse-ox on her finger, someone in scrubs pulled him aside to quietly go over the symptoms with him, poking the iPad she cradled with each thing he said. The nurse turned him away as they inserted an IV in his daughter’s arm and led him back to the waiting room to fill out the paperwork. He got as far as “Catherine A. Jankowski” when his gut roiled, and he clutched the clipboard tighter, knuckles whitening, scalp tingling as he waited for it to pass. He breathed in through his nose, out through his mouth, counting breaths as images of his daughter surrounded by medical staff, machines, an IV hookup swam behind his eyes. Not again. Damn. Susan. He called her, told her they were in the emergency room. “Everything’s under control. Don’t worry. I’ll explain when you get here.” He didn’t want her to think it was as bad as it had been a year and a half ago. “Really, it’s okay. It’ll be okay.” Her worry would make her anxious, and her anxiety would make her yell at him. He pressed the button to end the call. Whatever this was, and it certainly warranted the ER, it couldn’t compare to the hit and run that took more than a year from Cathy’s life. The long hospital stay, the painful rehab. But she was past all that, seeing friends, catching up on her schoolwork. So this was just—dehydration from whatever cold or flu had laid her low. He gazed down at the clipboard as if it had just leapt into his hand. He wrote the address of Susan’s apartment on the form. His old apartment. The apartment they had found when he was first transferred to the New York Field Office, the one he thought they would stay in forever, stretching for a two-bedroom because they planned on children. He had been glad she’d kept the walls white, hung cheerful photographs, so when he came home, put his keys in the dish on the table, trying to shed the thoughts of all the evil things people did to other people, the nastiness he worked hard to fight every day, he would pause and try to put himself in the photograph, try to hear the people in them laughing, feel the gentle breeze— Someone sat down next to him and he shifted in the plastic chair, irritated that a stranger would invade his space like that. “Frank.” Susan, his wife—ex-wife—pulled the clipboard away from him and began filling in the form, glancing up at him as if trying to determine what kind of stupid he was. The rhythmic scratching of pen on paper calmed him. She checked off that Cathy had had her immunizations, was current on tetanus, that there was no history of diabetes in their family. The pen hovered over What brought you in today? She raised an eyebrow at Frank. “Are you going to tell me?” “I thought it was the flu.” He stared straight ahead, not wanting to see the accusations firing from her eyes. “But then she started hallucinating…” “The flu.” Susan’s pen scratched on the paper. “In August. You thought it was the flu.” “SuSu—” Frank turned toward her but quickly looked away when he caught the flare of her nostrils and the flash of her blue eyes. He shouldn’t have used his old name for her, but it had just slipped out. He watched the activity at the front desk for a beat, then said, his voice quiet, “You would have thought so, too.” “Not in August, Frank. I would never have thought that. Did she have a fever?” “She didn’t seem to. I felt her forehead because she was sweating so much, but—” “No thermometer at your apartment? How can that be? All these years of Cathy over there, and you don’t even have the rudiments of—the basics for—any way to take—” Susan tripped over her words, sputtered in her anger, and Frank stayed still, waited for it to pass. A man a few rows ahead of them tapped on his phone, his three children around him squirming and kicking each other, whining at their father, who didn’t respond. “…her symptoms?” His ex-wife had taken on a neutral tone, perhaps deciding that the paperwork was more important than fighting Frank. He listed the symptoms in the order they had occurred, the aches, the sweating, the vomiting. Her pen flew over the paper, her frown deepened as the list went on, ending with the hallucinations. “Mr. and Mrs. Jankowski?” Susan flinched, her lips thin, jaw tight. “Could you come with me, please?” The nurse checked for them over her shoulder, an iPad in her hand, led them down the hall, opened a door. “Okay, Mr. and Mrs. Jankowski, let’s go in here—” “We’re divorced.” Susan forced the words through clenched teeth, sounding as if she wouldn’t mind going through the proceedings all over again. They followed the nurse into a small room crammed with desks. The young woman in her cartoon scrubs and bright clogs didn’t ask them to sit. She shut the door and turned to face them. She held up her iPad as if it were a shield, aimed her question at the device, her tone mild as if merely confirming Cathy’s age, “How long has your daughter been addicted to opioids?” *** Excerpt from The Brownstone on E. 83rd by Jenny Dandy. Copyright 2025 by Jenny Dandy. Reproduced with permission from Jenny Dandy. All rights reserved.

 

About Author Jenny Dandy:

.

Jenny Dandy

Jenny Dandy is a graduate of Smith College and of Lighthouse Writers Workshop Book Project. Though she has lived and worked from Beijing to Baltimore, from Northampton to Atlanta, New York City was the place that held onto a piece of her heart. She now lives and writes in the Rocky Mountains where there is no way she would scam her dinner guests or launder money for cartels.

Catch Up With Jenny Dandy:

www.JennyDandy.com Amazon Author Profile Level Best Books Author Profile Goodreads BookBub Instagram – @jennydandyauthor Threads – @jennydandyauthor X – @JenniferDandy Facebook – @jennydandyauthor

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

 

Don’t Miss Your Chance to Win! Enter Today!

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Jenny Dandy. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!  

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Muzzle The Black Dog By Michael Cobb ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: May 27, 2025 in crime fiction, Excerpt, giveaways, reviews
Tags: , , ,
1

 

MUZZLE THE BLACK DOG
by Mike Cobb
May 12 – June 6, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:

After a mysterious stranger appears at his isolated cabin door, Jack’s life is forever changed. The stranger’s cryptic message sets off a chain of events that lead Jack on a harrowing journey to uncover the true meaning of his own existence. As a series of unexplained fires threaten to consume everything he holds dear, Jack is forced to confront his deepest fears and question everything he thought he knew about himself. Set in the aftermath of the Centennial Olympic Park bombing, Jack’s search for the truth takes him to the edge of sanity and puts him on a collision course with a dark and powerful force that has been lurking in the shadows. Join Jack on a gripping and thought-provoking quest for answers in this thrilling and suspenseful tale of self-discovery and redemption.

Praise for MUZZLE THE BLACK DOG:

“Muzzle the Black Dog takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and family secrets. The slow reveal is creepy many times but you still want to read page after page. I loved the combination of thriller, drama, history and mystery.” ~ Erik S. Meyers, author of The Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series “A mystery whose plot will transfix you and whose finish will stun you, Muzzle the Black Dog is simply superb. A stranger enters narrator Jack Pate’s life and proceeds to upend it through his bizarrely intimate knowledge of Jack’s past. In determining the identity of the visitor, Jack solves a deeper mystery within himself, but doing so provokes demons in his soul, demons he’d been holding at since childhood. Author Mike Cobb provides that rare combination of masterly prose, passion, and insight, in an atmosphere dark and chilling as a Georgia winter.” ~ Charles Philipp Martin, author of the Inspector Lok novels Rented Grave and Neon Panic “The pages just fly by in this quick-moving, compelling and stunningly unique psychological thriller about a man searching for answers to a deadly crime who uncovers long-buried secrets about himself and his own troubled past. Muzzle the Black Dog takes the reader on a wonderfully wild roller coaster of a ride filled with plenty of twists, thrills and tension. Mike Cobb has written a terrific book – read it!” ~ R.G. Belsky, author of the Clare Carlson mystery series “Mike Cobb’s Muzzle The Black Dog, is a fast-paced, unputdownable thriller that will leave you guessing until the very end.” ~ Westley Smith, author of Some Kind of Truth and In The Pale Light “Intriguing doesn’t begin to describe the appeal of this book’s premise: a mysterious stranger on the doorstep of recluse Jack Pate, offering friendship and help. Despite Jack’s surprise (he has no need of aid) and suspicion of the disheveled man—who looks more like a vagrant than any friend he would choose—Jack is fascinated. Who is this man, and how did he find Jack’s secluded cabin? And why does he seem to know things about Jack’s uneasy past? Just as suddenly as the stranger appears, he vanishes, leading Jack on an odyssey, beginning as a physical search but quickly morphing into self-preservation as reports of heinous local crimes trickle in. Arson and murders begin to stain the remote countryside, and the suspects are few and far-between. Sneaky clues, well-drawn characters, and swift plotting propel the story forward as the author deftly explores the many ways the past affects the present—and how it might endanger the future. I highly recommend this one.” ~ Jennifer Sadera, author of I Know She Was There “A slow burn of a story revealing the power of deeply held secrets. Secrets so earthshaking that Jack Pate questions everything he believed when a mysterious stranger knows everything about him. Moody and atmospheric.” ~ James L’Etoile, award-winning author of River of Lies and the Detective Nathan Parker series

 

Book Details:

Genre: Crime, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction

Published by: Waterside Productions Publication Date: April 15, 2025 Number of Pages: 184  

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

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MY REVIEW

I enjoy character driven stories. And I like secluded settings. When you combine the two, things can get real interesting.

So, here you have Dr. Jack Pate. He’s moved to a remote cabin in the North Carolina woods. He’s left his dental practice and his family behind. Why, I ask myself. Then, late one night, someone comes knocking on his door. He gives an odd reason for why he’s there. Who is he? And is he dangerous? Fires have been cropping up in the area. Is the stranger responsible?

All of these questions. The most important being who were these men? As the layers were peeled back, I became laser focused, not wanting to miss anything vital to the plot. I wish I could talk about the ending. I was caught completely by surprise.

5 STARS

 

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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About Author Mike Cobb:

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Muzzle the Black Dog by Mike Cobb

Mike’s body of literary work includes both fiction and nonfiction, short-form and long-form, as well as articles and blogs. He is the author of three published novels, Dead Beckoning, The Devil You Knew, its sequel You Will Know Me by My Deeds, and Muzzle the Black Dog, a novella. He is also working on Kathleen, a fictionalized account of a cold case murder from 1970. While he is comfortable playing across a broad range of topics, much of his focus is on true crime, crime fiction, and historical fiction. Rigorous research is foundational to his writing. He gets that honestly, having spent much of his professional career as a scientist. A native of Atlanta, Mike splits his time between Midtown Atlanta and Blue Ridge, Georgia.

Catch Up With Mike Cobb:

MikeCobbWriter.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @cobbmg1 Instagram – @cobbmg X – @mgcobb Facebook – @MGCobbWriter YouTube – @mikecobbwriter Waterside Productions

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Mike Cobb. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

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The Perfect Mother By Desiree Moodie ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: May 23, 2025 in Excerpt, giveaways, reviews, thriller
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THE PERFECT MOTHER

By Desiree Moodie


Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 
Genre: Thriller
Publisher:  Twisted Thoughts Publishing
Release date:  May 2025
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: My book has a few “f” words, one or two religious profanities and a few crude terms. There is no sex, but there is violence. Mature themes include pregnancy loss.

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Book Description:

The perfect neighborhood. The perfect family. The perfect crime.

When Dawn Harrington moves to the quiet, picturesque town of Meadowbrook, she’s hoping for a fresh start. A place where no one knows her name. Where she can leave behind the whispers, the heartbreak, the gaping hole left by the son who vanished from a park nearly twenty years ago. But secrets have a way of following you.

A few blocks over, Evelyn Harper has spent years crafting the perfect life—an adoring husband, beautiful children, a home straight out of a magazine. But when she sees Dawn standing in her driveway, Evelyn feels the first stirrings of something she hasn’t felt in years.

Fear.

Because Dawn isn’t just any new neighbor. She’s a woman with a past. A past that collides violently with Evelyn’s own. 

At first, Dawn and Evelyn circle each other warily—neighborly smiles masking something far more sinister. But as Dawn starts asking questions and Evelyn begins watching her every move, the game between them becomes something far more treacherous.

As their carefully built lives begin to crumble, one of them will stop at nothing to uncover the truth.

The other will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

Because some lies can be forgiven. Others demand blood.

The Perfect Mother is a spellbinding psychological thriller about deception, obsession, and how far a mother will go for the truth. Perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Gillian Flynn, and Shari Lapena, this is one twisted suburban nightmare you won’t soon forget.​
 
Buy the Book:
Amazon
(release date May 16)
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MY REVIEW

It’s been twenty years since Dawn’s son went missing. She’s now moved to Meadowbrook, a peaceful, quiet town, looking for a fresh beginning. But some things won’t stay behind. They follow you. And soon Dawn begins to wonder about Evelyn. She seems nervous in her company. What is she hiding from Dawn? What is she afraid of?

I really had a hard time writing my review. I don’t know how many times I’d start writing it. Stop. And delete it to start over. Don’t get me wrong. This was a very good read. I just couldn’t get a handle on my review. It seemed I was always revealing too much. I couldn’t avoid spoilers. This was one of those books you want to tell people about. You want them to read it so you can share your thoughts.

Using multiple points of view was a good idea by the author. You really got into Dawn’s and Evelyn’s heads. Started to get a clearer picture. I had my suspicions about what had occurred but that just made me want to get to the end even more.

The ending. There’s more than one. I think I like the alternate one more. It’s one of those what goes around comes around things. Very satisfying.

4 STARS

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GUEST POST
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Motherhood, Identity, and the Psychological Thriller Genre

Thrillers have always been about fear, survival, and the unknown, but when you add motherhood to the mix, it becomes something deeper, something primal. It’s no longer just about outsmarting an enemy or uncovering a hidden truth. It’s about identity, legacy, and the terrifying reality that a mother’s greatest fear is losing her child, in any sense of the word.

When I set out to write The Perfect Mother, I knew I wanted to explore motherhood through the lens of psychological suspense. Not just the act of mothering, but the identity of it. The way it shapes a woman, the way it’s challenged, the way it can be weaponized. At its heart, this book asks an unsettling question:

What happens when motherhood is built on a lie?

In thrillers, identity is often unstable. Characters wrestle with secrets, deception, and the fear of losing control. But when the core of your identity is being a mother, those stakes skyrocket. We see this with Dawn and Evelyn—two women who, in vastly different ways, have their identities as mothers put under siege.

  • Dawn is the mother who lost. Her sense of self is fractured by grief, and without her son, she feels untethered from the role that once defined her. The world still sees her as a mother, but if she can’t mother her son, then who is she?
  • Evelyn is the mother who took. She’s crafted an entire life around the belief that Daniel was meant to be hers. But when that belief is threatened, we see the cracks in her identity. If she isn’t Daniel’s mother, then who is she? And what happens to the life she’s built?

Both of these women, in their own way, are fighting for survival. Not just in a physical sense, but in an existential one. Their entire sense of self is on the line.

Motherhood and psychological thrillers go hand in hand because both revolve around control, fear, and perception. A good psychological thriller makes you question everything: What’s real? What’s imagined? What’s being hidden? And motherhood, at its core, can feel the same way.

  • The fear of losing a child is one of the most visceral, universal fears there is. Thrillers capitalize on that fear, twisting it into something even darker.
  • The pressure to be the “perfect” mother is an illusion that many women struggle with. In thrillers, that illusion is often literally shattered, exposing the raw truth beneath.
  • The idea of being watched or judged—whether by society, other mothers, or even your own child—is an ever-present theme in both motherhood and suspense fiction.

That’s why stories like Gone Girl, Big Little Lies, and The Push resonate so deeply. They take something familiar (motherhood, marriage, family) and warp it just enough to make us question what we think we know.

Another theme I was drawn to while writing The Perfect Mother was the idea of the mother as a performance. How much of motherhood is real, and how much is an expectation we feel pressured to meet?

  • Dawn is expected to grieve in a way that makes others comfortable, but what if she wants to rage instead?
  • Evelyn is expected to mother in a way that looks “normal,” but what if her entire existence is built on a stolen life?
  • Daniel, caught between two versions of his own identity, is expected to choose who he wants to be. But what if he doesn’t know?

Motherhood in thrillers often involves losing yourself—sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally. And for women, that’s a very real fear. How many of us have been told that once you become a mother, you are no longer just yourself? That your needs, your wants, even your identity take a backseat to the role you now play? Psychological thrillers take that fear and magnify it to terrifying proportions.

I wrote The Perfect Mother because I wanted to explore motherhood not as an ideal, but as a battleground for identity. I wanted to write about women who are complex, flawed, and sometimes unlikeable, but deeply human.

Because the truth is, motherhood is never just one thing. It’s joy and loss, love and fear, power and vulnerability. And in a thriller? It’s also the most dangerous weapon a woman can wield.

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Meet Author Desiree Moodie:

Desiree Moodie has been writing since before she could talk — seriously. As a kid, she spent weekends scribbling on notebook paper and stapling the pages together into makeshift books.

Now, she crafts dark, twisty stories featuring morally complex characters and impossible-to-put-down plots. Her writing is influenced by her travels, old-school noir films, and pro-wrestling (yes, still). She loves difficult women, villains who might just have a point, and snappy dialogue.

When she’s not writing, Desiree is watching reruns of Perry Mason, working on her Lauren Bacall impression, or pulling Tarot cards. She’s got a soft spot for readers who love clever, gritty stories with a little bite — so don’t be shy. Drop her a line (just not in all caps).

Keep up with her at desireemoodie.com​

connect with the author:
website  ~  X/twitter  ~  facebook ~ instagram ~ pinterest ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

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THE PERFECT MOTHER by Desiree Moodie Book Tour Giveaway

 

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Two Seconds Too Late By Dani Pettrey ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: May 22, 2025 in giveaways, Mystery, reviews, Romance, suspense
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Two Seconds Too Late by Dani Pettrey Banner

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TWO SECONDS TOO LATE
by Dani Pettrey
May 5 – 30, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
JEOPARDY FALLS

 

A missing woman. Two hit men. When every second counts, who will survive?

In the stark but beautiful wilds of northern New Mexico, a couples’ retreat at a luxury resort turns into a chilling nightmare when a woman vanishes. Skip tracer Riley MacLeod and private investigator Greyson Chadwick pose as a couple to hunt for clues that might reveal the missing woman’s location. Those leads uncover a harrowing truth: They’re not the only ones looking for her. What begins as a normal tracking case turns into a deadly chase when they, too, become the hunted. As Riley and Greyson work together, their partnership ignites a tumultuous attraction, but Greyson’s secrets prevent him from acting on his feelings for her, and Riley can’t bring herself to fully trust him. Delving deeper into the case, they find themselves fighting not only for justice and the chance at a loving relationship . . . but also for their very survival. Dani Pettrey Hooks Readers With . . . “A fast-paced, thrilling ride. Readers of Lynette Eason and Colleen Coble will enjoy.” —Library Journal starred review on One Wrong Move “Romance that’s as thrilling as the action, and faithful characters integrated seamlessly into a complex web of crime.”– Booklist on The Killing Tide This action-packed romantic suspense novel is the second in Dani Pettrey’s Jeopardy Falls series. Filled with crime and spy investigations, this clean Christian thriller will appeal to fans of Mission: Impossible, Lynette Eason, and Irene Hannon.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Romantic Suspense; Thriller; Action & Adventure

Published by: Bethany House Publishers Publication Date: April 29, 2025 Number of Pages: 320 ISBN: 9780764238499 (ISBN10: 0764238493) Series: Jeopardy Falls, Book 2 of 2 || Amazon | Goodreads 

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Baker Publishing | Baker Book House

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Enjoy this peek inside:

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MY REVIEW

A spa retreat for couples. A missing friend. Mysterious clues. Makes you curious, doesn’t it?

Skip tracker Riley MacLeod is hired to find out what happened to a woman who vanished from a luxurious spa.  Knowing two heads are better than one, she teams up with Grayson Chadwick to sort things out.

This was a good mystery. And when Riley and Grayson had to dodge bullets and arrows, yes, arrows, the danger and suspense really cranked up. They were in someone’s crosshairs and time was running out.  This kept me turning  the pages. Something else that kept those pages turning was the romance building between the two. Both of them had baggage and I thought they were perfect for each other.

As the end drew near my anticipation ramped up. Just what was the reason behind the woman’s disappearance? Who was targeting them? And would the end place them safely in each others arms? I got my answers and a very satisfying ending.

4 STARS

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About Author Dani Pettrey:

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Dani Pettrey

Dani Pettrey is the bestselling author of the Coastal Guardians, Chesapeake Valor, and Alaskan Courage series. A two-time Christy Award finalist, Dani has won the National Readers’ Choice Award, Daphne du Maurier Award, HOLT Medallion, and Christian Retailing’s Best Award for suspense. She plots murder and mayhem from her home in Florida.

Dani Pettrey can be found online at:

DaniPettrey.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads – @danipettrey BookBub – @DaniPettrey Instagram – @authordanipettrey Pinterest – @danipettrey Facebook – @DaniPettrey

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

Enter Now for Your Chance to Win!
This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Bethany House Publishers, Baker Book House, and Dani Pettrey. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

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Review And Giveaway ~ Vacations Can Be Murder By Dawn M. Barclay

Posted: May 19, 2025 in giveaways, reviews
Tags: , ,
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VACATIONS CAN BE MURDER
A TRUE CRIME TRAVEL GUIDE TO NEW ENGLAND
by Dawn M Barclay
April 28 – May 23, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

 

Synopsis:
Vacations Can Be Murder

 

As Close as You Can Get to True Crime While Still Breathing!

For the true crime lover—finally, a travel guide from an award-winning travel journalist and suspense author that gives you the down and dirty on exactly where the major crimes occurred, and where the bodies are buried. For aficionados of paranormal, prison, and tombstone travel, there’s a goldmine of tourism suggestions for you here as well. Along with summaries of the major crimes committed in New England, you’ll discover where to find the best crime and ghost tours; which hotels and restaurants are former jails, courthouses, or harbor paranormal activity; where infamous criminals are/were jailed, and which venues and attractions might feed your fancy for murder and justice. Reading lists in each chapter will guide you to books expounding on the crimes discussed.. Best of all, suggested itineraries bring all the pieces together to help you traverse New England’s criminal landscape in an organized and entertaining way. Up for a true crime road trip? Let Vacations Can Be Murder be your ultimate travel guide.

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MY REVIEW

I’m a true crime addict. I can binge shows for hours and devour books about it. I also love paranormal and supernatural shows and books. And don’t get me started on movies. I can browse for a long time to add things to my watch and read list. I come across something and google to see if it’s something new. I was curious to see if I’d learn about new crimes in this book. And I did. And so much more.

The author sure did her research. Lots of detail and not just about the crimes. Also about the areas and other interesting places to see and stay at. A bonus was a guide to ghost tours. I’ve always wanted to do that.  It truly is a travel guide and it guides you step by step from crime to crime for each region.

My best friend and I are both retiring soon and aside from some trips across the pond, we also want to explore the US with some road trips.  This is one I’ll refer to when I’m planning the next place to go on vacation. It’s now a coffee table book. Always close at hand. And I have my fingers crossed the author will continue this theme and write about other regions. One in the southern area would be awesome. My stomping grounds.

5 STARS

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Praise for Vacations Can Be Murder:

“The perfect reference book for the U. S. crime traveler. Barclay rounds up a collection of known and obscure crimes, arranged by geographic area, that features museums, cemeteries, hotels, prisons, and private properties. She even offers itineraries, murder tours, a location-specific list of true-crime books, victim resources, and some ghost stories. This travel guide is a gem. Be packed and ready before you start reading because you’ll want to go explore.” ~ Katherine Ramsland, author of Darkest Waters, The Nutcracker Investigations, and How to Catch a Killer

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Vacations Can Be Murder Trailer:

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Book Details:

Genre: True Crime, Travel

Published by: Level Best Books Publication Date: March 25, 2025 Number of Pages: 340 Series: Vacations Can Be Murder, Book 1 

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

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Read an excerpt from Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide to New England:
This is from the Crime Summaries section of the Connecticut chapter. The actual addresses of these crimes are all included in the Itineraries section of the chapter.
Hartford may be considered one of Connecticut’s most dangerous cities, but its suburbs have seen their fair share of crime over the years. The Hartford Witch Trials occurred between 1647-1663. In all of Connecticut, there were 43 trials and 16 executions, many in Hartford and three in Wethersfield. On May 26, 1647, Alice (Alse) Young of Windsor was the first to be executed. Servant girl Mary Johnson was the first to confess to witchcraft in Connecticut but was likely coerced by extensive torture. She was executed somewhere between 1648-1650 (reports vary). In 1839, The Amistad criminal and civil cases were tried at Old Statehouse in Hartford. The case revolved around a mutiny by, and subsequent charging of, 53 Mende African men, women, and children who had been captured and were being transported between Sierra Leone and Havana, Cuba aboard the ship to serve as slaves. The story was the subject of the Steven Spielberg film, Amistad. Several other Connecticut locations connected to the trial can be found at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/travelamistad/visit.htm. Joseph “Mad Dog” Taborsky was a murderer sentenced to death after a string of brutal robberies and murders in Hartford and West Hartford in the 1950s. He was sentenced twice to be executed for two different crimes, but the first conviction was overturned due to the mental competency of a witness, his brother Albert, testifying against him. (Albert was later declared insane.) In December 1956, a little over a year after his release from prison, Taborsky launched a 14-month murder spree that killed gas station attendant Edward Kurpewski and customer Daniel Janowski, package store owner Samuel Cohn, shoe store customers Bernard and Ruth Speyer, and pharmacy owner John M. “Jack” Rosenthal. The second conviction stuck, and he died in the electric chair in 1960, the last execution in Connecticut until that of Michael Bruce Ross in 2005. In 2004, Matthew Steven Johnson was convicted of the 2000 and 2001 slayings of three female sex workers he murdered—Rosali Jimenez (33), Aida Quinones (33), and Alesia Ford (37)—who were all found dead in the Asylum Hill neighborhood of Hartford. Each of the women had drugs in their system and were found with their bodies stomped upon, strewn with Johnson’s semen, and with their pants pulled down around one leg. Johnson was found guilty and sentenced to three consecutive 60-year sentences at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. Lazale Ashby became one of the youngest prisoners on Connecticut’s death row for kidnapping, raping, burglarizing, and murdering his neighbor Elizabeth Garcia in 2002, when he was just 18. He was suspected of another Hartford rape, as well. Ashby has actually been tried and sentenced three times for Garcia’s murder, the final time in 2023, when he confessed to the crime. Now that Connecticut has abolished the death penalty, he’s been sentenced to 46.5 years in prison. In addition, he was convicted and received a 25-year sentence for the 2003 fatal shooting of 22-year-old Nahshon Cohen of Manchester, whose body was found on a street in the city’s North End. Speaking of Manchester, in August of 2010, the city became the location of a mass shooting at a beer distribution company, Hartford Distributors. Disgruntled former employee Omar Thorton, forced to resign after video evidence revealed he’d been stealing and reselling the company’s beer, fatally shot eight coworkers and injured two others. He then committed suicide on site. Those who knew him cited racism as the reason for his upset, but these allegations were disputed by the firm and not substantiated by the investigation that followed. William Devin Howell’s rape and murder spree, which started on New Year’s Day in 2003, took place in Seymour, West Hartford, and Wethersfield, as well as New Britain. Triggered by a fight with his girlfriend, Howell succumbed to years-long rape fantasies, Referring to himself as the “Sick Ripper,” he would lure female drug addicts, unlikely to be missed, into his “murder mobile.” There, he would rape them, often videotaping bizarre sex acts, before murdering them and disposing of the bodies in a seldom frequented area behind a strip mall in New Britain which he called his “garden.” He was arrested in North Carolina and plea-bargained his way into a fifteen-year sentence for the manslaughter of Mary Jane Menard. However, new evidence that surfaced while he was already in jail earned him six consecutive life sentences (360 years in prison) to be spent at the Cheshire Correctional Institution. In 1986 at the Jamaican Progressive League, a club in Hartford’s North End, Bonnie Foreshaw stopped to get a beer and ended up committing a murder that bought her the longest jail sentence ever handed down to a woman in the state. Having endured a lifetime of sexual and spousal abuse, when Hector Freeman offered to buy her a drink and wouldn’t let up when she turned him down, the encounter triggered her. She drew her handgun to fire a warning shot, but Freeman protected himself by using a pregnant woman, Joyce Amos, as a human shield. Foreshaw’s bullet killed her accidently. Foreshaw spent the majority of her jail time at the York Correctional Institution in Niantic where author Wally Lamb taught a writing class for prisoners. Lamb took up her cause, believing she’d been over-sentenced, and thanks to his help, Foreshaw was granted clemency after serving just 27 years of a 49-year sentence. Once released, she changed her name to Bonnie Jean Cook and helped other ex-convicts adjust to life on the outside until her death in 2022. All of these murders pale in comparison to the crimes of Amy Archer-Gilligan. While she was charged with five deaths (though only tried for one), she may have killed as many as one hundred. Archer-Gilligan ran the Archer Home for Elderly People and Chronic Invalids in the Hartford suburb of Windsor, where countless older residents were bilked out of money and then poisoned by arsenic, including the murderer’s own husbands. Other locations tied to Archer-Gilligan include Newington, where she and her first husband James Archer lived with John Seymour until he died, and then they transformed the home into Sister Amy’s Nursing Home for the Elderly. In 1917, she was convicted of the murder of Franklin Andrew and sentenced to death by hanging, but she appealed. During a second trial in 1919, she pleaded insanity and was convicted of second-degree murder, earning her a life sentence. In 1924, she was transferred to the Connecticut General Hospital for the Insane in Middletown, where she remained until her death in 1962. The play Arsenic and Old Lace is loosely based on her story. Also in Hartford, the Circus Fire that killed 168 persons and injured 412-700 others through trampling and asphyxiation occurred on July 6, 1944 (“The Day the Clowns Cried”) and is considered one of the country’s worst fire disasters. The Big Top Tent was coated in paraffin plus gasoline or kerosene for waterproofing; therefore, it was highly flammable. On top of that, some of the exits were blocked by animal chutes. Arson was suspected; others blamed a carelessly tossed lit cigarette. A mentally ill man named Robert Dale Segee, 21, of Circleville, OH, confessed to setting the fire, as well as up to 30 other blazes in Maine, New Hampshire, and Ohio. He later recanted his confession and was never tried in Connecticut. However, Segee was indicted and convicted in Ohio on two charges of arson and served eight out of a four-to-forty-year jail sentence. He died in 1997. Finally, on May 18, 1988, Billy “Hot Dog” Grant, a bookie who was in charge of Connecticut safe houses for New York’s five families, was reportedly murdered in the parking lot of the Westfarms Mall in Farmington. Grant, who had owned Augie and Ray’s Hot Dog and Hamburger shop in East Hartford, and later the South End Seaport restaurant on Franklin Avenue, was suspected of having given up details of the hiding spot of the brother of a mafia boss. He is supposedly buried underneath a Farmington residence. *** Excerpt from Vacations Can Be Murder by Dawn M Barclay. Copyright 2025 by Dawn M Barclay. Reproduced with permission from Dawn M Barclay. All rights reserved.

 

 

About Author Dawn M. Barclay:

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Dawn M Barclay

Dawn M. Barclay is a veteran travel trade reporter and an award-winning author who writes nonfiction under her own name and fiction as D.M. Barr. Her first nonfiction book, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022) received a starred review from Library Journal, and won the 2023 Lowell Thomas Gold Award from the Society of American Travel Writers Foundation, Honorable Mention from the American Society of Journalists and Authors (Books that Make a Difference), and first prize in the Maxy Awards. When not writing, she edits for various authors and publishers, creates book trailers, ghostwrites (nonfiction only!), plays competitive trivia, rescues senior shelter dogs, travel, reads, and apparently, drives her family nuts…but they won’t admit it, of course, since she knows a lot about murder.

Catch Up With Dawn M Barclay:

www.VacationsCanBeMurder.com Amazon Author Profile Goodreads Instagram – @authordmbarr Facebook – @TrueCrimeTravelGuides

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

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This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Dawn M Barclay. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

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All We Buried By Elena Taylor ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: May 15, 2025 in giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
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The Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Series by Elena Taylor Banner

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The Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Series
by Elena Taylor
April 28 – May 23, 2025 Virtual Book Tour
ALL WE BURIED

 

 

Interim sheriff Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers has always had one repeat nightmare: a shadowy figure throwing a suspicious object into her hometown lake in Collier, Washington. For the longest time, she chalked it up to an overactive imagination as a kid. Then the report arrives. In the woods of the Cascade mountain range, right in her jurisdiction, a body floats to the surface of Lake Collier. When the body is extricated and revealed, no one can identify Jane Doe. But someone must know the woman, so why aren’t they coming forward?

Bet has been sitting as the interim sheriff of this tiny town in the ill-fitting shoes of her late father and predecessor. With the nightmare on her heels, Bet decided to build a life for herself in Los Angeles, but now it’s time to confront the tragic history of Collier. The more she learns, the more Bet realizes she doesn’t know the townspeople of Collier as well as she thought, and nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.

 

Book Details:

Genre: Mystery 

Published by: Crooked Lane Publication Date: April 7, 2020

Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Penguin Random House

A COLD, COLD WORLD
Now In Paperback!

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MY REVIEW

This is a case of do you really know your neighbor. Sheriff Bet Rivers will soon come to realize she doesn’t. She stepped into the job when her father died and she’s determined to fill his shoes the best she can. That means keeping the citizens of Collier safe.  A woman found dead, floating in the river, isn’t from her town but she’s still going to get justice for her. As she delves into the mystery, this is where she discovers you can’t really know someone.

I enjoy small town settings as I’m from one myself. The more I read about Collier and the secrets the people kept, the more I became immersed. This story may take place in a small town but there are a whole lot of skeletons in it’s closets. I was captured from the start and as things got darker and the suspense grew, I settled in for the ride. And thoroughly enjoyed it.

4 STARS

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The world felt pure. Nature made the location pristine again, hiding the scene from prying eyes. As if no one had died there at all. In the months since Bet Rivers solved her first murder investigation and secured the sheriff’s seat in Collier, she’s remained determined to keep her town safe. With a massive snowstorm looming, it’s more important than ever that she stays vigilant. When Bet gets a call that a family of tourists has stumbled across a teen injured in a snowmobile accident on a mountain ridge, she braves the storm to investigate. However, once she arrives at the scene of the accident it’s clear to Bet that the teen is not injured; he’s dead. And has been for some time . . . Investigating a possible homicide is hard enough, but with the worst snowstorm the valley has seen in years threatening the safety of her town, not to mention the integrity of her crime scenes – as they seem to be mounting up as well – Bet has to move fast to uncover the complicated truth and prove that she’s worthy of keeping her father’s badge.

A Cold, Cold World is nominated for a Foreword INDIES Award, Best Mystery of 2024 (winner announced early June)
Book Details:

Genre: Police Procedural, Mystery

Published by: Severn House Publication Date: August 6, 2024 

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Severn House

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MY REVIEW

You know those movies? The mysteries that have you confused, yet fascinated and determined to figure out? I’ve sometimes rewatched some really twisty ones so I could try to spot clues I missed. That’s how this book was for me. I never really felt like I was close to figuring things out. Not that it took away from my enjoyment. Nope. In fact, the only reason I didn’t read it straight through was because I started it later at night and when I started feeling sleepy I stopped so I wouldn’t lose my edge. Got to keep the brain sharp to try and sort things out. Anyway, back to what I was saying. In some parts of the book I did a rewind. I paused and flipped back when something tickled my memory just to see if I’d found a connection, a bread crumb. When I finally got answers, I realized I’d never been close to figuring out the who and why. Gotta love that, right.

I like small town settings. I like connecting with characters. I like those that make brief cameos that make me think they might be important later in the book. I like a mystery that I can’t figure out. And I like bonuses, such as critter characters that add to the story. This book delivered on all of my likes. So glad it’s a series so I can get tangled up in the next mystery.

4 STARS

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Praise for ALL WE BURIED:

“Well-crafted . . . Taylor skillfully sets the scene, describing the distinctive local landscape [while] the introspective, conflicted Bet proves her mettle. Readers will look forward to her next outing.” ~ Publishers Weekly “This spooky and suspenseful story should be a must-read for fans of Lisa Unger, J. A. Jance, and Julia Keller.” ~ Booklist “Extremely hard to put down . . . Would recommend this to anyone who loves mystery thrillers.” ~ San Francisco Book Review “This book stands apart due to its smart, thoughtful protagonist and its richly layered setting in the remote Washington wilderness.” ~ Midwest Book Review “A thrilling start to a mystery series.” ~ BookTrib

Praise for A COLD, COLD WORLD:

“Readers who appreciate the strong woman police chief in Linda Castillo’s Kate Burkholder books or the vivid landscapes of Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire mysteries will appreciate Taylor’s riveting crime novel.” ~ Lesa Holstine, Library Journal Starred Review “Taylor perfectly captures the tension and determination of a small town sheriff facing down an isolating blizzard while racing against the clock to solve a murder and save a missing child. Sheriff Bet Rivers will be your new favorite character” ~ Lisa Gardner, #1 New York Times bestselling author “A terrific ensemble cast in a total immersion setting! Fans of CJ Box and Julia Spencer-Fleming will adore this novel – it’s whipsmart, completely cinematic, and full of heart. Not to be missed!” ~ Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of One Wrong Word “Sheriff Bet Rivers is back with a suspenseful and shrewdly plotted story of deadly small town secrets . . . Think Longmire meets Yellowstone” ~ James L’Etoile, award winning author of Dead Drop and Face of Greed “Tense and divinely atmospheric, this is the perfect book to curl up with on a cold winter’s day” ~ J.L. Delozier, author of the multi-award-winning mystery, The Photo Thief

 

About Author Elena Taylor:

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The Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Series by Elena Taylor

Elena Taylor spent several years working in theater as a playwright, director, designer, and educator before turning her storytelling skills to fiction. Her first series, the Eddie Shoes Mysteries, written under the name Elena Hartwell, introduced a quirky mother/daughter crime fighting duo. With the Bet Rivers Mysteries, Elena returns to her dramatic roots and brings readers much more serious and atmospheric novels. The series introduces Collier, Washington, with its dark and mysterious lake, tough-as-nails residents, and newly appointed sheriff with her sidekick Schweitzer, an Anatolian Shepherd. Elena is also a senior editor with Allegory Editing, a developmental editing house, where she works one-on-one with writers to shape and polish manuscripts, short stories, and plays. If you’d like to work with Elena, visit www.allegoryediting.com. Her favorite place to be is at Paradise, the property she and her hubby own south of Spokane, Washington. They live with their horses, dogs, and cats. Elena holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

Catch Up With Elena Taylor: www.ElenaTaylorAuthor.com Elena’s Blog: The Mystery of Writing Amazon Author Profile Goodreads BookBub – @elenataylorauthor Instagram – @elenataylorauthor X – @Elena_TaylorAut Facebook – @ElenaTaylorAuthor

 

 

 

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on the Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery Series tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

JOIN IN ON THE GIVEAWAY:

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Elena Taylor. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!  

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

Murder On The Mississippi By Erik S. Meyers ~ Review And Giveaway

Posted: May 12, 2025 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Mystery, reviews
Tags: , ,
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MURDER ON THE MISSISSIPPI
by Erik S. Meyers
April 28 – May 16, 2025 Virtual Book Tour

 

THE SALLY WITHERSPOON MYSTERY SERIES

  Six months after the events in Death in the Ozarks, Sally Witherspoon is trying to put that terrible time behind her. She books a river cruise down the Mississippi to get away and relax. Unfortunately relaxation is not to be as as she’s called on to get to the bottom of a mysterious death that occurs on board. A combination of Cheers bartender and Miss Marple, Sally Witherspoon is as determined as ever to solve it.

Praise for Murder On The Mississippi:

“An enjoyable, but deadly cruise down the Mississippi that will keep you in suspense from start to finish! A relaxing trip down the river that turns into a nightmare for main character Sally Witherspoon is a delightful mystery for readers… Lots of twists make for an entertaining read. And like Sally, once it’s over, I’m ready for the next adventure. Looking forward to more in the Sally Witherspoon series!” ~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers

 

Book Details:

Genre: Traditional Mystery, Cozy Mystery 

Published by: Level Best Books

Series Links: THE SALLY WITHERSPOON MYSTERY SERIES on Amazon & Level Best Books

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MYREVIEW

This isn’t my first crime solving rodeo with Sally Witherspoon. I really enjoyed the first story in Death In The Ozarks.

Now, some of you may think, how can the police and FBI want a bar owners help in solving a murder. I found it very believable. Being a bartender for many, many years, I learned to read the room and the people. To spot trouble brewing and behavior that makes someone ping your radar.

Sayyly was looking forward to a well deserved vacation. She’s on a cruise of the Mississippi River. Her holiday gets cut short when one of the guests dies under suspicious circumstances. She jumps into the investigation, knowing she’s painting a target on her back. They’re all trapped on a boat with a killer.

The cast and crew were so diverse. There’s some I wanted to kick in the seat of their pants. Fear and uncertainty doesn’t bring out the best and people. Sally was so good at keeping her temper and sifting out clues with these people.

I was so caught up in this book. And as the body count rose, so did my anticipation. There were so many suspects and I was clueless on the who and why.

Another solid winner in the series. Can’t wait to see what Sally stumbles into next.

4 STARS

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Also, Don’t Miss…
DEATH IN THE OZARKS

  A cross between Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple and a Cheers bartender, Sally Witherspoon, a 50-something accountant turned biker-bar owner, loves solving puzzles. Up to now, she has focused on helping neighbors and friends find lost jewelry, lost pets, and lost loves. But when she finds her best friend and business partner, Bill Arnold, dead in a dumpster behind her bar on a Saturday night, she needs all her wits and grit to find out who did it. And she won’t stop until she does.

 

 

 

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MY REVIEW

I love a good mystery and it’s even more fun when there’s more than one. And more than one murder. I know, doesn’t sound so good. But, it’s fiction. This book has a pile. The small Ozarks town of Berry Springs has a pile of bodies and no suspect in sight. Or maybe too many to choose from. Enter Sally Witherspoon. She owns Sally’s Smasher, a local biker bar. When a connection between the victim’s and her club is discovered all eyes to turn to her and her clientele.

I really like Sally. It’s nice to have an amateur sleuth that’s a bit more mature. Doesn’t mean she’s that much wiser in figuring out the who, what and why. But she’s determined despite warnings from the police to mind her own beeswax and maybe drawing attention from the killer or killers. Oh yes, who says there can’t be more than one.

When I reached the end I realized I’d read the book straight through. It was that fun. And if I’d had the next one, I’d have picked it up and continued reading.

4 STARS

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About Author Erik S. Meyers:

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Erik S. Meyers

Currently in Austria, Erik S. Meyers is an American abroad for years and years who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, the longest in Germany. He is an award-winning author and communications professional with over twenty-five years of expertise in a variety of corporate roles. Reading and writing are his passions, when he is not hiking one of the amazing trails in Austria or elsewhere.

Catch Up With Erik S. Meyers: www.ErikMey.com Medium – @erikmey Goodreads – @erikmey Instagram – @erikmeyauthor Facebook – @ErikSMeyersAuthor

 

 

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Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour for more great reviews, interviews, guest posts, and opportunities to WIN in the giveaway! Click here to view the Tour Schedule  

 

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

This is a giveaway hosted by Partners in Crime Tours for Erik S. Meyers. See the widget for entry terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.

 

Can’t see the giveaway? Click Here!  

 

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

 

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

To see all of my giveaways go HERE.

 

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