Posts Tagged ‘review’

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills Day #4 ~ The Kid’s Korner #19 ~ Monster Manor

Posted: October 4, 2017 in Children's books, Fantasy, reviews
Tags: , , ,
12

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to

get those scares on for the 31st!

and

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing a scary good adventure.

Monster Manor

by Anita Valle

36132663

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre:  Middle Grade Fantasy

 My Review

Mo and his mother are soon to be homeless until a mysterious invitation is slipped under their door. They arrive at Monster Apartments. and the offer seems too good to be true. Soon they understand why.

 Mo is a twelve year old boy. He’s also the school bully. Nicknamed Monster by the other kids he takes pride in being just that. But what if there are real monsters? Ones bigger, meaner and more dangerous than Mo?

What a fun story. I didn’t care much for Mo at first. He wasn’t in a big hurry to change.  Even after meeting some real monsters that are his new neighbors. But there’s one monster that’s meaner and nastier than Mo and he’s coming for him. Things got interesting when Mo tried to bully one particular monster. The consequences weren’t good.

Soon after that, Mo started to win me over. He started to see what he was, desired to change in spite of himself, and was actually quite clever and funny.

There are some cool monsters. Big ones and small ones. Dragons, cyclops, fairies and more. And one very bad one. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d choose the fairies. They are like tiny party gals. They like sparkly clothes and loud music, throwing parties every night.

Middle grade readers will have fun with this story. Plus, there’s an important message about bullying. No matter what motivates the actions, there’s always room for change. If you build it….friends will come.

4  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

The kids at school call him “Monster”. Twelve-year-old Mo is the school bully – and darn proud of it. That’s before he finds himself homeless and forced to move to the only place available: a building called Monster Apartments.
At first it’s all cool. Giant apartment, creepy forest scenery, nice girl across the
street. Then Mo meets the tenants and the shock hits harder than a drunken landlord: real monsters, every one. Cyclops, dragon, fairies, werewolf – and a Minotaur maniac with a taste for tormenting Mo.
Before you can spit, Mo goes from bully to bullied. The Minotaur knocks out everything Mo’s got – his confidence, his safety, his friendship with the new girl. Like it or not, Mo’s got to face it that two monsters have to be stopped here: the bully in the building, and the bully that he is.
Monster Apartments is a coming-of-age novel in which the bully learns firsthand just how “monstrous” his bullying really is. Add a cast of unconventional monsters (such as the agoraphobic dragon and the cyclops with his own medical practice) and Monster Apartments is a fun tale for middle-grade readers. Recommended for ages 9-12

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills ~ Day #3 ~ Teaser Tuesday #220 ~ Second Hunger

Posted: October 3, 2017 in reviews, Teaser Tuesdays, thriller
Tags: , , ,
22

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to

get those scares on for the 31st!

Welcome to Teaser Tuesday hosted by Ambrosia  @ The Purple Booker.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.
•Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

 

My Teaser for this week is from

Second Hunger: Attack of The Paleo Panda

Aftermath Action Adventures #2

by Clive Fox

35827891

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Techno Thriller

 My teaser from 43% in the eBook.

 She smiled a thin and chilly smile.

“Let’s go stop the Aftermath, once and for all.

I grabbed this as a freebie on Amazon. It was fun!

Click on the cover to get your copy. Make sure it’s still free before grabbing it.

~~~~~

Read on if you want to know more.

My Review

They’re so cute and cuddly. No one really thinks of Pandas as bears. They are every bit as dangerous as the other kinds. Long, lethal claws. Huge teeth. And a nasty disposition when riled. So what happens when an experiment triggers a latent gene, transforming one into something primal?

It took me a bit to get to know the character’s and what their roles were. I hadn’t read the first book. Once I get my facts straight the fun began. Answering a call for their special skills, a small team arrives at a zoo to round up some escaped pandas. That’s easily accomplished. But…it’s discovered another has escaped and it ain’t no ordinary panda. It’s regressed back to it’s ancestors. A leaner, meaner, hungry bear.

The team is diverse and strange. They don’t get along but function well in the field. Guess they know to work together or die. The panda is scary. It has this neat trick that makes it especially dangerous.  Figures, doesn’t it? When will people learn to leave well enough alone.

There’s lots of fun and action and intriguing characters I want to learn more about. And I’m always looking for more killer critters. I read this straight through as it’s not that long and now I want to see what else this author has to offer. I got a peek into something called Office Zombies and it should be another fun one.

3 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

What’s black and white, and red all over?
Pearson Granger wanted a quiet steak for breakfast, not an impossible plateful of peril. But when tech goes rogue, duty calls.

The Aftermath, Granger’s elite team of mercenaries, is sent to a breakout at Edinburgh Zoo. It looks like an easy job. Then the nightmare begins.

To survive, they must fight suspicious scientists, international intrigue—and a very angry panda with a monstrous appetite.

With his friend in mortal danger, and tensions between Mad and Delilah threatening to tear The Aftermath apart, Granger must find the strength to face the red lab’s nightmare creation alone. Survival seems impossible.

Featuring a guest appearance by Kate Marx, the Queen of Cryptozoology.

What monster lurks under Edinburgh’s ancient streets? Just how well do Pearson and Kate know one another? Can the beast be stopped? Will Mad’s appetite destroy them all? Get Second Hunger and find out today.

Second Hunger continues The Aftermath Adventures, a fun, action-packed series of compact, punchy page-turning technothrillers.

Every story stands alone. You can read them in any order. Together, they are even better.

If you like believable characters, great locations, astonishing gadgets and page-turning plots then you’ll love spending time with Pearson Granger and his team. If you like NCIS, Michael Crichton, or The A-Team, you’ll be hooked by The Aftermath Adventures.

This book is Fast Fiction: a full-fat story in bite-sized parts. With Fast Fiction, you always have time to read. Fast-paced and hard to put down, you can tear through an episode in one sitting or savour the fun, mouthful by mouthful. Whether you want to binge out, or treat yourself to just one more, there’s a great selection, with more episodes always on the way. It’s like reading your new favourite TV show.

Fast Fiction: snack-sized books for busy people

Amazon

~~~~~

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills ~ Day #2 ~ The Montauk Monster

Posted: October 2, 2017 in horror, reviews
Tags: , , ,
14

Welcome to My 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to

get those scares on for the 31st!

The Montauk Monster

by Hunter Shea

18371375

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Horror

 My Review

If you like horror in your face, you’ll want to read this book. It’s all out action, with some pretty gory scenes. Hunter wastes little time bringing his creatures to light. Once the killing starts, it gets crazy.

I’m a push over for scary reads involving creatures of all kinds. These were never meant to live outside of the lab they were created in. I know, this sounds familiar. But the author brings you his own version of monsters made from nightmares. I would have been happy with a whole book about the ones that first emerged. But there’s so much more coming. The monsters change, a virus spreads. And it’s blood in the streets with little hope for survival.

With horror stories I’ve learned to not set my hopes too high for the survival rates of the characters. Many often become chow for the beasties.  That’s how it was in this book and it sure kept the suspense ramped up.

I tore through this book and my only wish was that it were longer. I couldn’t get enough of the nightmarish things that crawled through the pages. A killer read.  I’d suggest you read it at night. When all manner of creatures come out to play.

4  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

It Kills. . .

On a hot summer night in Montauk, the bodies of two local bar patrons are discovered in the dunes, torn to shreds, their identities unrecognizable. . .

It Breeds. . .

In another part of town, a woman’s backyard is invaded by four terrifying creatures that defy any kind of description. What’s clear is that they’re hostile–and they’re ravenous. . .

It Spreads. . .

With every sunset the terror rises again, infecting residents with a virus no one can cure. The CDC can’t help them; FEMA can’t save them. But each savage attack brings Suffolk County Police Officer Gray Dalton one step closer to the shocking source of these unholy creations. Hidden on nearby Plum Island, a U.S. research facility has been running top-secret experiments. What they created was never meant to see the light of day. Now, a vacation paradise is going straight to hell.

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

31 Days Of Thrills And Chills ~ Day #1 ~ The Dover Demon

Posted: October 1, 2017 in Creatures, horror, reviews
Tags: , , ,
12

Welcome to my 31 Days Of Thrills And Chills!

day of the dead photo: Dancing Skeleton dancing_skeleton.gif

I’ll be sharing all kinds of books, movies, and other spooky stuff for every day in October. Gots to

get those scares on for the 31st!

The Dover Demon

by Hunter Shea

25878531

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Horror

 My Review

Hunter Shea writes stories I can sink my teeth into. What’s more fun than getting scared, jumping at little noises, and after finishing one of his books, sleeping with the light on.

The author takes an urban legend and brings it to life. The Dover Demon is a big attraction in Dover, much to the annoyance to some and the delight to others. There’s money to be made from tourists flocking in to try to catch a glimpse of the elusive creature.

Back in 1977, an encounter with a strange creature changes several lives. In present time, a snow storm blows in, and once again the Dover Demon is on the prowl, taking victims. For what purpose? We can’t begin to imagine.

I’m not sure when it started, but this story started to give me the creeps. I felt unsettled, on edge. When a story can creep up on me and make me uncomfortable while reading it, there’s no way I can stop reading until I finish it. Even if that means continuing into the wee hours when it’s dark and every little noise seems magnified.

Once the storm blew in and the characters faced the demons again, it got kind of gory. Since it’s mentioned in the blurb I feel I’m not spoiling anything when I talk about the tunnels under Dover. What happened down there gave me a sense of vertigo. It was dizzying and relentless. The demons had a purpose and they weren’t cute little alien looking things.

What does this creature look like? Take a close look at the cover. Then imagine being in the dark and coming face to face with it. Is it a mutated animal? An alien? A government experiment gone horribly wrong? It could be any of those things.

Like urban legends? Like to be creeped out? Then you should read this book.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

The Dover Demon is real…and it has returned.

In 1977, Sam Brogna and his friends came upon a terrifying, alien creature on a deserted country road. What they witnessed was so bizarre, so chilling, they swore their silence. But their lives were changed forever.

Decades later, the town of Dover has been hit by a massive blizzard. Sam’s son, Nicky, is drawn to search for the infamous cryptid, only to disappear into the bowels of a secret underground lair. The Dover Demon is far deadlier than anyone could have believed. And there are many of them. Can Sam and his reunited friends rescue Nicky and battle a race of creatures so powerful, so sinister, that history itself has been shaped by their secretive presence?

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

A Face To Die For by Andrea Kane ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: September 28, 2017 in giveaways, reviews, thriller
Tags: , , , ,
10

A Face to Die For by Andrea Kane Banner

On Tour September to October ,2017

A Face To Die For

by Andrea Kane

http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/pict/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/a-face-to-die-for-andrea-kane.jpg

Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by: Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC
Publication Date: September 19, 2017
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 1682320103 (ISBN13: 9781682320105)
Purchase Links: Amazon ? | Barnes & Noble ? | Goodreads ?

My Review

Two women. Twins. Sharing the same face. They didn’t know each other existed. You may have read something along similar lines, or seen a movie like it. But the author adds her own twist and it’s a doozy.

It’s always a good sign when I connect with a character quickly. This happened more than once as each entered the story. I’m always drawn to character driven stories and a good thriller and I had high hopes for this book. The author delivered and it was a page turner.

Once you get to the part about the two sisters finding each other and realizing they’re twins, you think most of the surprises are over. Not so. There’s another huge one that ramps up the thrills. And it gets more suspenseful as they get closer to the truth about themselves and why they were separated.

Weird things happen and the sisters know they can’t handle this by themselves. Enter the team from Forensic Instincts. I first encountered the team in the fifth book in this series and it was fun to meet some of them again. And don’t worry if you haven’t read the previous books. They can stand on their own.

Why were they kept secret from each other? Who is behind it? How far will they go to keep them apart? I couldn’t wait to find out. A Face To Die For is such a great title for this book and it’s a white knuckle read that will keep your teeth clenched as you’re swept into a whirlwind of murder and suspense.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Urban legend says that everyone has a double, or exact look-alike. Would you search for yours? And if you found them, would you risk your life for theirs?

When a chance encounter outside the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan results in mistaken identity, wedding planner Gia Russo is curious to find the person whose cell phone picture has been shown her—veterinarian Dr. Danielle Murano, her exact look-alike. A Facebook private message blossoms into a budding, long-distance friendship, and the two women agree to meet in New York and see the truth for their own eyes.

Shocked at the sight of one another, they quickly bond over drinks, childhood pictures and an uncanny feeling that they share more than just a visual resemblance. Together they decide to end the speculation and undergo DNA testing for siblingship. But when the tests confirm they’re identical twins, more questions are raised than answered.

And with good reason. The same mysterious forces that separated the sisters years ago are still at large, frantic to keep the two women apart. Their attempts to do so become more violent once it becomes clear that the two sisters have found each other. But when the danger escalates and the sisters fear for their lives, Gia turns to a former client of her wedding planning company, Marc Devereraux of Forensic Instincts, for help.

Despite being embroiled in another case, Forensic Instincts agrees to help Gia and Danielle discover who has been threatening them. And when Forensic Instincts discovers that this case is linked to the [Mafia, Organized Crime], they must dig up skeletons better left buried, and get at the frightening truth without destroying the sisters and the families they have grown to love.

~~~~~

Enjoy the excerpt:

Prologue

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York
March 1990

Anthony slid behind the wheel of his Ford Taurus and started it up, cranking up the heat the instant the engine turned over. It was friggin’ freezing outside. Even in the five minutes it had taken him to walk the babysitter to her front door, the temperature outside felt like it had dropped ten degrees, and his car was an icebox.

Shivering, he zipped his parka up as far as it would go and gripped the steering wheel, maneuvering the car away from the curb. He’d finally shared an evening out with his wife. It should have eased the knot in his gut. After all, it had been the first time that he and Carla had left their infants with a sitter since the babies had been born a month ago. And Judy was the perfect babysitter—a good girl from a good family, one who studied rather than doing drugs and screwing horny guys.

Still, dinner had been strained.

Anthony had only picked at his manicotti, his favorite dish at Raimo’s. His mind was far away, and acid kept building up in his stomach.

Carla couldn’t stop worrying and talking about the babies. She’d checked her watch a dozen times, intermittently giving Anthony puzzled looks and asking if he was okay.

Each time she asked, he’d assure her that he was fine, just exhausted from work and midnight feedings.
As if to contradict his words, some new waiter had dropped a tray of dishes on the floor, and Anthony had nearly jumped out of his skin at the crash.

Carla rose, asking him to order her another drink and to get one for himself to calm his nerves. Giving in to her new-mother concerns, she went to the pay phone in the back to call Judy for an update. So far, so good, Judy had reported. But that didn’t totally erase Carla’s fretting. She tried her best to be bright and chatty, but the truth was that, as this point, she was ready to go. She’d fiddled with her napkin and sipped at her drink, making small talk and glancing at the door.

Getting the hell out of there had worked for Anthony. He was more than ready to be home with his family and not out in the open. He’d use his fatigue as an excuse. He had to continue keeping the inevitable from Carla, until he had no choice but to tell her. He’d soften the blow as best he could. But the important thing was that his family would be protected at all costs.

Now, the heat in his car roared to life, warming his body but doing nothing to extinguish his inner chill. He knew the rules. No transgression went unpunished.

Why the hell had he been so preoccupied with new fatherhood that he’d forgotten to make his collections from the designated list of construction foremen these past two weeks? That in itself was a huge black mark against him—one he’d be punished for. But the outcome of his stupidity opened the door to a far more lethal punishment. Someone else had been sent to handle his route, and his money. They would have collected and turned over twice the amount he’d been handing over. And that meant he’d better be able to explain the discrepancy—assuming he’d even be asked before he was killed.

Please God, let him have that chance. He was just on the verge of buying that gas station he’d been single-mindedly building his bank account for, just about to provide for his family’s future.

And now this.

With shaking hands, Anthony switched on the radio, gritting his teeth as Madonna’s voice blasted off the windows, followed by Michael Jackson’s. He turned the dial until finally the soothing tones of Frank Sinatra’s voice filled the car. Sinatra. Perfect. The Chairman of the Board’s crooning was just the right medicine to ease his clawing anxiety.

He reached his street and turned down the line of small brick row houses, all identical in their flat lines, gated fronts, and tiny gardens. There was a certain comfort and peace about the sameness of it all; it made it feel like a neighborhood.

Would he ever feel that sense of comfort and peace again?

He pulled into his narrow driveway and spotted Carla standing at the front door with a broad smile, giving him a thumbs-up. That meant the infants had come through their first babysitting experience with flying colors.

He forced himself to smile back, but even as he did, his gaze swept the area around the house to see if he was alone. It appeared so. Quickly, he turned off the car and then made the frigid dash to his house.

He couldn’t shut and lock the door behind him fast enough.

The soothing warmth from the heating system enveloped him when he stepped inside. Comfort in yet another form. He was home. Carla and the babies were safe. And for the moment, so was he.

With a wave of relief—however temporary—he let the tension in his body ease. He shrugged out of his jacket and hung it on the coatrack.

“You look happy,” he teased Carla. “What’s the final report?”

Carla’s eyes twinkled. “They were perfect. Judy said they’d only woken up once for their bottles and a diaper change. Now they’re sleeping like little angels.”

“Good.” Anthony looped an arm around his wife’s shoulders and led her toward the living room. “How about a nightcap before bed—to celebrate the success of our first night out?”

“That sounds wonderful.” Carla walked beside him, making a left into their comfortable living room.

They’d barely taken half a dozen steps when a tall masked man dressed in black rose from behind the large armchair, his .22 caliber pistol raised.

“Hello, Anthony.”

Anthony knew that voice only too well, and it elicited the chilling knowledge that there was no way out. No threats. Just death. “Welcome home.”

The man’s finger tightened around the trigger.

“No!” Carla screamed.

She threw herself in front of her husband just as the pistol fired.

The bullet pierced her skull, and with a shattering cry, she crumpled to the floor.

“Carla… no… Carla!” Anthony shouted. He dropped to his knees beside his wife’s lifeless body, grabbing her into his arms and openly weeping. “God forgive me. Oh, God forgive me.”

He looked up in dazed anguish, just as a second shot was fired.

The bullet struck Anthony between the eyes. His head jerked backward, and he fell over his wife, dead.
Upstairs, the babies started to cry.

The gunman shoved his pistol back in his waistband. He knew the mob code like he knew his own name. No women. No children. Omertà.

A woman lay dead before him, the taunting evidence of a fuckup.

He took the steps two at a time.

Tucked in their cribs, the babies were still crying as their parents’ killer entered the nursery and hovered over them.

Not even the nightlight could eradicate the darkness.

***

Excerpt from A Face to Die For by Andrea Kane. Copyright © 2017 by Andrea Kane. Reproduced with permission from Bonnie Meadow Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

~~~~~

Author Andrea Kane

http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/pict/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Andrea-Kane.jpg

Andrea Kane is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty-eight novels, including fourteen psychological thrillers and fourteen historical romantic suspense titles. With her signature style, Kane creates unforgettable characters and confronts them with life-threatening danger. As a master of suspense, she weaves them into exciting, carefully-researched stories, pushing them to the edge—and keeping her readers up all night.

Kane’s first contemporary suspense thriller, Run for Your Life, became an instant New York Times bestseller. She followed with a string of bestselling psychological thrillers including No Way Out, Twisted, and Drawn in Blood.

Her latest storytelling triumph, A Face To Die For, extends the Forensic Instincts legacy where a dynamic, eclectic team of maverick investigators continue to solve seemingly impossible cases while walking a fine line between assisting and enraging law enforcement. The first showcase of their talents came with the New York Times bestseller, The Girl Who Disappeared Twice, followed by The Line Between Here and Gone, The Stranger You Know, The Silence that Speaks and The Murder That Never Was.

Kane’s beloved historical romantic suspense novels include My Heart’s Desire, Samantha, The Last Duke, and Wishes in the Wind.

With a worldwide following of passionate readers, her books have been published in more than twenty languages.

Kane lives in New Jersey with her husband and family. She’s an avid crossword puzzle solver and a diehard Yankees fan. Otherwise, she’s either writing or playing with her Pomeranian, Mischief, who does his best to keep her from writing.

Catch up with Andrea Kane on:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Go HERE to visit other stops on the tour.

 ~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Ax To Grind by Tonya Kappes ~ Guest Post, Review & Giveaway

Posted: September 25, 2017 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, Guest Post, reviews
Tags: , , , ,
9

Ax To Grind (A Kenni Lowry Mystery)
by Tonya Kappes

 

Ax To Grind (A Kenni Lowry Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
3rd in Series
Henery Press (September 19, 2017)
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1635112474
E-Book ASIN: B0731M7RRM

My Review

Set in the small southern town of Cottonwood, Kentucky, Ax To Grind is the third in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Having enjoyed the first two books and formed strong attachments to many of the charming and eccentric characters, I was psyched to see what was happening now.

The town’s celebrity author, Berlye Stone, recently passed away and there’s to be an estate sale for all of her belongings. Sounds exciting. Even more thrilling is that there’s supposed to be an unpublished manuscript, Berlye’s last book, hidden in her belongings. You can imagine what comes next.

Yep. Kenni and her sexy deputy, Finn, answer an alarm and discover Berlye’s estate executor, dead. The race is on to find the manuscript before bodies start piling up. Seems the tranquility Cottonwood has been enjoying has come to a deadly end.

I just love Kenni. She’s a pickle and such a southern rebel. She defies the stereotype southern belle, choosing to serve the law and dish it out when necessary. She loves her family, her sweetie and four-legged companion, Duke, and wishes her deputy Finn, might be a sweetie of the two-legged kind.

Almost forgot the ghost. Kenni’s Poppa is still hanging around and uses his knowledge to help her solve the case. She keeps forgetting not to talk to him in public as the town spies her talking to herself and think she’s a bitty around the bend.

As with most small towns, there’s plenty of characters in all guises to keep you entertained and laughing out loud. The mystery keeps you guessing, and the brush with romance adds some titillation to the story.

Tonya delivers another winner. And what’s more fun than a mystery about a writer and a missing manuscript.

If you haven’t read the first two books, no worries. You can jump in here and get the skinny about the town and characters fairly quickly. I’d recommend you read them though. Why miss out on all that fun.

5 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Southerners keep their secrets swept under the rug, but what happens when that rug goes up for sale?

Bestselling author Berlye Stone, the most famous citizen to ever come out of Cottonwood, Kentucky, has died and put all her worldly possessions up for auction, but not without leaving one more manuscript behind. A hidden tell-all about Cottonwood that’s got more gossip than a ladies’ luncheon.

When Beryle’s assistant turns up with an ax in her back and the only witness is in a coma, Sheriff Kenni Lowry reckons someone in town will do anything to keep the manuscript from seeing the light of day. Her poppa’s ghost returns to help piece together the life of the Beryle he once knew, but his memory’s a little foggy, and any misstep could cause them a world of trouble. With the help of Deputy Finn Vincent, can Kenni sort through the secrets buried in Beryle’s books, or will this be her final chapter?

~~~~~

Meet Kiwi from Ax To Grind

“Kiwi want a cracker?” Shm…if I hear that one more time, I might take my big talon and poke someone’s eye out.

http://i0.wp.com/1.bp.blogspot.com/--AmHd-NKrN0/WY79FW-qhVI/AAAAAAAASao/R8J9o2SasYk5n8xtUEHtcVgLorkFe6lIwCLcBGAs/s1600/kiwi.jpg?resize=360%2C216&ssl=1

I want exactly what is on the menu of all the other heart beating creatures in this motel. Day in and day guest of The Inn are welcomed with big warm, out of the oven cookies and a glass of whatever that is, while I have to sit in this huge cage in the middle of the entrance watching them. I’ve got some pretty cool digs.

http://i2.wp.com/1.bp.blogspot.com/-loeZ8bxSVYw/WY79WCm2tdI/AAAAAAAASa0/TQ8niWXvezUTqbjmP1pSQO2L_hhxS1yewCLcBGAs/s1600/kiwi+1.gif?w=614&ssl=1

And I love the fact the guests of the Inn can come in and run a fingertip down my gorgeous feathers. But then. . . .

http://i1.wp.com/2.bp.blogspot.com/-iiOHt0z9vto/WY79vgOTO8I/AAAAAAAASa4/Z3aqe87gsfAfbzsrVCb7-QGK9pbxeAtjgCLcBGAs/s1600/kiwi+3.png?w=614&ssl=1

“Kiwi want a cracker?”

Humans! Are you kidding me??? There’s an open container right here in my cage, if I wanted a cracker, don’t you think I’d just get one? No. I don’t want a cracker.

Oh no. . . here comes someone who’s very nosy and loves to gossip from our small town of Cottonwood, Kentucky. That’s what I do all day long. I sit here in this cage and listen to small town gossip. It’s a bit entertaining at times because I’ll hear one thing and by the  end of the day, that one thing has been spun around so many tongues, it’s not at all the truth. Sometimes I like to repeat the gossip just to stir the pot.

So I just sit here and entertain them. Sometimes they ask me to show my pretty wings or repeat them.

They think it’s fun and get me to repeat them. They beg and plead. . .Hold on. That big gossip just came in the door said something that might be important.

What did you say? Hey! Come back here! What did you say?

Huh. They didn’t pay any attention to my questions. I even spread my wings to get their attention.

I swear they said, “I came from Beryle’s and couldn’t find the book. Couldn’t find the book. Glad she’s dead. Glad she’s dead.”

Did they mean Berlye Stone? The famous author from Cottonwood? She’s. . .dead?

Have you ever tried to get a bird to talk to you?

Don’t forget to pre-order your copy of AX TO GRIND and see exactly how Kiwi helps Sheriff Kenni Lowry solve the murder of Beryle Stone.

http://i0.wp.com/4.bp.blogspot.com/-NLD8Lr_Gh98/WY8B9g2ATxI/AAAAAAAASbQ/S6cgoV2hZlsZvTmkj31f6di7RkHZunuOgCLcBGAs/s1600/AxToGrind+cover+FRONT+cookies+sm.jpg?resize=390%2C604&ssl=1

Have you caught up on the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series?

Meet Kiwi in,  AX TO GRIND,  available everywhere on September 19th!

Kindle / Nook / iBooks / Kobo

http://i0.wp.com/1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqH1w-XOO5g/V3-X3zsUEYI/AAAAAAAAH8o/NpGWmo1qAgshe4MHx1nS0vsEoKtP8XBJACPcB/s1600/image1+%281%29.JPG?resize=453%2C604&ssl=1

Fixin’ To Die is the first book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series.

“A Southern-fried mystery with a twist that’ll leave you positively breathless.” – Susan M. Boyer, USA Today Bestselling Author of Lowcountry Book Club

Kenni Lowry likes to think the zero crime rate in Cottonwood, Kentucky is due to her being sheriff, but she quickly discovers the ghost of her grandfather, the town’s previous sheriff, has been scaring off any would-be criminals since she was elected. When the town’s most beloved doctor is found murdered on the very same day as a jewelry store robbery, and a mysterious symbol ties the crime scenes together, Kenni must satisfy her hankerin’ for justice by nabbing the culprits.

With the help of her poppa, a lone deputy, and an annoyingly cute, too-big-for-his-britches State Reserve officer, Kenni must solve both cases and prove to the whole town, and herself, that she’s worth her salt before time runs out.

“This story offers up a small touch of paranormal activity that makes for a fun read…A definite “5-star,” this is a great mystery that doesn’t give up the culprit until the last few pages.” – Suspense Magazine

“Packed with clever plot twists, entertaining characters, and plenty of red herrings! Fixin’ To Die is a rollicking, delightful, down-home mystery.” – Ann Charles, USA Today Bestselling Author of the Deadwood Mystery Series

“Kappes captures the charm and quirky characters of small-town Kentucky in her new mystery…a charming, funny story with exaggerated characters. The dialect-filled quirky sayings and comments bring those characters to life. Best of all, for a mystery reader, the culprit was an unlikely suspect, but the solution made sense.” – Lesa’s Book Critiques

“Southern and side-splitting funny! Fixin’ To Die has captivating characters, nosy neighbors, and is served up with a ghost and a side of murder.” – Duffy Brown, Author of the Consignment Shop Mysteries

“This first book in a new series promises to be fun for both cozy mystery buffs and ghost aficionados.” – For The Love of Books

“The who and why may surprise you, but you’ll probably laugh your way through the book. If you’ve never read a Tonya Kappes book, this is a perfect starting place. I highly recommend.” – Book Review Crew

http://i2.wp.com/4.bp.blogspot.com/-Xa0VZaMNSnA/WOmPjNUdQFI/AAAAAAAAK2U/y7BPHIAXxBAdMQkQAKcVMO0-1jZzYFAFgCLcB/s1600/SOUTHERN+FRIED+cover+FRONT.jpg?resize=390%2C604&ssl=1

Southern Fried is the second book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series.

“Fabulous fun and fantastic fried food! Kappes nails small town mystery with another must-read hit. (Also, I want to live in Cottonwood, KY.) Don’t miss this one!” – Darynda Jones, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Charley Davidson Series

In the South, it’s better when the food is fried and the secrets kept buried…After the dead body of a beloved Cottonwood resident is found tangled up in an electric fence, Sheriff Kenni Lowry has a hunch that somethin’ ain’t right. Her investigation heats up with a fierce cook-off competition, a euchre game where the intel is sweeter than the brownies, and a decades old family recipe that may just be the proof in the pudding.

The icing on the cake: Kenni is fighting an attraction to her recently sworn-in deputy sheriff, and election season is hot on her tail. When the killer comes after who she holds most dear, even her poppa’s ghostly guidance might not be enough to keep her and her own out of the frying pan.

Southerners keep their secrets swept under the rug, but what happens when that rug goes up for sale?

Bestselling author Berlye Stone, the most famous citizen to ever come out of Cottonwood, Kentucky, has died and put all her worldly possessions up for auction, but not without leaving one more manuscript behind. A hidden tell-all about Cottonwood that’s got more gossip than a ladies’ luncheon.

When Beryle’s assistant turns up with an ax in her back and the only witness is in a coma, Sheriff Kenni Lowry reckons someone in town will do anything to keep the manuscript from seeing the light of day. Her poppa’s ghost returns to help piece together the life of the Beryle he once knew, but his memory’s a little foggy, and any misstep could cause them a world of trouble. With the help of Deputy Finn Vincent, can Kenni sort through the secrets buried in Beryle’s books, or will this be her final chapter?

You can go on a real virtual tour of Cottonwood and get to know all the fun characters along with the cozy community by visiting the new Kenni Lowry Mystery Series website by clicking here!

I LOVE to connect with my readers!! Please send me your questions to Tonyak11.tk@gmail.com where I answer reader’s questions via video! It’s so fun!! Also be sure to connect with me on my FREE Facebook page in our Cozy Krew Community.

Are you signed up for my newsletter? Don’t miss a thing or release day fun that’s ONLY on the newsletter.

Enjoy your visit in Cottonwood!

Bless your heart!

Tonya

About the Author

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.
Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com .

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes /  Kappes Krew Street Team

Webpage / Goodreads / Twitter / Pinterest

Purchase Links:

Amazon B&N  kobo  iTunes

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

Tonya has an awesome giveaway.

You can win this Mystery Tote filled with swag and prizes!

Go HERE to enter.

~~~~~

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 19 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW

September 20 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 21 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

September 22 – Reading Is My SuperPower – REVIEW

September 23 – Brooke Blogs – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana., Mommy, &, Sissy, Too!

September 25 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW

September 25 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 26 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW

September 26 – Dee-Scoveries – GUEST POST

September 27 – My Reading Journeys – REVIEW, INTERVIEW

September 28 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 28 – Books, Movies, Reviews, Oh my! – REVIEW

September 29 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

September 30 – Becky’s Bookcase – REVIEW

September 30 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 1 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, GUEST POST

October 2 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW

October 2 – Christa Reads and Writes – INTERVIEW

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

A Shady Acres Mystery ~ Beware The Orchids ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: September 20, 2017 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
Tags: , , ,
28

Beware the Orchids (A Shady Acres Mystery)
by Cynthia Hickey

.

Beware the Orchids (A Shady Acres Mystery)Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Forget Me Not Romances, a division of Winged Publications
Release Date – February 4, 2016
Paperback: 216 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1944203061
E-BOOK ASIN: B01BI6RAGG

My Review

This was such a fun cozy mystery. It had everything I liked. An intimate setting, Shady Acres Retirement Community.

A gal down on her luck, Shelby Hart, lands her dream job after an embarrassing break up. She’s adorable. I like that she had matching rubber boots for her outfits. She says just because her job gets her dirty doesn’t mean she can’t look good.

Diverse and colorful characters. Shelby’s best friend Cheryl. She’s very statuesque. Shelby could stand in her shadow. Her dedication to friendship is fierce yet she’s still kind of girly. Shelby’s mom is more demure. And then there’s grandma. She’s not slowing down with age. She’s just getting started. Three generations of feisty women who gave me the giggles.

Can’t forget the love interest, handsome Heath. He enjoys teasing Shelby. Knows she’s fresh out of a break up and willing to bide his time.

And then there’s the mystery. What’s a mystery without a murder or two. Nothing gory but it is a bit vicious. Wouldn’t expect it from our senior citizens. It took me most of the book to finally decide who I thought it was. Then the fun part, reading on to see if I was right.

I had fun with the folks at Shady Acres and look forward to visiting again soon.

This is the perfect weekend read for cozy fans. Not too long or too short. Just right for an afternoon of fun.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Ditched at the altar, Shelby Hart tosses down her bouquet, quits her job, and accepts a position as gardener and event coordinator at an upscale retirement community. Her first day on the job results with a dead body in the greenhouse under the orchids and with her as the prime suspect!

Toss in a handsome handyman, quirky characters, and a flirtatious grandma and the fun never stops.

~~~~~

About Author Cynthia Hickey

Multi-published and Amazon and ECPA Best-Selling author Cynthia Hickey has sold over a million copies of her works since 2013. She has taught a Continuing Education class at the 2015 American Christian Fiction Writers conference, several small ACFW chapters and RWA chapters. You can find her on FB, twitter, and Goodreads, and is a contributor to Cozy Mystery Magazine blog and Suspense Sisters blog. She and her husband run the small press, Forget Me Not Romances, which includes some of the CBA’s best well-known authors. She lives in Arizona with her husband, one of their seven children, two dogs, one cat, and three box turtles. She has eight grandchildren who keep her busy and tell everyone they know that “Nana is a writer”.

Website / Amazon / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Link

AMAZON

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~~~~~

Check out the other stops on the Tour

September 20 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW

September 21 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 21 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – My Journey Back – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 23 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

September 23 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT

September 24 – The Power of Words – REVIEW

September 25 – The Montana Bookaholic – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 26 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

September 26 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT

September 27 – Books a plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW

September 28 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST

September 29 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW

September 30 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

October 1 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW, GUEST POST

October 1 – A Blue Million Books – INTERVIEW

October 2 – View from the Birdhouse – SPOTLIGHT

October 2 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – REVIEW

October 3 – Christa Reads and Writes – SPOTLIGHT

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

My Monday Minis Reviews #67 ~ Last Chance Motel

Posted: September 18, 2017 in Monday's Minis, reviews, Romance
Tags: , , ,
10

Welcome to my Monday Minis Reviews where I share shorter reviews of books I’ve read.

I’ve got a fun summer romance to share today.

Last Chance Motel

A Last Chance For Romance #1

by Abigail Keam

23203591

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Romance

 My Review

This is such a fun read. I was sucked right in. Might be partially because its set in the south and I’m a southern gal. Plus, I love staying in the quaint family owned motels along the coast.

The divorce was tough on Eva and I admired her pluck. She heads to Key Largo and a brand new beginning, buying a worn down little motel and fixing it up.

The author kept the romance real. With Eva just divorced it wasn’t an instant love thing with her contractor, Mike. In fact, the fun thing about it was Eva didn’t like him at first. Those kind of romances are always a delight to read about. The clashes. The first sparks. It makes finding out if they get together or not that much more fun. Especially after Eva’s ex shows up with divorce remorse.

As the motel took shape, it was fun to learn of Eva’s ideas for it and how she puts her own signature on things.

A sweet, fun beginning to the romance series. If you like them light and humorous, this is one for you. Perfect for reading by the pool or a cold winter’s day when you wish for summer to come.

There are four more books in the series and each can be read as a stand alone. Different characters wind up at the Last Chance Motel and we get their stories.  I’ll be grabbing them too.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

Eva Hanover – a brilliant career, a gorgeous brownstone in Brooklyn, and a sexy husband. Or, at least, she thinks so. In a wink of an eye, Eva’s husband leaves her. She loses the brownstone and her career. With only the clothes on her back, she flees cold New York for the sunnier climate of Key Largo.

As Eva puts it, her marriage went south and so does she. Stuck in Key Largo, it is sink or swim for the devastated Eva. Starting over is hard for anyone, but Eva wonders if she can. Determined to make a new life, Eva buys a rundown mid-century motel and renovates it. She hires Mike Bishop for her general contractor, but from the very beginning they cross swords of how to remodel the Last Chance Motel. It irritates Eva that many of Mike’s ideas are betters than hers. It couldn’t be that Mike bothers her because he is handsome, sexy, and rugged, could it? Eva needs a handsome and sexy man around her like she needs another hole in her head. Yet, she finds herself drawn to Mike and is grateful for his help.

In the midst of the motel’s renovation and her growing feelings for Mike, her ex-husband shows up and begs for her forgiveness, saying the divorce was a mistake. He wants her back.

What is Eva to do? Does she throw in the towel on the motel and go back to her ex, or does she stick with the renovation and Mike? One thing Eva does know, as the Last Chance Motel comes back to life, so does she. Step by step, Eva is determined to find purpose and happiness in life again. The question is how and with which man?

Amazon

Check out the other books in the series. I just love the sassy, colorful covers and can’t to read them too!

24968951  26099061

28474980  32564990

~~~~~

How about you? Got a tease? Tell me!

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Church Of The Holy Child ~ Review and Giveaway

Posted: September 15, 2017 in giveaways, Mystery, reviews, suspense, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , ,
12

Partners In Crime Tours

The Church Of The Holy Child

by Patricia Hale

On Tour August 15 – October 15, 2017

http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/pict/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/9781940758596-the-church-of-the-holy-child-patricia-hale.jpg

Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Published by: Intrigue Publishing LLC
Publication Date: August 15th 2017
Number of Pages: 259
ISBN: 1940758599 (ISBN13: 9781940758596)
Purchase Links: Amazon ? | Barnes & Noble ? | Goodreads ?

My Review

Tagged as a mystery suspense story, this one lives up to the tags.

A woman goes missing. When her body is discovered, her husband is the prime suspect. But then more bodies are found and the killer could be anybody. Private investigators, police and a priest all have their roles to play as the case becomes more urgent.

Imagine being in the position Father Francis is in. A killer confesses their crimes, giving him all the gory details, and he is bound by the sanctity of the confessional, so he can’t tell the police about it.

There are several key characters involved in this case and each has a strong voice. The writing is taut and compelling, drawing you in and keeping you focused as the suspense ramps up. And when you finally find out who the killer is, it’s one of those reveals that catches you by surprise.

At just over 200 pages, this book reads fast and the author gets right to the meat of the mystery. Like mysteries with lots of suspense, well developed characters and a thrilling plot? I recommend you read this book.

4 Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

A woman with a history of domestic abuse is missing. Her sister hires private investigators Cole and Callahan.

When the woman is found dead, her husband is charged but when a second body appears showing the same wounds, questions arise and what looked like a slam-dunk becomes anyone’s guess. The case goes to John Stark, a veteran cop and close friend of Griff Cole.

The bodies are piling up, and one person knows where the killer is. Father Francis, a priest at The Church of the Holy Child, listens to the killer’s disturbed account of each murder and wrestles with the vows that bind him to secrecy.

The case takes an unexpected and personal turn when Cole’s ex-wife goes missing and a connection to his past points to the killer.

~~~~~

Enjoy this glimpse inside:

Inside the wooden confessional there’s a man who talks to God. At least that’s what my mother told me the last time we were here. But a month has passed since she disappeared so today I’ve come to the church alone. I no longer believe that she’s coming back for me like she said. Instead, I’ve become her stand-in for the beatings my father dishes out. That’s what he calls it, dishing out a beating, like he’s slapping a mound of mashed potato on my plate. He swaggers through the door ready for a cold one after coming off his seven to three shift, tosses his gun and shield on our kitchen table and reaches into the refrigerator for a Budweiser. I cringe in the corner and make myself small, waiting to hear what kind of day he’s had and whether or not I’ll be his relief. More often than not, his eyes search me out. “’C’mere asshole,” he says, popping the aluminum top, “I’m gonna dish out a beating.” If anyone can help me, it has to be this guy who talks to God. I open the door of the confessional with my good arm and step inside.

Twenty-three years later

ONE

His breath was warm on my neck, his lips hot and dry. His tongue searched the delicate skin below my ear. Heart quickening, back arching, I rose to meet him.

The phone on the nightstand vibrated.

“Shit,” Griff whispered, peeling away from me, our clammy skin reluctant to let go. He swung his feet over the edge of the bed and flashed me his bad-boy, half-smile. “Cole,” he said into the phone.

At times like this, cell phones rate right alongside other necessary evils like cod liver oil and flu shots. I leaned against his back and caressed his stomach, damp dunes of sculpted muscle. Not bad for a guy north of forty. Griff still measured himself against the hotshots in the field. But in my book he had nothing to worry about; I’d take the stable, wise, worn-in model over a wet behind the ear, swagger every time.

He pried my fingers from his skin and walked toward the bathroom still grunting into the phone.

I slipped into my bathrobe and headed for the kitchen. I have my morning priorities and since the first one was interrupted by Griff’s phone, coffee comes in a close second.

Twenty minutes later he joined me dressed in his usual attire, jeans, boots, tee shirt and sport jacket. Coming up behind me, he nuzzled my neck as I poured Breakfast Blend into a travel mug. Coffee splashed onto the counter top.

“Gotta run,” he said taking the cup from my hand.

“What’s up?”

“Not sure yet. That was John. He said he could use a hand.

“Sobering up?

Griff flinched like I’d landed one to his gut.

“Sorry,” I said. “Cheap shot.”

“Woman found dead early this morning.”

“When’s he going to admit that he can’t run the department with a pint of scotch sloshing around in his gut?”

“The job’s all he’s got left, makes it hard to let go.”

“I’m just saying that he shouldn’t be head of CID. Not now. I’m surprised Haggerty has put up with it this long.”

“There’s a lot going down at the precinct. Internal Affairs is having a field day after that meth bust.

They’ve got so many guys on leave right now that a bottle of Dewar’s in John’s desk is the least of Haggerty’s problems.”

“I just don’t want you to get sucked into CID.”

He slipped his hands inside my robe and nuzzled my neck. “No chance of that. Nobody on the force feels like this.”

I pushed him away halfheartedly.

I’ll call you when I know what’s going on.”

The door closed behind him.

I sank onto a kitchen chair and flipped open the People magazine lying on the table. Griff and I had just finished an investigation for an heiress in the diamond industry whose sticky handed husband had resorted to blackmailing her brother as a way around their pre-nup. The ink on her twenty-thousand-dollar check made out to Cole & Co. was still wet. And being that I was the & Co. part of the check, I’d earned a leisurely morning.

The phone rang just as I was getting to the interview with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell on the secrets of a long-term relationship. Caller ID told me it was Katie Nightingale, our go-to girl at the office. Katie kept track of everything from appointments to finances to take-out menus.

I lifted the phone and hit ‘answer’.

“Britt?” Katie spoke before I had a chance, never a good sign.

“What’s up?” I asked.

“Missing woman.”

“Since when?”

“Last night.”

“What makes her missing? It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours.”

“The woman who called said her sister was leaving an abusive husband and was supposed to let her know when she was safe by ringing the phone once at seven-thirty. The call never came. Now she can’t get hold of her. She said her sister carries your card in her wallet.”

“What’s her name?”

“The woman who called is Beth Jones. Her sister is Shirley Trudeau.”

I nodded into the phone. I can’t remember every woman I encounter, but Shirley’s name rang a bell. Since giving up my position as a Family Law attorney with Hughes and Sandown, I’d been offering free legal aid for women who needed advice but couldn’t afford it. Mostly I worked with wives trying to extricate themselves from abusive marriages. Given the reason I’d abandoned my law career, it was the least I could do. Shirley hadn’t been living at the women’s shelter, but she’d spent enough time there to have Sandra, the shelter’s director, hook her up with me.

“And Beth thinks Shirley’s husband found her?”

“That’s what it sounded like once she’d calmed down enough to form actual words.”

“I’m on my way.”

I set the phone down, making a mental note to call Sandra. She’d upgraded from a caseworker in Connecticut to Director in Portland, Maine a few months ago. I’d stopped by her office to introduce myself when she started and left my business cards. Our paths didn’t cross that often but we respected each other’s work and always took a few minutes to chat. I knew she’d been on the swim team in college and that she could bench-press her weight. We were close in age and like minded when it came to the politics of non-profits. No doubt Beth Jones had called her too.

After a shower and a quick clean up of last night’s wine glasses, Chinese takeout containers and clothes that we’d left strewn around the living room, I locked the apartment door and began my fifteen-minute trek to our office on Middle Street. I savored my walk through the Old Port, the name given to Portland, Maine’s waterfront. The summer heat that a month ago had my shirt stuck tight against my back was a thing of the past and the snow and ice that would make walking an athletic event had not yet arrived. The cool, crisp air was like a shot of espresso. As long as I didn’t let my mind wander to what nature had in store, I could enjoy the rush.

I hit “contacts” on my phone and scanned the names for Sandra’s.

“Sandra, it’s Britt,” I said when she answered. “I wish this was a social call, but it’s not. Shirley Trudeau is missing.

“I know. Her sister called this morning. I’m on my way in now. How did you find out?”

“Her sister hired us to find her. “Was someone helping her leave?”

“She had a caseworker, but I wasn’t in on the plan. I’ll know more once I get to my office and talk to the person she was working with.”

“Okay if I call you later?”

“I don’t know how much I’ll be able to tell you. You know the rules. If she was on her way…”

I stopped mid-stride and lowered the phone from my ear. Sandra’s voice slipped away. That dead body that Griff went to look at… my gut said, Shirley Trudeau.

***

Excerpt from The Church of the Holy Child by Patricia Hale. Copyright © 2017 by Patricia Hale. Reproduced with permission from Patricia Hale. All rights reserved.

Author Patricia Hale

http://www.partnersincrimetours.net/pict/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/patricia-hale-e1495664332936.jpg

Patricia Hale received her MFA degree from Goddard College. Her essays have appeared in literary magazines and the anthology, My Heart’s First Steps. Her debut novel, In the Shadow of Revenge, was published in 2013. The Church of the Holy Child is the first book in her PI series featuring the team of Griff Cole and Britt Callahan. Patricia is a member of Sister’s in Crime, Mystery Writer’s of America, NH Writer’s Project and Maine Writer’s and Publisher’s Alliance. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two dogs.

Catch Up With Author Patricia Hale On:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

~~~~~

giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Click here to view the The Church of the Holy Child by Patricia Hale Tour Participants

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

You can find a list of my reviews HERE.

For a list of free eBooks go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

The Kid’s Korner #18 ~ The Dragon Of The Month Club

Posted: September 13, 2017 in Action/Adventure, Children's books, Fantasy, reviews
Tags: , , ,
8

Welcome to The Kid’s Korner.

I decided to do this feature as I have so many great children’s books to share. From picture books, to books for beginning readers, to middle graders, I have plenty of fun ones.

Today I’m sharing a delightful tale of adventure.

~~~~~

 The Dragon Of The Month Club

  by Iain Reading

25033448

c8df8-add2bto2bgoodreads2bblack

Genre: Children’s Book / Middle Grade / Fantasy / Adventure

My Review

This was so fun. There be dragons! Just look at that fun cover.

A girl tormented by a bully hides in an old part of the library. She meets a lonely boy. Now they’re best friends. One day they come upon a strange little book about conjuring dragons. Why not try it? Practice makes perfect and soon they’ve conjured their first, a water dragon, which proceeds to soak everything. They practice some more. But, one conjuring goes wrong and they are sucked out of their world and dropped into a magical one. They have to traverse many strange places to get back home. And not everything they encounter is friendly.

I instantly liked Ayana and Tyler. Their friendship is fun and refreshing to read about. They are brave for each other and both need the other. There’s this one scene with a wish tree. Taylor’s wish is just too sweet.

And the dragons. There’s all kinds. Big and little. I think I’m partial to Vapor, the steam dragon. He sneezes steam. And Dune Buggy, the sand dragon. He’s like a large puppy. So eager to please. There’s also another one I’d love to see come to life. A paper dragon. Can you guess what he comes from? An origami dragon. That must be something to see.

The perils these kids face are real. Sharks try to eat them as they cross the ocean on Mongo, a pearangorine tree dragon. And the Great Red-Legged Scissor-Man, a creepy character from German folklore, continues to pursue them, brandishing his giant scissors.

Anyone, young or old, with a love for adventure, fantasy and dragons will have quite the adventure themselves while reading this book. The only thing that could have made this book better is if there had been colorful illustrations. That would have been thrilling. Highly recommend it.

   5  Stars

~~~~~

Synopsis

The Dragon Of The Month Club is the exciting first installment in a new book series that tells the story of Ayana Fall and Tyler Travers, two best friends who stumble across an extraordinarily magical book and soon find themselves enrolled as members of a very special and exclusive club – The Dragon of the Month Club.

On the thirteenth of every month a new dragon conjuring spell is revealed and the two friends attempt to summon the latest Dragon of the Month. The varieties are almost endless: Air Dragons, Paper Dragons, Fog Dragons, Waterfall Dragons, Rock Dragons, Tree Dragons – not to mention special bonus dragons for all the major holidays, including a particularly prickly Holly Dragon for Christmas.

But one day when a conjuring spell somehow goes wrong Ayana and Tyler find themselves unexpectedly drawn into a fantastical world of adventure based on the various books scattered all across Tyler’s messy bedroom. Traveling from one book-inspired world to the next with nothing to rely on but their wits and a cast of strange and exotic dragons at their disposal they must try to somehow find their way home again.

Drawing inspiration from some of literature’s most memorable stories – from 19th century German folktales to the streets of Sherlock Holmes’s London – the adventures of Ayana and Tyler bring these classic stories to life in delightfully strange and unexpected ways. Filled with fascinating detail and non-stop action these books will spark the imaginations of readers of all ages to inspire a life-long love of reading and seeking out books that are just a little bit off the beaten track.

Amazon

~~~~~

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways go HERE

Older Entries
Newer Entries