Posts Tagged ‘reviews’

It’s Hump Day. I think I’ll share some reviews ~ Iced and Behold!

Posted: July 26, 2017 in Cozy Mystery, Fantasy, horror, reviews
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It’s time for some Hump Day Reviews.

Got a couple of good ones for you.

Check out Behold! and Iced

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Behold! Oddities, Curiosities and Undefinable Wonders

edited by Doug Murano

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Genre: horror / fantasy/ Short Story Collection

My Review

The moment I got my greedy little hands on this book I was giddy with glee. I love the strange, unusual and creepy and this had it all.

The story has three parts, Oddities, Curiosities and Undefinable Wonders. Not wanting to risk spoilers, I’d say that sums it up nicely. Creepy gardens, gnomes, clowns, mysterious whatevers and more all await your curiosity.

There is just too much awesomeness in this collection to single out any favorites. Some of these talented authors are old friends and some are new to me. All of them are in top form, entertaining me with their various tales.

Make sure you don’t skip past the foreword. It’s a smart piece of work in itself, explaining what awaits you when you get to the meat of the book. As R.L. Stine says, “Beware. You’re in for a scare.”

Loved every bit of this book. I bet you will too. Try it and see. And remember to breathe.

5 Stars

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 I received my ARC copy of BEHOLD! from Crystal Lake Publishing. Thanks so much and thank you to these amazing authors.

Synopsis

Crystal Lake Publishing and Doug Murano, the Bram Stoker Award-nominated editor of GUTTED: BEAUTIFUL HORROR STORIES, are proud to present BEHOLD! ODDITIES, CURIOSITIES AND UNDEFINABLE WONDERS.

Slide into the spaces between the ordinary. Embrace the odd. Indulge your curiosity. Surrender to wonder. Witness as the finest talents of our time bring you tales of the strangeness at the edges of existence.

Featuring:

Clive Barker, John Langan, Neil Gaiman, Ramsey Campbell, Lisa Morton, Brian Kirk, Hal Bodner, Stephanie M. Wytovich, Erinn Kemper, John F.D. Taff, Patrick Freivald, Lucy Snyder, Brian Hodge, Kristi DeMeester, Christopher Coake, Sarah Read, and Richard Thomas.

With a foreword by Josh Malerman.

Pre-order on Amazon

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Iced

A Resort To Murder Mystery  #1

by Avery Daniels

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Genre: Mystery

 My Review

I have a fondness for cozy mysteries. They have such quirky titles and colorful covers. And there are so many themes. Food, pets, sewing, clothing and more. The theme for this book is new to me.

It’s never a dull moment for Julienne. She works at a luxurious resort as an event planner. Everything must run smoothly and last minute changes will be accommodated. Except when it’s a dead body. Somebody killed the beloved Pastor Tom. Ran him through with an ice sculpture.

Julienne had an earlier incident with the pastor so she’s suspect number one in the eyes of Detective Lawrence. If it was up to him, they need look no further for the killer.

She knows she didn’t kill the pastor and Julienne enlists the help of some friends and the sexy new neighbor to sort things out and bring the killer to justice.

Quite the mystery. There was no clear suspect. My radar pinged on one, but then I didn’t read about that person again until way further in the story. And I was wrong.

I enjoyed reading about Julienne’s personal life as much as I did the mystery. She’s fighting for her independence. Her dad thinks she should get married and have babies. And her boyfriend seems to have her future all mapped out for her. When she’s finally had enough and puts her foot down, or rather stamps it, I applauded her. I like strong female protagonists and I was with her all the way as she carved out her own life.

You don’t have to be a cozy fan to enjoy this book. It’s got lots of colorful characters, fun dialogue, and an ending that comes out of left field. It’s good clean fun.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Julienne has her ideal job as an event planner at a prestigious resort. During a luncheon event she coordinated, a renowned celebrity pastor is killed next to the buffet. All eyes turn to her as the suspect. If she wants to stay out of jail or even keep her job, Julienne needs all the help she can get to solve the crime.

She has her work cut out for her with a vengeful high school rival now reporter, the public demanding she be fired, plus family who knows what’s best for her, and a boyfriend who doesn’t understand her. She turns to friends and a new ally to uncover who wanted to put the pastor on ice.

Julienne goes undercover and investigates a local swingers group as she follows the trail of clues before they go cold. Can she gather enough suspects and motives to convince the police to widen their investigation? Can she do it before the killer sets his murderous sights on her? Will her personal life ever be as simple as unveiling a murderer?

Amazon

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

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 #16 ~ The Wishing Whale and Naughty Monster

Posted: July 5, 2017 in Children's books, reviews
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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.

I’ve got a couple of bedtime stories to share this week.

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 The Wishing Whale

  by Miks Valdbergs

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Genre: Illustrated Bedtime Story

Ages 2 – 6

Grade Level: P – 2

My Review

In Dreamland, the Wishing Whale dives deep to the bottom of the sea, plays with many fun creatures and has many fun adventures.

This one is sure to delight your little ones. I was charmed by its beautiful colored illustrations. And reading this with your child at bedtime, I can only imagine what adventures the Wishing Whale will take them on when they fall asleep. Under the sea, what wonders they will see. I was partial to the turtles.

Simply written in rhyme, it will be easy for young ones to read and will become a favorite bedtime story. The only hitches I see, and they’re good ones, are that kids will want to read it all over again before going to sleep, and you might be shopping for a stuffed whale soon.

  4  Stars

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Synopsis

If you were in dreamland what would you dream for? Read along as the wishing whale swims through the ocean surfing waves, exploring shipwrecks, jumping with dolphins, and watching birds in flight. This beautifully illustrated and rhyming children’s bedtime story is sure to delight beginner readers with colorful illustrations and easy-to-read vocabulary.

I’d dive in the deep.
I’d leap by the shore.
Just think of all the wonderful
things I’d explore.

Amazon

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Naughty Monsters

by Mia Mason

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Genre: Illustrated Rhyming Bedtime Story

Ages: 3 – 6

Grade Level: P – 4

My Review

Kids like monsters and these are some fun ones. Nothing too scary.

Stompy is a good monster and friends with the human kids. He does what he should and is kind and fun. Then a new family of monsters move in. They are smelly and mean. No fun at all. Stompy’s parents worry about him playing with the other monter’s kids, as they should. Soon Stompy changes, he’s rude and scary and the kids run away from him.

As parents, we’ve all worried about peer pressure and our kids being influenced by bad behavior.

Naughty Monsters is a cute illustrated rhyming book about kids learning to take care of themselves and not follow others when they know it’s a bad decision. The pictures are colorful and it’s written so even the youngest ones will understand its message.

A good bedtime story and just the right length to help your child to sleep.

3 Stars

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Synopsis

A little Stompy has a great family and he is a very well brought-up one. He brushes his teeth before bedtime and likes multicolored pajamas.
His family has some friends and invites them for tea during weekends. Everything goes nice and well before another monsters’ family comes to live next door.
They are very angry and badly behaving monsters. Little Stompy makes friends with new neighbors and starts to turn bad. He won’t use nice pajamas to sleep in and starts to frighten people.

This kind story will help your little monster to realize how important it is to keep evening routines and choose friends wisely.
The book is a great fit to read before bedtime. It is filled with truly amazing characters that will keep a child captivated from beginning till the end of story.

Amazon

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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

Freakin Fridays #53 ~ Spirits And Apocalyptic Nightmares

Posted: June 30, 2017 in apocalypse, Fantasy, Freakin Friday, horror, Science Fiction, thriller
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Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve got a few good ones to share today.

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After The Ending

The Ending #1

by Lindsey Fairleigh and Lindsey Pogue

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Genre: Post Apocalyptic

My Review

I enjoyed the dual points of view from best friend’s Dani and Zoe. They are far apart when the flu virus starts, killing off most of humanity. They struggle to stay in touch, traveling in two different groups, hoping to meet up later.

It was fun to follow Dani and Zoe as they try to survive and reconnect. And the groups they travel with add much to the turmoil and danger. They all need each other to survive but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their own agendas. This is my favorite part of this genre. The group dynamics. Who shines. Who falls short. And who goes homicidal. I like to pick one person I loathe and wait to see what happens to them. Sure adds to the suspense.

And while I expected to be left hanging in the end, with this being an ongoing series, I felt like it just stopped. Like it went to commercial and didn’t come back, right in the middle of the action. A good beginning and I’ll probably continue with the series as it’ll haunt me until I know what happens to who.

 3  Stars

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Synopsis

THE FIRST BOOK IN THE EMOTIONALLY CHARGED POST-APOCALYPTIC ROMANCE SERIES, The Ending.

The Virus spread. Billions died. The Ending began. We may have survived the apocalypse, but the Virus changed us.

When people started getting sick, “they” thought it was just the flu. My roommate, my boyfriend, my family…they’re all gone now. I got sick too. I should have died with them—with the rest of the world—but I didn’t. I thought witnessing the human population almost disappear off the face of the earth was the craziest thing I’d ever experience. I was so wrong. My name is Dani O’Connor, and I survived The Ending.

The Virus changed everything. The world I knew is gone, and life is backwards. We’ve all had to start over. I’ve been stripped of my home, my dreams…all that is me. I’m someone else now—broken and changed. Other survivors’ memories and emotions haunt me. They invade my mind until I can no longer separate them from my own. I won’t let them consume me. I can’t. My name is Zoe Cartwright, and I survived The Ending.

We’ve been inseparable for most of our lives, and now our friendship is all we have left. The aftermath of the Virus has stranded us on opposite sides of the United States. Trusting strangers, making sacrifices, killing—we’ll do anything to reach one another. Fear and pain may be unavoidable, but we’re strong…we’re survivors. But to continue surviving in this unfamiliar world plagued by Crazies and strange new abilities, we have to adapt. We have to evolve.

And more than anything, we have to find each other.

THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT AND LANGUAGE.

Amazon

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Paranormal Painless

by Shannon Reiger

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Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller

My Review

You know those stories that creep up on you? Where the author takes their time, slipping in subtle clues that you don’t always catch right away, and the atmosphere becomes darker and darker? I do, and I very much enjoy the slow build up as the author introduces the characters, fleshes them out so you connect with them, and then starts adding in some odd occurrences that keep you on edge. Like in a movie where the music builds and you know any second now something horrific is going to happen, you brace yourself for that moment. But it doesn’t come. Then it builds again, gets a little creepier, but doesn’t happen. You start to think it never will, and then you’re caught off guard and jump when the author yells boo. This is one of those stories. It’s edgy, suspenseful and so very creepy.

Christian Moore is a mild mannered English teacher and a self proclaimed loner. He’s got his routine and he’s content.  As such, he’s ill equipped when a strange package is left in his driveway. He opens it to find an enormous black cat with huge paws.  He brings it in out of the rain and the cat is so traumatized it won’t leave his side.  It’s odd behavior rubs off on him and he starts jumping at little noises and things moving in the corner of his vision. Soon he wonders what the cat dragged home as he becomes haunted in his own home.

So much to like in this one. Especially how Christian uses the students in his writing class. The students really like Christian and find it fun when he gives them a new assignment about ghosts and hauntings, hoping they don’t catch on that it’s really happening to him.

The cat, Pacman, is such an important part of the story. He’s one of my favorites. When reading this book, see if you pick up on something special about him.

As Christian is pushed into solving a serial killer cold case, his life changes quickly. The hauntings become the least of his worries when an act of kindness puts him in the local newspaper. Now he’s a target and those around him will suffer for it.

Such a great story. At times I smiled and laughed. Other times I felt so sad. And when things took the dark turn, I cringed, worried about these characters, and for good reason.

A slow burner but never boring, Paranormal Painless will haunt you.

5  Stars

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Synopsis

Bewildered by an unexpected, peculiar package and disturbed by its accompanying antagonistic spirits, English teacher Christian Moore is shaken from his carefully crafted, cocooned existence and catapulted into the shocking reality of an unpredictable, haunted and sometimes evil world. With his own safety and sanity at stake, he must learn to embrace the paranormal when he is confronted by the serial killer of innocent children. To survive, Christian forms unlikely alliances with once feared intruders from the supernatural realm, as well as, a mysterious man with unique insight and abilities.

Just when he thinks he has solved the mystery of his chilling visions, he is propelled into a tomb of water where he is forced to unravel the heartbreaking history buried for years within the confines of those same walls.

While helping the unfortunate, trapped souls, he is compelled to examine his own traumatic past and to risk everything he knows for a life truly worth living.

Amazon

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Ash

Wheels and Zombies #1

by M. Van

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Genre: Horror

My Review

This could be a refreshing twist for zombie fans. Our main heroine is a thirteen-year-old girl in a wheelchair. Ash is in the hospital fighting a losing battle with cancer when the world goes mad. A virus is killing people, but they rise again, rabid for human flesh. As the virus spreads through the hospital, Ash doesn’t have to worry about cancer killing her anymore. The zombies are the big worry now.

Ash is a resilient young girl, brave in the face of death, and refusing to be looked at as a weak victim. She has plenty of ideas on how to get out, to survive. And shes’ adept at reading people, which comes in handy when she discovers why the military want all of the patients on the cancer ward.

There’s lots of action, relentless zombies, and some intrigue for conspiracy fans. Not everyone is brave or good. And I was caught by surprise by a few of the characters. A clever way for the author to offer up more fodder for the zombies

I knew going in this was a novella for a continuing series, but I wasn’t too thrilled when I looked at my kindle and noticed I was 99% through the book and there was no end in sight. It ended on a zinger of a cliffhanger, but, since I enjoyed the characters, I’m encouraged to keep going.

  4 Stars

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Synopsis

Facing the zombie apocalypse in a wheelchair might prove a challenge to others. For thirteen-year-old Ash it’s just another fight for her life.

When feeling deserted and alone with the knowledge that your days are pretty much numbered, you might decide not to be pushed around anymore. But stuck in a wheelchair with the risen dead on your tail—this might prove a challenge.

Ash’s stay at a hospital that for all intents might be her last, turns into a different nightmare when a killer virus overcomes the staff and her fellow patients.

With the walking dead roaming the hospital halls, Ash has to depend on the help of an old man, and a soldier who could turn out to be the enemy to survive. She not only has to use her head, avoiding zombies, but also to stay out of the hands of a shady government agency that wants to dissect her.

Amazon

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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

Freakin Fridays #52 ~ They Came With The Snow and Eerie

Posted: June 16, 2017 in Freakin Friday, horror, reviews
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Welcome to Freaking Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

I’ve got a couple of good ones to share today.

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They Came With The Snow

by Christopher Coleman

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Genre: Horror

My Review

This is a short one. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to like.

When an explosion cuts off the residents of a small town and plunges them into an apocalyptic winter, they have no one to call for help and must rely on their own ingenuity. Do they stay where they are? Or do they brave trying to go for help and risk coming up against the strange things that wait in the snow?

I love stories set in wintry landscapes. There’s something about having to battle the elements as well as the horrors prowling in it that makes for an edgy read.

The creepy, crab things that hide in the snow, only detectable by their cold black eyes peering out of the drifts, were this horror lovers delight. Always looking for new, creative monsters to scare the crap out of me.  I think they stole the show from the characters, who didn’t really win me over. Good thing, as there’s no guarantees any will survive.

While this didn’t terrify me, it sure got the endorphins pumping. I’ll gladly read more by this author.

4  Stars

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Synopsis


When a mysterious blast goes off in a small college town, triggering a blizzard, the few survivors must decide whether to stay or leave and face the monsters who came with the snow.

Amazon

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Eerie

by Blake & Jordan Crouch

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Genre: Horror

My Review

I’ve read a bunch of Blake’s books so I was curious to read Eerie, since it’s a joint venture written with his brother Jordan.

A man reconnects with his sister and finds her trapped in her own house. An evil entity hiding under her bed won’t let her leave. And now he’s also trapped. It’s only a matter of time before they both meet a gristly end.

I was immediately sucked into this story. The characters caught my interest and for the most part I liked them. The suspense was nail biting as the scenarios got more and more precarious. What fell flat for me was the ending. It just didn’t work for me. It was a stretch for my imagination, but maybe it was just me wanting one thing and getting another.

Don’t let that deter you. You still get Blake’s quality writing and when Jordan ventures out to write on his own, I’ll be waiting.

4  Stars

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Synopsis

TRAPPED INSIDE A HOUSE

On a crisp autumn evening in 1980, seven-year-old Grant Moreton and his five-year-old sister Paige were nearly killed in a mysterious accident in the Cascade Mountains that left them orphans.

WITH A FRIGHTENING POWER

It’s been thirty years since that night. Grant is now a detective with the Seattle Police Department and long estranged from his sister. But his investigation into the bloody past of a high-class prostitute has led right to Paige’s door, and what awaits inside is beyond his wildest imagining.

OVER ANYONE WHO ENTERS

His only hope of survival and saving his sister will be to confront the terror that inhabits its walls, but he is completely unprepared to face the truth of what haunts his sister’s brownstone.

Amazon

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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

Dumpster Dying & Grilled, Chilled and Killed ~ Two Cozy Reviews and a Giveaway

Posted: May 23, 2017 in Cozy Mystery, giveaways, reviews
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Thanks for dropping by my stop on the tour for Dumpster Dying and Grilled, Chilled and Killed by Lesley A. Diehl.

I do love my cozy mysteries and these will have you in stitches.

Check out the books. Enjoy my reviews.

And don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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Dumpster Dying: Book 1 in the Big Lake Murder Mysteries

Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Creekside Publishing (December 31, 2016)
Paperback: 248 Pages E-Book 232 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0997234923
E-Book ASIN: B01MRWGBC8

My Review

The beautiful state of Florida. People are either born there, die there, retire there, or enjoy a lovely visit. For Emily Rhodes, it’s one of those, and maybe two, since she’s stuck her nose in a murder investigation.

When a prominent rancher is murdered and Emily’s friend is accused of the murder, she pulls out all the stops to prove her innocence, although there’s the risk of painting a target on her own back.

I can’t help but fall for Emily. She’s like me, no longer a spring chicken but still able to jig with the best of them. She’s salty, sassy, and no fool. Friends are very important to her, but don’t get on her bad side. She’s double tough. As Detective Lewis finds out when they tangle up in the case.

This was one laugh after another. There’s an eclectic cast of character’s and more shenanigans and manipulating going on than you can shake a stick at. And have you taken a gander at the cover art?. What a hoot! I’m a southern gal and if you put cowboy boots and a flamingo on the cover, you betcha I’m going to read that book!

Whether you love mysteries or cozy mysteries, there’s plenty to like here. And some fun moments to soften the story plot so it isn’t too dark.

And did someone ask whether there’s romance in this book? I detected some sparks flying and they weren’t from no fire.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

Emily Rhodes came to rural Florida for the cowboys, the cattle, and to do a little country two-step, not to fall head first onto a dead body in a dumpster. Ah, the golden years of retirement in the sunshine state. They’re more like pot metal to Emily, who discovers the body of the county’s wealthiest rancher in the Big Lake Country Club dumpster. With her close friend accused of the murder, Emily sets aside her grief at her life partner’s death to find the real killer. She underestimates the obstacles rural Florida can set up for a winter visitor and runs afoul of a local judge with his own version of justice, hires a lawyer who works out of a retirement home, and flees wild fires hand-in-hand with the man she believes to be the killer.

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Grilled, Chilled and Killed: Big Lake Murder Mystery
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Creekside Publishing (December 31, 2016)
Paperback: 330 pages E-Book 224 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0997234930
E-Book ASIN: B01N9GUUKU

My Review

If it ain’t one dead body it’s another, as once again Emily stumbles over one. This time it’s a contestant in the local barbecue contest. It seems someone is taking things a bit too seriously.

Detective Lewis and Emily tangle up once again as she practices her snooping skills and he sniffs around her skirt. Yep, the romantic sparks from the first book have produced a small fire. There’s no denying they’re attracted to each other, whether they like it or not.

Half the fun was reading about Lewis and Emily. I kept thinking they’d hook up. Then the author threw in a red herring named Donald. He just might upset their apple cart.

There’s plenty of distractions as Emily tries to solve the case. She straightened out one thing that was looming over her from her past. Then, another huge one came knocking on her door. Not to mention hungry gators and giant pigs.

So much in this book reminds me of me. I live in a small southern town. Tended bar at a local pub, as does Emily. And had friends from all walks of life. I felt right at home in the pages of this book and had a grand time.

I’m not going to say you can’t read this without having read the first book. The author fills you in on previous events without slowing down the plot. But I’d recommend you hit the ground running and start at the beginning. You don’t want to miss out on the fun.

4 Stars

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Synopsis

It seems as if Emily is destined to discover dead bodies. This time she finds one of the contestants at the local barbecue cook-off dead and covered in barbecue sauce in a beer cooler. She should be used to stumbling onto corpses by now and the question of who killed the guy should pique her curiosity, but Emily decides to let Detective Lewis handle this one, at least until she figures his theory of who did the deed is wrong, wrong, wrong. Lewis’ denigration of Emily’s speculations is condescending enough to stimulate her dormant snooping skills. As the two of them go on their separate paths to find the killer, Lewis’ old partner, Toby the dirty, tobacco-spitting cop interferes in the investigation leaving Lewis with the wrong man in jail. Killers, bootleggers, barbecue and feral pigs—it’s a lethal game of hide and seek in the Florida swamp.

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About Author Lesley A. Diehl



Lesley retired from her life as a professor of psychology and reclaimed her country roots by moving to a small cottage in the Butternut River Valley in Upstate New York. In the winter she migrates to old Florida—cowboys, scrub palmetto and open fields of grazing cattle, a place where spurs still jingle in the post office, and gators make golf a contact sport. Back north, the shy ghost inhabiting the cottage serves as her literary muse. When not writing, she gardens, cooks, frequents yard sales and renovates the 1874 cottage with the help of her husband, two cats and, of course, Fred the ghost, who gives artistic direction to their work. She is the author of a number of mystery series and mysteries as well as short stories. The third book in the Eve Appel murders (from Camel Press) A Sporting Murder was awarded a Readers’ Favorite Five Star Award and her short story Gator Aid a Sleuthfest (2009) short story first place. She has fired the alligator that served as her literary muse when she is in Florida and is interviewing applicants for the position.

Author Links

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Facebook

Purchase Links

Dumpster Dying – Amazon 

Grilled, Chilled and Killed – Amazon

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giveaway photo: Giveaway Banner for 42nd giveaway.png

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Participants

May 15 – The Ninja Librarian – REVIEW – Book 1, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 15 – My Journey Back –My Reading Journeys – REVIEW – Both Books, INTERVIEW*

May 16 – Queen of All She Reads – REVIEW – Both Books

May 16 – Dee-Scoveries – SPOTLIGHT

May 17 – Valerie’s Musings – REVIEW – Both Books, INTERVIEW

May 17 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT

May 18 – A Blue Million Books – GUEST POST

May 18 – Book Babble – REVIEW – Both Books

May 19 – Sleuth Cafe – SPOTLIGHT

May 19 – Bookworm Café –  GUEST POST

May 20 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW – Book 1

May 20 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – REVIEW – Both Books *

May 21 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT

May 21 – Island Confidential – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

May 22 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW – Both Books, CHARACTER GUEST POST

May 22 –StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW – Book 1

May 23 – FUONLYKNEW – REVIEW – Both Books*

May 24 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW – Book 2

May 24 – T’s Stuff – REVIEW – Book 1

May 25 – Bibliophile Reviews –  REVIEW – Both Books

May 25 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 26 – Rainy Day Reviews – REVIEW –  Both Books*

May 26 – Socrates’ Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

May 27 – Varietats2010 – REVIEW – Book 2

May 27 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW Book 1, GUEST POST*

May 28 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW Book 2*

May 28 – Cassidy’s Bookshelves – CHARACTER GUEST POST

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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

My Monday Minis Reviews #59 ~ And A One…And A Two

Posted: May 15, 2017 in Mytery/Thriller, reviews
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Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.

These are some good ones for fans of dark mysteries and thrillers. Enjoy!

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 One

Count To Ten #1

  by Jane Blythe

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Genre: Mystery / Thriller

My Review

Annabelle awakens to find her family brutally murdered and herself as the prime suspect in Detective Xavier Montague’s investigation. But all is not as it appears and the detective soon finds himself falling for her as a crazed killer remains at large.

The author takes you to the dark side in this macabre murder mystery. Her main character’s, Annabelle and Xavier are genuine, flaws and all. And the killer is not easily identified and has a motive you won’t see coming.

From the beginning, I was sucked right in. Annabelle is the obvious suspect for her families brutal murder. How could she sleep through the events? But it isn’t long before the detective investigating the case has doubts. It seems Annabelle might have been drugged. And his hunch may be right as more fall victim to a sadistic killer.

The investigation kept me burning the midnight oil. Anxious to see who the killer was and what his twisted motive was in leaving one victim alive as he killed more families.

As I came to know Annabelle and Xavier my curiosity about them grew. Why did Annabelle feel unlovable and what haunted Xavier from his past?

Fans of reality based crime shows and fictional ones like Criminal Minds will love this pulse pounding thriller.

  4 Stars

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Synopsis

Did she murder her family or is she being set up?

A couple, their two teenage sons, and seven year old daughter are all slaughtered in their beds. The only survivor is oldest daughter, Annabelle.

Detective Xavier Montague is intrigued by Annabelle even though he knows he shouldn’t be. His attraction to her will force him to make the ultimate choice, a life and death decision, that could let a psychotic murderer walk free.

** All my books contain issues of sexual assault **

Amazon

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 Two

Count To Ten #2

  by Jane Blythe

34841667

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Genre: Mystery / Thriller

 My  Review

Sofia Everette may be physically week, as she’s bound to a wheelchair because of an unknown illness, but she’s mentally strong and capable. This causes her domineering father to disown her. After a woman’s body is found on the families estate and someone starts picking off members of the Everette family, Sofia must dig deep to figure out the killer’s motive before more die.

This is a dark one, indeed. And the list of suspects is large, as most of them could be from the Everette family itself. A tribe of entitled sycophants, not one of them is worthy of the title, human. They’re all capable of murder and have motives. Talk about a perverted, dysfunctional family.

Sofia is intriguing. She’s not physically strong, but she has a sharp intellect and a fierce determination to be independent. But will that be enough to save her as the killer gets closer?

Used to seeing the darkest sides that humanity has to offer, seasoned Detective Xavier Montague is tested as he races to catch the killer while the bodies pile up.

Brace yourselves for impact as the author deftly drops you down the rabbit hole, has you stumbling in the dark, and finally releases you back into the light with a thrilling finale.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Before the sun rises, another will die.

A woman is found murdered on the grounds of the powerful Everette family’s estate. Then someone begins methodically killing off members of the Everette family one by one.

Detective Ryan Xander’s only inroad to the secretive family is Sofia Everette. Shunned by her father for her refusals to obey him, and battling a mysterious illness, Sofia’s childhood dreams may be the key to saving her life and stopping the killer from exterminating the entire Everette clan.

** All my books contain issues of sexual assault **

Amazon

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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

My Monday Minis #58 ~ Ararat and Origin ~ Scary is as scary does

Posted: May 1, 2017 in horror, Monday's Minis, thriller
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Welcome to My Monday Minis where I share short reviews about books I’ve read.

It appears the devil is running loose on fuonlyknew. I just read two books that pertain to Satan. They both have similar and then not so similar plots and both scared me but good.

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 Ararat

  by Christopher Golden

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Genre: Horror / Thriller

My Review

So the story goes….An avalanche on Mount Ararat opens a fissure, revealing what could be Noah’s Ark. People go in the fissure. Inside the ancient ship is a sarcophagus. Inside it is something not human. A grotesque withered figure with horns.  People start experiencing hallucinations and nightmares. Could the thing be a demon? Could it’s evil be tainting the cavern and everyone in it? Once people start disappearing and dying, one thing is certain. Whatever it is, it doesn’t want them to leave.

Best thing about this one was how quickly you get thrown into the intrigue. The character’s are well fleshed out and the atmosphere builds. I found myself thinking about this scenario. What if it did happen. What would I do.

I’m also always drawn to frozen settings. It isn’t bad enough that something is trying to kill you. Throw in the frozen tundra and things get much worse.

A quick start and nonstop intrigue and action made this a very fast read. I finished it in one sitting.

  4 Stars

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Synopsis

When a newly engaged couple climbs Mount Ararat in Turkey, an avalanche forces them to seek shelter inside a massive cave uncovered by the snow fall. The cave is actually an ancient, buried ship that many quickly come to believe is really Noah’s Ark. When a team of scholars, archaeologists, and filmmakers make it inside the ark for the first time, they discover an elaborate coffin in its recesses. The artifact tempts their professional curiosity; so they break it open. Inside, they find an ugly, misshapen cadaver—not the holy man that they expected, a hideous creature with horns. A massive blizzard blows in, trapping them in that cave thousands of meters up the side of a remote mountain…but they are not alone.

Amazon

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 Origin

  by J.A. Konrath

6414121

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Genre: Horror / Techno Thriller

 My  Review

So, back in the early 1900s something is discovered. The powers that be decide we shouldn’t know about it and the secret is passed on from President to President.

Finally, after over 100 years of studying their discovery, it recently woke up.  New people are drawn into the big secret and things quickly get out of control.

I found myself very intrigued by the plot. It would be awful to be trapped underground with something ancient and evil through and through. As the characters fall for it’s trickery, they meet some bloody ends.

I’d love to see this as a movie. The action is relentless and the author pulls no punches when throwing horrific things in your path. Watch out for ceiling vents and corners. You never know what’s waiting to jump out at you.

Chilling reading served up just the way I like it.

4 Stars

Synopsis

Thriller writer J.A. Konrath, author of the Lt. Jack Daniels series, digs into the vaults and unearths a technohorror tale from the depths of hell…

1906 – Something is discovered by workers digging the Panama Canal. Something dormant. Sinister. Very much alive.

2009 – Project Samhain. A secret underground government installation begun 103 years ago in New Mexico. The best minds in the world have been recruited to study the most amazing discovery in the history of mankind. But the century of peaceful research is about to end.

Because it just woke up.

Book Description

When linguist Andrew Dennison is yanked from his bed by the Secret Service and taken to a top secret facility in the desert , he has no idea he’s been brought there to translate the words of an ancient demon.

He joins pretty but cold veterinarian Sun Jones, eccentric molecular biologist Dr. Frank Belgium, and a hodge-podge of religious, military, and science personnel to try and figure out if the creature is, indeed, Satan.

But things quickly go bad, and very soon Andy isn’t just fighting for his life, but the lives of everyone on earth…

ORIGIN by J.A. Konrath
All hell is about to break loose. For real.

Amazon

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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

Saturday Screams #32 ~ Razorbacks and What Lurks Below

Posted: April 8, 2017 in horror, reviews
Tags: , , , ,
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22043497  32731591

Welcome to my Saturday Screams.

I love horror and got some good ones for ya today!

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 Razorbacks

by George S. Mahaffey, Jr.

22043497

Genre: Horror

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My Review

A long time ago I watched a movie called Razorback. It was about a killer wild boar. If you’ve never seen one, I can tell you from experience, having been treed by one, that they can get up to 500 lbs or larger, with huge tusks, the better to gore you with.

A man and his son risk driving through a dust storm and wind up in the middle of a huge pileup. Dead and injured people are strewn around and blood is all over the place.  As the storm worsens, it brings something with it. A pack of wild boars, with an uncommonly large leader. They smell the blood and close in for the easy pickings. There’s no place to hide, so the survivors must get creative. As if they really stand a chance against these killing machines.

The author wastes no time, putting you right in the middle of a bloody hunt. From there you go on to meet a father and his son. They have quite a twisted story of their own. Once things got bad, the boy really stepped up but I had doubts about the father. Soon it doesn’t matter, as they can’t find these things off by themselves.

One plan after another goes wrong. It gets pretty gory, I’m telling you. Sad that some characters I thought a lot of were killed off quickly. Others took a while to meet their bloody ends.

And the wild boar. Whoa…were they soemething else. Ever seen the movie Hannibal? That scene with the man eating pigs gives you a good picture of what they can do. No cute little piggies in these pages.

Great start, genuine characters, and some mean ass animals. It’s all good. And I liked the ending. Kind of a nod to into the sunset.

   4 Stars

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Synopsis

A terrible pile-up on a deserted West Texas highway. A massive dust-storm cutting off communications and obscuring visibility. A father, his estranged son, and a small band of survivors marooned, waiting for help, unaware of the things that are out in the dust, waiting, watching, drawn by the scent of blood.

Amazon

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 What Lurks Below

Hell Holes #1

by Donald Firesmith

32731591

Genre: Horror

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My Review

I love unexplained acts of nature. Makes for such a chilling plot. When holes start appearing in the Arctic Circle , a team of experts is sent to investigate. Once they arrive, things get worse as more holes appear. And then something straight out of Hell crawls out. A horde of otherworldly creatures that have only one thing in mind. Killing mankind. With nowhere to run, the team seeks shelter in an old station. But the horde won’t be denied, and like an octopus with a sealed bottle full of yummy bait, they will find a way in.

I was almost rubbing my hands together in twisted anticipation before I started this one. Mysterious holes appearing. Something beyond imagining crawls out. The fate of mankind hangs in the balance. Oh yeah. I knew I had to read this book.

There’s a mixed bag of character’s. Ones you come to like and respect and some not so much. The author doesn’t seem to mind killing off either one. Keeps you on edge when things get down and dirty. Which doesn’t take long at all.

The story is strong and there’s a sub plot that makes things even more interesting. Also, the blend of science fiction and horror leaves the story wide open for the author to go in many different directions.

The ending. Well, it’s an end, but also a cliff hanger. That’s because this is really the beginning of something much bigger. I’ll be grabbing the next one immediately. Got a good feeling about this series.

   4  Stars

This book is free on Amazon right now. Click on the cover if you want to grab a copy.

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Synopsis

When hundreds of huge holes mysteriously appear overnight in the frozen tundra north of the Arctic Circle, they threaten financial and environmental catastrophe should any more open up under the Trans-Alaska Pipeline or any of the many oil wells and smaller pipelines that feed it. An oil company sends a scientific team to investigate. But when the geologist, his climatologist wife, two of their graduate students, a local newspaper reporter, an oil company representative, and a field biologist arrive at one of the holes, they discover a far worse danger lurks below, one that threatens to destroy all of humanity when it emerges, forcing the survivors to flee south towards Fairbanks.

Free On Amazon

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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 Kid’s Korner #9 ~ My Fingerpaint Masterpiece and Goodnight Moon

Posted: April 5, 2017 in Children's books, reviews
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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’s books are a couple of fun children’s rhyming books.

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My Fingerpaint Masterpiece

by Sherrill S. Cannon

Illustrations by Kalpart

Age Range: 6 – 8  years

Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Art / Rhyming

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My Review

This is such a delightful book.

A young girl does a fingerpainting and doesn’t get it done. On the way home from school, the wind tears it from her hands and it ends up mixed in with some other paintings at am art dealer’s store.  She’s quite surprised when she sees her painting on display at the mall. People gather around it, each with a different idea of what it portrays.

I have some watercolor pictures that my son did as a little guy. They hang on the wall in my living room and many people see something different. There are even a couple where I see some different each time I look at them.

When the girl tries to explain to people that it’s not a real painting, just somethings he did in art class at school, they don’t believe her. No one wanted to look silly.

The book is told from the child’s perspective and it’s never explained whether it’s a boy or a girl. I guessed a girl and wrote my review as such. I like this clever idea. Boys and girls will connect with the character in their own way.

A cute little story with a sweet, funny ending. The illustrations are colorful and fun. And I bet your little ones will want to dip their fingers in paint and create their own masterpiece after reading this book.

5  Stars

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Synopsis

Synopsis:
Have you ever seen a “work of art” worth millions, which looks like something your child just brought home from school?

The dual perspective of “Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder” and just a little bit of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” is evident in this clever artwork story of a child who paints a fingerpaint print in class and then loses it in the wind on the way home.

Illustrated from the point of view of a child, whose identity is left to the imagination of the reader since all of the illustrations are what the child sees, the fingerpaint print is interpreted by official “judges” as well as by bystanders. Should people be influenced by what others see, or use their own self-esteem to make their own judgments?

This is the sixth rhyming children’s book by this award-winning author, whose other bestselling books include Manner-Man, Gimme-Jimmy, The Magic Word, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, and Santa’s Birthday Gift.

Amazon

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Goodnight Moon

by Margaret Wise Brown

Pictures by Clement Hurd

Grade Level: P-P  / Age Range: 0 – 4 years

Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Rhyming

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My Review

I bet most households have a copy of this book. My mother read it to me when I was very young. The pictures are so vivid and the rhyming is such fun.

I don’t have my original copy but I do have two that I picked up when I came across them in book stores. And I still smile as I look at the pictures and read the rhymes aloud.

Such a lovely bedtime story. A classic that never gets old and all ages will enjoy.

5  Stars

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Synopsis

In a great green room, tucked away in bed, is a little bunny. “Goodnight room, goodnight moon.” And to all the familiar things in the softly lit room — to the picture of the three little bears sitting on chairs, to the clocks and his socks, to the mittens and the kittens, to everything one by one — the little bunny says goodnight.

In this classic of children’s literature, beloved by generations of readers and listeners, the quiet poetry of the words and the gentle, lulling illustrations combine to make a perfect book for the end of the day.

Amazon

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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

Freakin Fridays #48 ~ Mr. Monster

Posted: March 17, 2017 in audible, Freakin Friday, horror, reviews
Tags: , , , , ,
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Welcome to Freakin Fridays, where I share my reviews of books that scare you, thrill you, and get those endorphins pumping.

TITLE: Mr. Monster: John Cleaver #2

AUTHOR: Dan Wells
NARRATOR: Kirby Heyborne
PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio
PUBLICATION DATE: September 22, 2010
FORMAT: Unabridged Audiobook
LENGTH: 9 hrs.
GENRE: Horror
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My Review

The story picks up about a month after John killed the demon that stalked their town. He’s having a tough go of it.

You see, John has unnatural urges. Urges to torture and kill.  He has a set of rules that he follows to stop himself from acting on them. After killing the deem, those urges are building. He’s tasted death and fights to stick to his rules.

So he burns. He burns things to feed Mr. Monster, the thing inside him. It works, kind of. At least after he burns something he can go home. Go to bed. But then the nightmares start. “When he wasn’t using his mind, Mr. Monster was.” And the monster had him killing.

Now, something is killing again. And it’s not John. Perhaps John can let Mr. Monster out to play. Hunt and kill again.

Oh boy. I was only five chapters in and the suspense was really revving up. A school bully pushes John’s buttons and he pushes back. His mother hovers, reminding him to keep his rules. Questioning him constantly about how he feels. The FBI agent from before calls him in repeatedly to repeat his story about the killings from the winter before. An unassuming man with lots of questions.  And Brook. The beautiful neighborhood girl his mom insists he drive to school. She strains his ability to keep his rules.

When John’s sister, Lauren, who never comes to visit, shows up for dinner on Mother’s Day with a boyfriend in tow, things get very interesting. He’s a bully, loud and abrasive in his comments. Downgrading Lauren all the time. It was chilling to listen to John’s thoughts on what he’d to to the guy. After listening to the idiot go on and on, I agreed with some of those ideas myself.

It caught my attention when it became apparent that John’s mother was fighting some thoughts of her own. She clearly was upset by the guys treatment of her daughter. There’s one scene where she used one of John’s rules for herself, and made me laugh…and wonder about her.

And there’s the cat. It wouldn’t leave a warehouse John had targeted to burn down. Rule One kept him from it. Don’t harm animals. Every time he went to burn the building, the cat was there. It didn’t leave, no matter how long he waited. What’s up with that cat?

There is so much suspense. I wondered if John would give in to Mr. Monster. And if one of the people that was causing him so much grief would be a victim. They say many kids that show sociopathic tendencies never act on them. Will John be able to resist. He’s already killed once. And listening to his thoughts, I  can’t see him fighting the urges for much longer.

Chilling, in parts very disturbing, yet also fascinating, I loved being inside Johns’ head again. I couldn’t wait to find out what he’d do and to who. The fact that the author took this story into such a dark place without using profanity or sex earned my high regard.

  5  Stars

Narrator Kirby Heyborne

This second story about John Cleaver has a new narrator. I was impressed by Kirby. He did an excellent job portraying all of these characters, sounding convincing as a woman or a man, and adjusting for their ages. He drew me in, and it felt like I was watching a movie without looking at the screen. I watched the movie for I Am Not A Serial Killer: John Cleaver Book One, and that gave me lots to draw upon. Well done, Kirby.

Thanks so much to Tantor Audio for a complimentary copy. My review is voluntarily given.

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Synopsis

I killed a demon. I don’t know if it was really, technically a demon, but I do know that he was some kind of monster, with fangs and claws and the whole bit, and he killed a lot of people. So I killed him. I think it was the right thing to do. At least the killing stopped.

Well, it stopped for a while.

In I Am Not a Serial Killer, John Wayne Cleaver saved his town from a murderer even more appalling than the serial killers he obsessively studies.

But it turns out even demons have friends, and the disappearance of one has brought another to Clayton County. Soon there are new victims for John to work on at the mortuary and a new mystery to solve. But John has tasted death, and the dark nature he used as a weapon—the terrifying persona he calls “Mr. Monster”—might now be using him.

No one in Clayton is safe unless John can vanquish two nightmarish adversaries: the unknown demon he must hunt and the inner demon he can never escape.

Amazon / Tantor

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I’ve listened to and reviewed I Am Not A Serial Killer, the first in the John Cleaver series.

Click HERE to read my review.

Amazon / Tantor

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Author Dan Wells

Dan Wells is an American horror fiction writer and the author of the John Cleaver series. He is a graduate of Brigham Young University, earning his bachelor’s degree in English with a writing and editing emphasis. He currently resides in Orem, Utah, with his wife and four children.

Narrator Kirby Heyborne

Kirby Heyborne is an accomplished actor, musician, and comedian who has received a number of Audiofile Earphones Awards for his audiobook narrations. He has had starring roles in over a dozen features and many short films. Kirby is also a cofounder and director of the Los Angeles-based improv comedy group The Society.

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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

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