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The Book Cellar Mysteries #1
Walker Texas Wife
Their lives are perfect… if only from the outside.
At first glance, the residents of Herald Springs lead charmed lives. But behind the dazzling smiles and inside the large brick homes, they all have their secrets. Most are harmless, but then again Annabeth King never did quite fit in.
This newest neighbor is harboring a special secret of her own, one that could prove deadly. Will the members of the “drink and gossip” club figure out what Annabeth’s working so hard to hide before disaster comes knocking?
With Storm’s signature bitter-sweetness and Hodge’s thrilling intensity, Walker Texas Wife offers a fast-paced, addictive romp that fans of Desperate Housewives and Pretty Little Liars will find themselves falling hard and fast for. This debut in the new Book Cellar Mystery series will leave you wondering: just how well do we know our neighbors after all?
At first glance, the residents of Herald Springs lead charmed lives. But behind the dazzling smiles and inside the large brick homes, they all have their secrets. Most are harmless, but then again Annabeth King never did quite fit in.
This newest neighbor is harboring a special secret of her own, one that could prove deadly. Will the members of the “drink and gossip” club figure out what Annabeth’s working so hard to hide before disaster comes knocking?
With Storm’s signature bitter-sweetness and Hodge’s thrilling intensity, Walker Texas Wife offers a fast-paced, addictive romp that fans of Desperate Housewives and Pretty Little Liars will find themselves falling hard and fast for. This debut in the new Book Cellar Mystery series will leave you wondering: just how well do we know our neighbors after all?
358 pages, ebook
First published February 1, 2016
11 people are currently reading
125 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Hodge
13 books145 followersTwo-time USA Today Bestselling author, KM Hodge is Director of Development and Marketing by day and a mom to two growing boys by night boys, She enjoys playing board games, reading suspense and historical novels, and binge-watching Marvel shows on Disney+ with her family. #TeamScarletWitch
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
March 10, 2016
This is the first of a new series by two authors who are new to me. When I first saw the title, I was thinking of Walker, Texas Ranger. I was expecting cowboys, lawmen, and martial arts. I got something even better!
Annabeth and her husband, Marcus, moved into a small town. As with all small towns, nothing is private. The gossips and snoops thrive on any information they come across. Annabeth and Marcus have a huge secret they aren't sharing with anyone.
Vi is their next door neighbor and Brooke is her best friend. They are complete opposites ... Vi is single, cares for her disabled sister, and loves a man she has sent away. Brooke is a diva, a drama queen, married to a man with money, but her marriage is faltering because she hasn't been able to get pregnant.
Annabeth is invited by Vi to attend their book club meetings. Brooke's nose is a little out of joint because Annabeth doesn't 'fit in'. But it's way more than just a book club.
There are major crimes happening which will affect all these people. It makes you wonder ...How Well Do You Know YOUR Neighbors?
The book is extremely well written. Each chapter is told by one of the ladies. I found Annabeth to be an angry hurt woman. Vi wants to be everybody's friend, but in taking care of everyone else, she has forgotten to take care of herself. I am really torn about Brooke. She's not very likeable .. but maybe she has reasons and her attitude is nothing more than a mask. It's fast-paced, laced with danger, and people die.
WARNING: This is the first in a series and there is a big cliff hanger. Some questions are answered ... but most aren't. Next book in line is TEXAS AND TIARAS. And yes .. I'm going on a shopping spree for the others.
Many thanks to the authors / Blue Crown Press / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
Annabeth and her husband, Marcus, moved into a small town. As with all small towns, nothing is private. The gossips and snoops thrive on any information they come across. Annabeth and Marcus have a huge secret they aren't sharing with anyone.
Vi is their next door neighbor and Brooke is her best friend. They are complete opposites ... Vi is single, cares for her disabled sister, and loves a man she has sent away. Brooke is a diva, a drama queen, married to a man with money, but her marriage is faltering because she hasn't been able to get pregnant.
Annabeth is invited by Vi to attend their book club meetings. Brooke's nose is a little out of joint because Annabeth doesn't 'fit in'. But it's way more than just a book club.
There are major crimes happening which will affect all these people. It makes you wonder ...How Well Do You Know YOUR Neighbors?
The book is extremely well written. Each chapter is told by one of the ladies. I found Annabeth to be an angry hurt woman. Vi wants to be everybody's friend, but in taking care of everyone else, she has forgotten to take care of herself. I am really torn about Brooke. She's not very likeable .. but maybe she has reasons and her attitude is nothing more than a mask. It's fast-paced, laced with danger, and people die.
WARNING: This is the first in a series and there is a big cliff hanger. Some questions are answered ... but most aren't. Next book in line is TEXAS AND TIARAS. And yes .. I'm going on a shopping spree for the others.
Many thanks to the authors / Blue Crown Press / NetGalley who provided a digital copy in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.
August 2, 2016
I received a complimentary ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.
I don't usually read mysteries or thrillers--in fact, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've finished a book in either genre over the past ten years. But I've long admired K.M. Hodge for her social media presence and her involvement in online writing communities, so I was delighted to get the opportunity to sample her work.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Walker Texas Wife still managed to exceed my expectations. It's like Southern Gossip Girl for grown-ups, which is something I need in my life now that I've finished watching that show. The complex characters are wrapped in mystery from the get-go, and the story move along at just the right pace, starting off at a jog and ending in an adrenaline-pumping sprint. As soon as I finished reading the last paragraph, I wished the next book in the series was available.
I would definitely recommend this book to any avid readers of the genre, or for women like me who normally don't read thrillers. I think you'll like this one.
I don't usually read mysteries or thrillers--in fact, I could probably count on one hand the number of times I've finished a book in either genre over the past ten years. But I've long admired K.M. Hodge for her social media presence and her involvement in online writing communities, so I was delighted to get the opportunity to sample her work.
I'm not sure what I was expecting, but Walker Texas Wife still managed to exceed my expectations. It's like Southern Gossip Girl for grown-ups, which is something I need in my life now that I've finished watching that show. The complex characters are wrapped in mystery from the get-go, and the story move along at just the right pace, starting off at a jog and ending in an adrenaline-pumping sprint. As soon as I finished reading the last paragraph, I wished the next book in the series was available.
I would definitely recommend this book to any avid readers of the genre, or for women like me who normally don't read thrillers. I think you'll like this one.
March 7, 2016
Walker Texas Wife is the first book in a new series by Melissa Storm and K.M. Hodge. It's got mystery, intrigue, a hint of romance, and some serious danger going on. I quite liked it.
Annabeth and her husband Marcus are the newest residents of Herald Springs, which is a small-town filled with gossip-mongers and close-knit friends. It doesn't exactly seem like the type of place someone with a huge secret would want to live. But for Annabeth and Marcus, Herald Springs is where they feel they can settle down... for the time being.
Enter Violeta and Brooke, two best friends who seem to be complete opposites. Violeta is more of a shy, sweet, down-home kind of gal, while Brooke is high-strung and always on the go. Both become curious about their newest residents and want to find out more. Violet takes a liking to Annabeth, but Brooke immediately finds her "undesirable".
Add in the town gossip who's adamant to discover what secrets Annabeth and Marcus may be hiding, and some strange disappearances that point to a terrible crime taking place, and you've got one heck of a book. You won't want to put it down. Trust me.
I've rated Walker Texas Wife 4 stars for a fascinating plot, really well-developed characters, and the ability to make me feel a bevy of emotions with each turn of the page. It's definitely a page-turner, and I highly recommend it.
Annabeth and her husband Marcus are the newest residents of Herald Springs, which is a small-town filled with gossip-mongers and close-knit friends. It doesn't exactly seem like the type of place someone with a huge secret would want to live. But for Annabeth and Marcus, Herald Springs is where they feel they can settle down... for the time being.
Enter Violeta and Brooke, two best friends who seem to be complete opposites. Violeta is more of a shy, sweet, down-home kind of gal, while Brooke is high-strung and always on the go. Both become curious about their newest residents and want to find out more. Violet takes a liking to Annabeth, but Brooke immediately finds her "undesirable".
Add in the town gossip who's adamant to discover what secrets Annabeth and Marcus may be hiding, and some strange disappearances that point to a terrible crime taking place, and you've got one heck of a book. You won't want to put it down. Trust me.
I've rated Walker Texas Wife 4 stars for a fascinating plot, really well-developed characters, and the ability to make me feel a bevy of emotions with each turn of the page. It's definitely a page-turner, and I highly recommend it.
March 2, 2016
I couldn't wait to read this book ,not just because I got a advanced readers copy for free,in exchange for an honest review...but because this book was done in a different way of writing. This story was written by 2 authors together,and I had my doubts if it would work...well guess what? This story caught my attention from the very first pages,talking about "the incident" as the couple are driving to a new city,to start their lives over again,... This set the tone for the rest of the story. Annabeth and Marcus relocate to a small town in Texas thinking that small towns were quiet little places,where nothing exciting ever happens...but soon learn that even small towns can hold big secrets and have big city crimes...as they appear to be a normal happy couple on the outside,things take a turn for the scary surprising adventure...but can this couple handle it? Can they learn from their past mistakes,and can they recover and survive as they are falling deeper into the mystery ??? The ending has such a cliffhanger,leaving you feel so drained from the excitement of reading that you, as I, could not put the book down!!!!!! So can't wait for book 2 so I can continue the adventure.
May 3, 2016
The first book in this new series is set in Herald Springs, just outside of Austin, TX. At first glance, this little hamlet seems to have it all. Nice homes, perfect lawns the neighbors all seem to have it together. When a new couple moves in that doesn’t quite fit in with the rest of the perfect neighbors, the neighborhood busybodies are dying to find out everything they can about them. Marcus and Annabeth King really prefer to keep it that way, they do have a few secrets that they are trying to keep hidden. They are here for a reason. The neighborhood busybodies have their own little secrets that they are hiding from the public as well.
I loved the complexity of the characters and was pleasantly surprised with this novel. I sailed right through it and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, "Texas and Tiaras". I've not heard of these two authors before but they did a great collaboration with this novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blue Crown Press for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
I loved the complexity of the characters and was pleasantly surprised with this novel. I sailed right through it and I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, "Texas and Tiaras". I've not heard of these two authors before but they did a great collaboration with this novel.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Blue Crown Press for providing me with an e-galley in exchange for my honest review.
March 3, 2016
At first glance, the residents of Herald Springs lead charmed lives. But behind the dazzling smiles and inside the large brick homes, they all have their secrets. Annabeth and her husband Marcus are just moving to small town Herald Springs with secrets of their own. They are both trying to fit in with the community but some are not believing their outward bliss and start investigating the couple. Annabeth and Marcus have a very rocky relationship that seems to be getting worse.
Most of the story is about Annabeth and her attempts to fitting in to the community that Brooke lords over with an iron fist. The mystery and why they are there is not reveled until after halfway through the book. I loved Violeta and Ricky and want to know more about their story and where they go from here.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Most of the story is about Annabeth and her attempts to fitting in to the community that Brooke lords over with an iron fist. The mystery and why they are there is not reveled until after halfway through the book. I loved Violeta and Ricky and want to know more about their story and where they go from here.
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 12, 2016
I love Melissa Storms but haven’t read anything by K.H. Hodge so I was glad I was given the opportunity to read the book for an honest review. I liked the way both authors had every character fully developed and how everything mushed together. The story was intriguing and kept your attention throughout the book.
It was a great story about a small town in Texas and how not everything seems the way it looks. There are always secrets and sometimes big ones. The story goes on about several couples and their lives in the small town of Herald Springs. This is the first of a series which is good because some question are left unanswered. It’s a fast moving book but one I recommend and look forward to the next in the Book Cellar Mysteries series.
It was a great story about a small town in Texas and how not everything seems the way it looks. There are always secrets and sometimes big ones. The story goes on about several couples and their lives in the small town of Herald Springs. This is the first of a series which is good because some question are left unanswered. It’s a fast moving book but one I recommend and look forward to the next in the Book Cellar Mysteries series.
March 9, 2016
This book was a really wonderful surprise, in every way, I received the ARC for an honest review, and expected a good book... but reading was addictive (a book that you can not drop until finish) a well-constructed plot, with amazing and charming characters, friendships are forming and breaking apart, marriages with ups and downs, women with a strong exterior but with problems hidden deep in the soul.
A captivating series with mysteries and relationships to be solved in the next books... I want them in next day, it is possible Melissa and K. M?
A captivating series with mysteries and relationships to be solved in the next books... I want them in next day, it is possible Melissa and K. M?
February 6, 2017
I don't really know what I expected from Walker Texas Wife, but it was not the thrilling story that I found. The story begins with the mystery of the "incident". The characters are describe in such believable degree. However, I sometimes thought that they were living in Peyton Place. The story builds slowly until we finally learn why Marcus and Annabeth really came to Texas. Then the story takes off at a fast pace. I must admit that when I turned the last page, I was disappointed at the cliffhanger. Now I want the next book in this series. Recommended for those who like thrillers.
March 28, 2016
Annabeth and Marcus are a couple who just moved into a new town in Texas. Vi their next door neighbor becomes Annabeth's best friend but will she fit in with the others in town. Neighborhood gossip and suspicion are focus on the couple and they may not be what they seem. The book does end in a cliff hanger but will leave you wanting more. The writing in this very good and the characters are well developed. I can't wait for the next part to be released.
* I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
* I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 7, 2016
I had a really stressful week and this novel became my therapy. Couldn't wait to get back to it each day to find out what would happen next. Authors Melissa Storm and KM Hodge have woven a tale of intrigue with twists and turns that will make you dizzy. The ending is a totally frustrating cliffhanger that, as intended, has me anxiously awaiting the sequel. Fun read, you'll love these characters.
March 20, 2016
If you like suspense, you should read this book. If you like the potential of a good romance, you should read this book. If you like catty drama, then you should read this book. With characters you care about and characters you just love to hate, this quick read has a little something for everyone. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series!
March 21, 2017
First a warning to all readers. This is NOT a stand alone novel. You have to read the second book to get a conclusion to everybody's story. Something that is not mentioned anywhere. I would have liked to give the book 4 stars since the characters are well described and the stories very real. Unfortunately, there are quite a few discrepancies in the story that I just couldn't overlook; i. e. at one point Brooke is described as 'punctual' and a few pages later as 'always fashionably late'. There are more mistakes like that. However, if that doesn't bother you and you don't mind buying both books you will probably enjoy the story.
February 15, 2017
This book is about Annabeth and Marcus King. They move to a small town to get away from the hustle and bustle of the "big city". Annabeth and Marcus meet their neighbor Violeta. Annabeth likes Vi, as she likes to be called, but Vi has a bossy, snoopy friend named Brooke. Brooke is used to getting what she wants when she wants it. They, Vi and Brooke "breaks into" Annabeth and Marcus's house. They decide that they are not the loving couple they are trying to pretend to be. Little do these two ladies know really know. Annabeth and Marcus have a big fight, and Marcus gets hit by a car and ends up in the hospital. But was it an accident or not? Annabeth has to work alone without Marcus and she finds out about a sex trafficking ring in this small town. Can she stop them by herself? Does anyone else get hurt? Does Annabeth get the people responsible for the sex trafficking? Read the book to find out. I received a copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 14, 2016
*I received an arc in exchange for a review*
I don't know what this book was trying to be, romance, mystery, thriller, but I enjoyed it.
I don't know what this book was trying to be, romance, mystery, thriller, but I enjoyed it.
March 2, 2018
Walker Texas Wife - Book Cellar Myst Series Bk 1 - Written by KM Hodge and Melissa Storm
Do you really know who’s living next door?????
At first glance, the small-town residents of Herald Springs, Texas, lead charmed lives. But behind the dazzling smiles and inside the large brick homes, they all have their secrets. Most are harmless, but then again Annabeth King never did quite fit in. This newest neighbor is harboring a special secret of her own, one that could prove deadly. Will the members of the "drink and gossip" club figure out what Annabeth's working so hard to hide before disaster comes knocking?
What did I like? I think the one thing I liked the most about this book was the lead character Annabeth. She did not fit in, but she made it work and did what she had to do. Many people come up with problems like this and just walk away, of course, this is just a story, but it also shows what could be done if we just put a little effort into it. Finding herself as well as the completion of her job was just as important.
What will you like? Fast-paced action, death, drinking, missing girls and lots of self-searching. I got into this and just could not put it down, it is exciting and has some humor and a little romance that keeps the pace hopping. These girls, Hodge and Storm work well together coming up with a great read and will be looking forward to the next in this series, Texas, and Tiaras. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
Do you really know who’s living next door?????
At first glance, the small-town residents of Herald Springs, Texas, lead charmed lives. But behind the dazzling smiles and inside the large brick homes, they all have their secrets. Most are harmless, but then again Annabeth King never did quite fit in. This newest neighbor is harboring a special secret of her own, one that could prove deadly. Will the members of the "drink and gossip" club figure out what Annabeth's working so hard to hide before disaster comes knocking?
What did I like? I think the one thing I liked the most about this book was the lead character Annabeth. She did not fit in, but she made it work and did what she had to do. Many people come up with problems like this and just walk away, of course, this is just a story, but it also shows what could be done if we just put a little effort into it. Finding herself as well as the completion of her job was just as important.
What will you like? Fast-paced action, death, drinking, missing girls and lots of self-searching. I got into this and just could not put it down, it is exciting and has some humor and a little romance that keeps the pace hopping. These girls, Hodge and Storm work well together coming up with a great read and will be looking forward to the next in this series, Texas, and Tiaras. I received this from the author for an honest review with no other compensation.
July 20, 2020
No ones life is perfect but these three women have secrets upon secrets. They hide them carefully behind smiles.
As each of them go about their individual lives entwined with each other--because small towns--well everybody knows everyone else--sneeze and it will be all around town.
There is a Queen Bee--a male gossip monger--a social worker who has to take care of a disabled sister and then there is Annabeth who is a private PI but nobody knows that. She is trying to find and stop a sex ring that takes young girls. All the women have trouble with their husbands or boyfriends. AND there is a big Gala to get together!
This will definitely keep you reading and may remind you of some people you knew if you grew up in a small town!
I received this book from the author for my enjoyment and possible review.
As each of them go about their individual lives entwined with each other--because small towns--well everybody knows everyone else--sneeze and it will be all around town.
There is a Queen Bee--a male gossip monger--a social worker who has to take care of a disabled sister and then there is Annabeth who is a private PI but nobody knows that. She is trying to find and stop a sex ring that takes young girls. All the women have trouble with their husbands or boyfriends. AND there is a big Gala to get together!
This will definitely keep you reading and may remind you of some people you knew if you grew up in a small town!
I received this book from the author for my enjoyment and possible review.
May 29, 2017
WALKER TEXAS WIFE the Book Cellar Mysteries book 1 by Melissa Storm and K M Hodge. Annabelle and Marcus are both hot headed, what happened nine months ago, that keeps setting them off. They called her Ice Queen, while he had a smile that dazzled woman. A new town being invited to there little Drink and Gossip club, makes one wonder what this place is really like. What happen in the last year, then again it's been seven years since she was last kissed. This is a definite mystery story you will want to read. Both Melissa and K M have gotten you intrigued with questions of what happen and can it be resolved. Looking forward to the next book Texas and Tiaras. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
November 27, 2017
I received an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. A wonderful plot that is filled with intrigue and suspense. The author does not give anything away. I found Brooke to be annoying, the bully of the group. You either do it her way or else. Annabelle is a strong character and once you know what she is up to you are rooting for her. The ending was a big surprise, now waiting for book two to find out what is going to happen. Would recommend this to anyone who loves intrigue and suspense.
November 29, 2017
I love mysteries and this one definitely delivered. So we have a town full of people with secrets. The story starts out with Annabeth and Marcus moving to town (with their own secrets). Vi, Brooke, and Jesse make up the book review club, which is actually the wine and gossip club. Vi and Jesse quickly welcome Annabeth but Brooke, the queen bee, is suspicious. We are slowly let into the lives of the characters and their secrets are revealed. I can't wait to read Texas and Tiaras book 2. Oh, if you really like romance there is plenty in this book.
November 26, 2017
I adore a good mystery with this author teaming up with another author I have read that this grabbed me. They set the stage so well that with the characters you too feel as if you are in the club. The personalities are distinct with you will get a favorite. Drama pour in with the mystery gradually wrapping around you. As soon as you get to a certain point though the pace picks up a bit with adrenaline along with it. The way it is set up will also lead you right to the next one.
October 1, 2018
Walker Texas Wife (The Book Cellar Mysteries #1) by K.M. Hodge
I really liked this book. I can see it turning in to a really good series, because this one left so many questions unanswered. I didn't like the constant references to "the incident". I'm still not sure which incident they references, there were so many. Also, I still do not understand the title..at all. But, it is a long, detailed book with a terrific plot, so I enjoyed it.
I really liked this book. I can see it turning in to a really good series, because this one left so many questions unanswered. I didn't like the constant references to "the incident". I'm still not sure which incident they references, there were so many. Also, I still do not understand the title..at all. But, it is a long, detailed book with a terrific plot, so I enjoyed it.
April 19, 2018
This was an interesting book which kept me guessing for a while. The thing I did NOT like is the fact it is a cliffhanger, which is why I gave it 3 stars. Why authors have to write cliffhangers is beyond me, because this author's writing is good enough without them. I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
May 18, 2018
This started a bit slow and took a bit for me to get taken away by it - but success by the end I really did care about the story - loved the character of Vi and want only the best for her - for her to grow a backbone and fight for what she wants!
However, most of the other characters while interesting - My jury is still out on.
However, most of the other characters while interesting - My jury is still out on.
February 6, 2017
Kudos to Melissa Storm and K.A. Hodge for this new series!!! I loved how in depth you got into the characters, I think I am closest to Vi! Having more than one mystery and plot keeps you wanting to turn the pages! A could NOT put down book! Anxious to read the next!
May 31, 2017
I loved this book. The cast of characters was so believable. Situations were believable. I was not ready for this book to end. I wanted a solution to all the problems. Now I realize....there is a book 2. Yea! for this author.
November 30, 2019
I loved it. An action packed story of sex trafficking and murder. The first book in The Book Cellar Mysteries will keep you intrigued from the first page and then leaves you with a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next instalment. I would recommend this book.
March 3, 2020
This well-written story has everything you would want in a good and interesting read. It has an interesting mystery and intrigue going on and a nice bit of romance. It kept me thinking right through to the end The book it's funny in the right places and it keeps you wanting more.
June 11, 2017
Walker Texas Wife is the first book in The Book Cellar Mysteries written by authors Melissa Storm and K. M. Hodge. Thanks to Instafreebie and the authors for the complimentary copy.
January 1, 2018
Great book, just got better and better. loved the detail and the action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews