All families have secrets. Garry Flynn believes he has grown up in a perfect family until on his mother’s deathbed, reveals a lifelong secret. Garry b All families have secrets. Garry Flynn believes he has grown up in a perfect family until on his mother’s deathbed, reveals a lifelong secret. Garry becomes obsessed with the revelation and sets out on a quest that takes him and his family into a world as foreign to him as the idea that he isn’t who he thought he was
Seeking truth doesn’t always give us the answers we hoped to find, and sometimes, it can be downright dangerous.
I gave this book, three stars because I found it rather slow paced and stretched the credibility factor. You, may, however, love the unusual twists and turns.
It’s bad enough when Julie finds out her husband Paul, after twenty years of marriage, has been cheating on her. But, when, shortly after that little It’s bad enough when Julie finds out her husband Paul, after twenty years of marriage, has been cheating on her. But, when, shortly after that little revelation, she discovers him dead in their bed and becomes the prime suspect – a cheating spouse is the least of her worries. Somewhat predictable, but a fun, fast read....more
Scuba divers discover a coin from an ancient shipwreck with an unusual marking – a hole. When they find out the coin may be connected to a 30-year-oldScuba divers discover a coin from an ancient shipwreck with an unusual marking – a hole. When they find out the coin may be connected to a 30-year-old murder and the suspicious death of another, they find themselves in deeper and the increasingly troubled “waters,” of murder, political corruption, and sunken treasure.
Reminiscent of the old detective novels, Blood in the Water, set in the Atlantic off the Florida coastline, is a fun, face-paced whodunit, A most enjoyable read. ...more
Book two in this duet by Trisha Wolfe starts where the first one left on, only more intense!. London has been transformed, forever changed. Graham is Book two in this duet by Trisha Wolfe starts where the first one left on, only more intense!. London has been transformed, forever changed. Graham is on the run, and she can't stay away. So entwined, it's as if they are one. London is no longer an observer. Her desire for Graham takes over everything and becomes not his only his "soul mate," but a willing participant.
This dangerous, erotic, thriller will take you on a wild, dark ride.
You ’ve heard it said when the right or wrong two people come together – it is combustible. And boy, does Wolfe deliver in this erotic, psychological You ’ve heard it said when the right or wrong two people come together – it is combustible. And boy, does Wolfe deliver in this erotic, psychological thriller.
London, a licensed psychologist with a penchant for helping criminal, has found herself way out of her safe zone when she meets a serial killer named Grayson Sullivan. The chemistry between them is instantaneous, dangerous, captivating, alluring, and combustible.
"I'm not afraid of what lies beyond the blackness. I know what's there lurking, waiting. Threatening. I am afraid that once I set the truth free, I'll lose the rest of my humanity."
Book one of a duet, Born Darkly is a twisted, dark, erotic, sexy, and spell bounding, and erotic thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat, and breathless, and uneasy.
Description: The story of Todd a wealthy, Real Estate Entrepreneur and Developer and Jodi, a stay-at-home, part-time psychologist and their 20-year “m Description: The story of Todd a wealthy, Real Estate Entrepreneur and Developer and Jodi, a stay-at-home, part-time psychologist and their 20-year “marriage.” Although everyone who knows them believes and treat them as a married couple, even addressing her as Mrs. Gilbert, they are not. A suspenseful trip through the slow disintegration of “marriage,” the revelation of secrets and the dangers of being ‘silent’ in an uneven relationship.
Plot: The murder of the husband is alluded to in the very beginning but things are never as they appear and this book is no different. The plot centers on the psychological aspects of the main characters, their “marriage’” and the choices they make. The plot is believable, yet, almost predictable. The deep-dark secrets, of both Todd and Jodi, are revealed in a drip-drip of suspense, culminating in the evitable with a twist.
Characterization: The characters were well developed but over time. Told in differing points of view, bit by bit, the author reveals what drives Jodi to be the calm, “Stepford Wife” and why in spite of degrees lining her walls, she limits the number of patients she counsels. Todd is presented as a typical philandering husband- not easy to like. There's more to him, as we learn throughout the book, but not enough to make me like him. If I’m honest, I didn’t find either character, although compelling, exciting. I wanted to kick both of them and say, “Are you and idiot! Wake up!”
Setting: Chicago. The beautiful, expensive condo, central to the story is well described and reveals if you’re paying attention, much about Jodi.
Other: To me, foreshadowing played a significant role in how this author told her story. It was like peeling an onion, leaving scraps of skin lying about for the reader to pick up. Although I thought it was masterfully done, I figured out the ending, mid-way through.
Overall: An excellent psychological and suspenseful novel. I love stories that help reveal what makes us tick and explore the dark side that is within all of us. The characters although irritating at times, were well developed and kept me guessing what they would do next. The book was entertaining and a quick read.
Four Stars: I gave it four stars for two reasons: First, I found the changing POV’s at times, a bit jolting at times. Perhaps it was the transitions, as I on several occasions had to go back, review a few paragraphs to understand. Secondly, in places, I found the dialogue tags, noticeable and in some instances, pulled me away from the conversation. However, those are minor. The Silent Wife is a good book, and I highly recommend it. ...more
In The Line of Duty. Book 7 of the Detective Knight Series by Carolyn Arnold was my first to read in the series. Although, it's book seven in the seriIn The Line of Duty. Book 7 of the Detective Knight Series by Carolyn Arnold was my first to read in the series. Although, it's book seven in the series, it's an excellent stand-alone mystery, too.
Detective Madison Knight is a character that sucks you in immediately to her world as a police detective, and the emotional turmoil both inside and outside of the police station when a fellow officer and friend is senselessly gunned down.
Ms. Arnold gives us not only an inside look at what the men and women in blue do to keep us safe but makes us feel the roller coaster of emotions they face when the worst happens.
The story is complicated, involving many players, and requires a bit of concentration to keep all of the characters and follow the thread of their stories to the truth, but it’s a trip worth taking.
I’ve always respected the men and women who work so diligently to keep us safe day in and day out and now, having gotten a glimpse into what it likes for those who wear the uniform, I respect each one of them, even more.
If you love police procedurals mysteries, you will enjoy, In The Line of Duty. ...more
Crime, murder mysteries, and psychological thrillers are my favorite genre and Gillean Campbell’s book, Predictable Violence, did not disappoint.
For mCrime, murder mysteries, and psychological thrillers are my favorite genre and Gillean Campbell’s book, Predictable Violence, did not disappoint.
For most of us, our lives are guided by our life experiences, good or bad. It is the same for the main character, Detective Mackenzie (Mack) Anderson. Having lost her husband and daughter in a horrible tragedy, she is compelled to help prevent such pain for others. Faced with a triple homicide once again, involving children revives the ghosts of her painful past and a determination to find the killer.
You feel an immediate connection to this strong, yet, vulnerable character as she pursues justice for the victims. Her sidekick and guardian, Sigurd is another pleasant character that adds depth to the story.
The murder mystery is fast paced and keeps you guessing (for the most part). If fast-paced psychological thrillers are your thing, pick up Predictable Violence; it’s a good read. ...more
Description: A sequel to Marred. Cleaved starts out with a bang!
Sage is a crime writer married to Sheriff Niko Quintana who soon discovers the sleepyDescription: A sequel to Marred. Cleaved starts out with a bang!
Sage is a crime writer married to Sheriff Niko Quintana who soon discovers the sleepy little town they moved to after Sage lost her twin sister to a killer, isn’t sleepy at all. Instead, he finds himself knee-deep in snow surrounded by a serial killer’s victims impaled to trees by deer antlers; others sealed in steel oil drums – all with their left hand cut off and the King of Hearts attached to each. As Niko’s focus stay with the investigation, he brushes off his wife’s concerns until the killer turns his sights on Sage and their young son, Noah. Sue does an excellent job of developing these characters. These are characters you come to know and care for very deeply. A thriller packed with psychological intrigue, twists, and OMG moments. A page-turner you won’t be able to put down....more
When I read the first sentence, “Evelyn’s first murder was an accident,” captured me instantly. Evelyn Marsh is an upstanding housewifA Fun Quick Read
When I read the first sentence, “Evelyn’s first murder was an accident,” captured me instantly. Evelyn Marsh is an upstanding housewife, well liked, respected, and a gentle soul; “she wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Only, the first glimpse into Evelyn Marsh is just scratching the surface of who she is.
The storyline is an intriguing take on the betrayed lover, revenge, and one’s idea of how justice, or perhaps, karma is defined and carried out. A quick and fun read for those of you who like this genre.
NOTE: I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Easter Make Believers by Finn Bell is one of the most provocative thrillers, I have read in a while. Set in New Zealand the story revolves around The Easter Make Believers by Finn Bell is one of the most provocative thrillers, I have read in a while. Set in New Zealand the story revolves around the home invasion of a family by a gang of drug lords. All but one of the gangsters are killed by police, but not before the father is taken, hostage. Unable to explain the why Detectives Nick and Tobe set out to find the answers and rescue the father before it is too late.
Through snow, floods, and ancient gold mines Finn Bell does a masterful job unraveling the mystery and in the process leaves you contemplating some weighty issues. What happens when bad things happen to good people? How strong is the love between a parent and child? And, is there really justice under the law? You will be thinking about this book long after the last sentence. ...more
If you don’t like insects, have an aversion to spiders or roaches, or ants – get ready to have the hibbie-jibbies and a few sleepless night. Invasive,If you don’t like insects, have an aversion to spiders or roaches, or ants – get ready to have the hibbie-jibbies and a few sleepless night. Invasive, by Chuck Wendig, a New York bestselling author is both fascinating and terrifying. Not only, does this story prey upon one of our most common phobias, but takes us to another place of fear – a whole different type of weapon.
When we look at a genetic manipulation, we cross the line into playing God. Sometimes, good deeds that start out with a spark of curiosity or a desire to do good, to help, sparks something else – a sense of power and power corrupts. Sometimes curiosity disguised as science does kill the cat....more
Nearly, two decades after Tessa Cartwright was discovered in a pile of bones, clinging to life, she finds herself haunted by the memories of the othe Nearly, two decades after Tessa Cartwright was discovered in a pile of bones, clinging to life, she finds herself haunted by the memories of the other girls, and the fate of the man put away as the Black-Eyed-Susan killer. Her doubts grow as more and more as she discovers the flowers planted outside of her home, repeatedly. As the man's execution draws near, Tessa teams up with defense attorneys to help prove his innocence.
A story about trauma, betrayal, friendship, psychology, and a psychotic killer; the Black-Eyed-Susan will keep you guessing until the end....more
I love a good mystery, especially when it involves solving a cold-case. When a murder forty years later points back to the cold-case, it gets super inI love a good mystery, especially when it involves solving a cold-case. When a murder forty years later points back to the cold-case, it gets super interesting. Based in the South, the story revolves around one family, a tight-knit community where everyone has a secret, prejudices are part of the community, and a smart, independent, disabled girl starts unraveling the secrets in an attempt to solve both murders and keep the wrong man (black) from being charged. I found it difficult to follow who was who throughout most of the book and I found the frequent repetition of the characters, always with two names, distracting. I also, felt as if the author was trying to cover all the bases (so to speak). Disability, mixed relationships, prejudices between the races, domestic violence, police misconduct, cross-dressing, and on and on. The story had great potential and I enjoyed the mystery but did not feel satisfied at the end...more
Big things come in small packages, and Dialogue Dynamics is the perfect example. I don’t know why it took me so long to find this jewel. Dialogue DynaBig things come in small packages, and Dialogue Dynamics is the perfect example. I don’t know why it took me so long to find this jewel. Dialogue Dynamics is the first book I’ve read in, The Write it Right Series, but it will not be the last.
Writing dialogue is one of the more challenging things writers do. This book breaks it down into bite size pieces with excellent examples. The author discusses the purpose, the elements, punctuation, and presentation of dialogue in a succinct and to the point manner.
Only 72 pages, this an easy to read, Dialogue Dynamics is an excellent reference guide for how to write believable and dynamic dialogue. This book is one of those resources every writer ought to have on their shelves. ...more
What started out as an afternoon of fun, turned into Rachel Jenner's worst nightmare. One minute her son is with her on the familiar trail, the next What started out as an afternoon of fun, turned into Rachel Jenner's worst nightmare. One minute her son is with her on the familiar trail, the next he is gone. Insecure and hurt from a recent divorce, Rachel is thrust into a world of angry outsiders, the hounding media, and a suspicious force of investigators. Told in multiple POV, it is easy to understand the desperation, anger, and fear of the parents. When her sister, Nicole shows up on the scene, you feel the tension and foreshadowing of something more that will turn Rachel's world upside down. I'll admit, I didn't see the twist coming. The only drawback for me was the psychotherapy sessions with the primary detective, sprinkled throughout the story. I was never clear on why this was a necessary part of the story. I think the picture of what the detective was feeling was perhaps already explained or could have been in a couple of paragraphs. All in all, I liked the book. I found it intense and a quick read. It was a parent's worst nightmare....more
Usually, I post my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. You can find them easy enough by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. However, once in a wUsually, I post my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. You can find them easy enough by clicking on the tab at the top of this page. However, once in a while a book comes along that deserves a stand-out review. Kill Someone by Luke Smitherd, is one of those books. Although, typically not her genre, my sister, Jean Cogdell @ Jeanswriting.com, recommended and shared her copy. "You have to read this book," she said.
It wasn't a hard sell, for those of you who've read many of my stories, the title grabbed me immediately.
This book captured my attention from the first page. I couldn't put it down. I often said rhetoric is easy, "I'd never...." You fill in the blank. The truth is no one knows what they would do in any given circumstance. When the rubber meets the road, things take on a whole new meaning. Now, imagine being presented with two options, one horrifying and the other worse. What would you do if you, plain, old ordinary you had to kill a random stranger in order to save the lives of five others? Of course, the choice is never that simple. There are always caveats.
This is the predicament the protagonist, Chris Summer faces when two strangers show up on his doorstep in the wee hours of the morning. The minute he opened the door, his life changed. You've heard the old saying, "nothing is free." Well, nothing means nothing, including our decisions. Chris discovers this the hard way.
The author takes us on the journey with Chris and, I gotta tell you, I felt the struggle Chris felt. You cannot read this book without asking every other page, "What would I do? Could I?"
The characters are extremely well-developed. The sinister man in white, the scary, silent man in black, and Chris. With each sentence, you feel his breathless sense of hopelessness, panic, the sweat on his brow and the sleepless nights. You feel his struggles in every one of his decisions, and you don't know which way you want him to go - either option sends a chill down your spine.
I didn't see the ending coming As the author tied up loose ends, I found myself, once again, saying - "Well, damn."
If you like psychological thrillers, Kill Someone is the book that will stay with you for a long time. It's worth noting, this story has gotten the author noticed. Huffington Post said, "Luke Smitherd: A Writer To Look Out For In 2017."
Full Disclosure, I received this book free for an honest review.
Description: Set in New Zealand, Finn Bell wants to start over or end it all. He just Full Disclosure, I received this book free for an honest review.
Description: Set in New Zealand, Finn Bell wants to start over or end it all. He just hasn’t decided. Neither his cottage, the place, nor the people are not what they seem.
Set in New Zealand, Finn Bell loses everything including the ability to walk; he decided to buy a cottage in the harbor town of Riverton. He thinks hiding away in an isolated cottage until he figures things out or ends it all will work. However, he hadn't expected the people of Riverton to be so welcoming, or, for that matter, becoming a threat to his crazy neighbors. Suddenly, he finds himself thrust into the middle of a decades-old murder investigation, fighting for his life and his sanity.
The characters were well developed. Finn captured me from page one. His struggle to accept all the losses in his life made him very real to me. Betty, the therapist, made me smile and as with Finn, I pictured her perfectly. Her sessions with Finn hands out some great nuggets of wisdom.
The point of view is Finn’s and moves from back and forth between the previous months to present day and flowed smoothly.
Overall, I give this book four stars. I found the story intriguing, the characters real and engaging. The life lessons peppered throughout this mystery were profound and worth noting. The ending, although it tied all the loose endings together seemed to come quickly and was a bit drawn out.
Dead Lemons, is the first book by Mr. Bell I have read, and the story thoroughly entertained me. If mysteries and thrillers are your cup of tea – sit down and grab Dead Lemons. It is a good, suspenseful read. Be sure to check out all the endnotes - very informative....more
[[ASIN:1786811065 Safe With Me: A psychological thriller so tense it will take your breath away]] Description: A psychological thriller by K.L. Slater,[[ASIN:1786811065 Safe With Me: A psychological thriller so tense it will take your breath away]] Description: A psychological thriller by K.L. Slater, that takes us into the lonely world of a disturbed young woman her past demons, and what happens when circumstances bring her face-to-face with one of those demons.
Plot: A young, isolated woman suffering from OCD and other mental issues related to an abusive and tragic childhood, finds herself the primary witness of an accident involving a stranger and a woman from her past whom she believes helped kill her brother. Becoming fixated on the man hurt in the crash, she uses the opportunity to seek revenge on the woman to the detriment of her job.
Characterization: The characters are reasonably well developed, especially, the protagonist. I was enthralled with the way the author shows you the decompensating mind of mental illness. The point of view switches between main characters, as well as, from the present to the past. At times, I did find this a bit jarring.
Setting: Europe; outside of Nottingham; her place of work, home, and the home of the accident victim.
Other: Anna’s obsession with Liam reminded me Misery, written by Stephen King. However, the ending left me wondering and a bit dissatisfied. It felt as if the author wanted to tie up loose ends, but in doing so flipped the story upside-down. I won’t say more as it would ruin the ending for you.
Overall: A good story, which started a bit slow, but soon, drew me into Anna’s psychosis and obsession. Sub-plots added twists and turns, which kept me reading and in the end surprised me. Overall, a good read and one I would recommend. Safe With Me...more
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