Showing posts with label crime fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime fiction. Show all posts

Nov 14, 2014

Book Review: The Patmos Deception by Davis Bunn

Back Cover: An Ancient Island Holds an Ancient Secret . . .

Nick Hennessy, a young Texas journalist yearning for his big break, finds himself in Europe--his assignment, to investigate the alarming disappearance of invaluable Grecian antiquities. Nick has the credentials--and cover ID--to unearth the truth. And he knows just the researcher to help him...

Carey Mathers, fresh from her studies in forensic archeology, has accepted a job with the prestigious Athens Institute for Antiquities--a dream come true, really, particularly when the Greek isle of Patmos, where the Apostle John received his vision of the Apocalypse, was a particular focus of her research.

Dimitri Rubinos, for whom the Greek islands represent his life, holds on by his fingernails to the family charter boat business. But his country's economic chaos isn't the only thing that has turned his world on its head...

My Review: Once again Davis Bunn delivers a novel full of suspense, mystery and intrigue. I could not put this book down. From the moment Carey landed in Greece and discovered there was no promised job, I was hooked. As the story unfolded more questions begged to be answered. I love the way Bunn weaves interesting historical facts into the narrative. I have an urge to visit Greece and see the beautiful places described between the pages. I do hope Bunn writes more books about these characters and the other ancient texts they will help preserve.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this novel to readers of romantic suspense, lovers of international intrigue, and students of ancient Christian history.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Nov 3, 2014

Book Review: A Promise to Protect by Patricia Bradley

Back Cover: In a steamy small town riddled with broken promises, one woman's secret could change everything.

Acting Sheriff Ben Logan hasn't heard from Leigh Somerall in a very long time, but it doesn't mean he can get her--or their whirlwind romance of ten years ago--out of his head. When she calls out of the blue, it is with a strange request to protect her brother, Tony. But all too soon, Ben is charged with a different task--protecting Leigh from the people after her brother. With Leigh doing everything in her power to avoid Ben, it's no easy task. And the secret she is keeping just may change their lives forever.

My Review: The opening lines of this novel were perfect! I was instantly hooked and had to know why this man was dying in a hotel room. A Promise to Protect is the much anticipated second book in the Logan Point series. One thing I really like about Patricia Bradley's books is the mystery element. While these novels are solidly romantic suspense, I am always left guessing who the mastermind is behind all the crimes. Then there is the issue of Leigh's decade old lie and how she will resolve it with Ben who can't stand any kind of deception. From the start of the book, I was swept away and thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of Romantic Suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Nov 25, 2013

Book Review: Singularity by Steven James

Back Cover: Jevin Banks is searching for a killer--and answers to terrifying questions he never even thought to ask.

When his friend is murdered, illusionist Jevin Banks is determined to find out what really happened. Drawn deep into a web of conspiracy and top-secret research on human consciousness, Jevin won't stop digging until the truth is revealed. Soon he uncovers a dark secret that could change the very fabric--and future--of human life on the planet.

Based on frightening scientific realities and bristling with mystery, suspense, and intrigue, Singularity is the riveting sequel to Placebo.

My Review: Steven James has to be one of my absolute favorite authors. The intricate stories that he weaves always leaves me flipping pages as fast as I can. While I willingly admit that I enjoy his the Patrick Bowers books better than the Jevin Banks books, I still look forward to each installment. In this series James explores the experimental science and the direction the world could go. The plots that Jevin uncovers in these books are easy to imagine and yet almost science fiction due to the implications that they present. And like all Steven James' book, this novel is full of action, death, and impending doom. Only Jevin can stop things before it's too late - or can he?

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to fans of Steven James and readers of suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jan 28, 2013

Book Review: Lethal Legacy by Irene Hannon

Back Cover: A determined daughter . . .

A skeptical detective . . .

A deadly secret . . .

The police say her father's death was suicide. Kelly Warren says it was murder--and she has new evidence to prove it. Detective Cole Taylor doesn't put much credence in her claim, and nothing in his case review suggests foul play. But when he digs deeper (delete dash) and discovers startling information linking her to a long-buried secret, the danger escalates. Is history repeating itself? And who wants Kelly silenced?

My Review: The more books I read by Irene Hannon, the bigger of a fan I become. Hannon writes romantic suspense at its best. Lethal Legacy is the third book in the Guardians of Justice series. One thing I like about this story is the way that Hannon makes it clear that bad things could happen to anyone. Kelly is just an average girl with nothing amazing or outstanding about her. She is not rich or famous, and she is alone in the world after the death of her father. Hannon takes this normal girl and puts her in the middle of a very dangerous situation as she follows her gut and questions her father's death. Through many twists and turns that will keep the reader on the edge of their seat, Hannon expertly weaves a tale that I won't soon be forgetting. And it makes me think that I might need to upgrade my own home security.
My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jan 14, 2013

Book Review: Vanished by Irene Hannon

Back Cover: A tenacious reporter. A skeptical PI. And a secret that will shatter lives.

Reporter Moira Harrison is lost. In the dark. In a thunderstorm. When a lone figure suddenly appears in the beam of her headlights, Moira slams on her brakes-but it’s too late. She feels the solid thump against the side of her car before crashing into a tree on the far side of the road.

A man opens her door, tells her he saw everything, and promises to call 911. Then the world fades to black. When she comes to, she is alone. No man. No 911. No injured person. But she can’t forget the look of terror she saw on that face in the instant before her headlights swung away. And she can’t get anyone to believe her story-except maybe a handsome ex–homicide detective turned private eye, who reluctantly agrees to take on the case.

As clues begin to surface, it becomes obvious that someone doesn’t want this mystery solved-and will stop at nothing to protect a shocking secret.

My Review: Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my top three favorite authors. Her books leave me rooted to the edge of my seat, and I can't put them down until the crime is solved and the characters are safe. Hannon is not afraid to put her characters in peril. Vanished is everything that I've come to expect from Hannon's books. Action, suspense, romance and danger. I was so excited when I heard of this book. The beginning pulled me in, I mean who hasn't feared hitting someone with a car when visibility is terrible? The way the story plays out kept me turning pages. Well done! I can't wait to see what she has in store for the rest of the Private Justice series.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.


Jan 10, 2013

Book Review: When a Heart Stops by Lynette Eason

Back Cover: A killer's deadly game needs new players . . . but someone's about to change the rules

As a medical examiner, Serena Hopkins is used to dealing with death. But that doesn't make it any easier when she's called to the eerie scene of a murder--especially when Serena realizes that she knows the victim. Nearly as unnerving is the presence of FBI agent Dominic Allen, her childhood crush.

As evidence mounts and points to a serial killer with disturbingly familiar methods, Serena and Dominic must work to find a pattern and stop the killings before the murderer strikes again. And when Serena's own life seems at stake, she must decide if the secret she has been keeping has put her next on the killer's hit list. Can she trust Dominic with the truth before it's too late?

My Review: When a Heart Stops is the second book in the Deadly Reunions series. I would strongly suggest that someone read the first book in this series, When the Smoke Clears, before reading When a Heart Stops. This book is full of suspense and danger. The main characters are searching for the murderer, while the murderer is waiting for their chance to murder again. Can the two find out who is behind the murders before one of them becomes the next target, or is it already too late?

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to fans of Lynette Eason.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Dec 12, 2012

Book Review: Placebo by Steven James

Back Cover: One man must uncover the truth-even when others will stop at nothing to keep it buried.

While investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms. He seeks answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program-and answers to his own family tragedy.

Rooted in groundbreaking science, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. This taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James will keep you flipping pages late into the night.

My Review: Steven James has once again written a book that is almost impossible to put down. Though Placebo gives us a whole new cast of characters, it is still full of the twists, turns, danger, and suspense that I've come to expect from Steven James. James has an amazing ability to create believable and deep characters. I must say that I wasn't sure that I was going to like the novel at first, because the beginning starts off in second person ("you" is a character in the story). Though I think I understand why he did it, I felt that it was a strange way to start the book. I was greatly relieved when he switched into first person. Other than that, I really enjoyed Placebo.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of suspense and fans of Steven James.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Oct 19, 2012

Book Review: Full Disclosure by Dee Henderson

Back Cover: PAUL FALCON AND ANN SILVER: A LOVE STORY

Ann Silver is a cop's cop. As the Midwest Homicide Investigator, she is called in to help local law enforcement on the worst of cases, looking for answers to murder. Hers is one of the region's most trusted investigative positions.

Paul Falcon is the FBI's top murder cop in the Midwest. If the victim carried a federal badge or had a security clearance, odds are good Paul and his team see the case file or work the murder.

Their lives intersect when Ann arrives to pass a case off her desk and onto his. A car wreck and a suspicious death offer a lead on a hired shooter he is tracking. Paul isn't expecting to meet someone, the kind that goes on the personal side of the ledger, but Ann Silver has his attention.

The better he gets to know her, the more Paul realizes her job barely scratches the surface of who she is. She knows spies and soldiers and U.S. Marshals, and has written books about them. She is friends with the former vice president. People with good reason to be cautious about who they let into their lives deeply trust her. Paul wonders just what secrets Ann is keeping, until she shows him the John Doe Killer case file, and he starts to realize just who this lady he is falling in love with really is....

My Review: I loved this book! I couldn't put it down. In fact, I stayed up till 2:30 AM because I had to finish it before I could sleep. Full Disclosure is a page-turner that will keep you thinking about the book days after you've finished. I'm a little ashamed to say that I've not read any of Dee Henderson's other works, but after reading Full Disclosure I will be. Full Disclosure is one of the best books that I have read this year. You don't want to miss it.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book!




Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Full Disclosure

Sep 25, 2012

Book Review: Nothing to Hide by J. Mark Bertrand

Excerpt: If the killing had taken place here, there would have been a lot more blood. But whoever made the drop took the trouble to arrange the corpse, settling it down all neat and tidy like a body in a coffin, except for one arm extended in the direction of the woods, the skinned hand shaped into a fist apart from the index finger.

"Like it was pointing," Jerry explains. "I thought if we followed the line, we might find . . ." His voice trails off. "You know. The head." Nothing to Hide, pg 14.

Back Cover: A grisly homicide. An international threat. The stakes have never been higher for Detective Roland March.

The victim's head is missing, but what intrigues Detective Roland March is the hand. The pointing finger must be a clue--but to what? According to the FBI, the dead man was an undercover asset tracking the flow of illegal arms to the Mexican cartels. To protect the operation, they want March to play along with the cover story. With a little digging, though, he discovers the Feds are lying. And they're not the only ones.

In an upside-down world of paranoia and conspiracy, March finds himself dogged by injury and haunted by a tragic failure. Forced to take justice into his own hands, his twisting investigation leads him into the very heart of darkness, leaving March with nothing to lose--and nothing to hide.

My Review: Nothing to Hide is the third Roland March book, and just as good as the previous two. This book is not for the faint of heart, or the weak of stomach. Bertrand doesn't mind writing a bit of gore into his stories. This novel kept me on my toes. I was never sure who could be trusted, and I have to admit that I didn't solve the murder before the characters. This book is hard to put down, but it did leave me a little disquieted as I thought about the ethical and moral dilemmas that March faces in the pages. This book is well worth the read.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this to readers of suspense and crime fiction.


Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

May 22, 2012

Book Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Excerpt: They were going down--hard and fast. The other passengers' terrified expressions said they knew it too. Innocents, every one, Agnes thought, fury on their behalf trumping her own fear. She was the only one on board who knew this catastrophe was not mechanical failure. It was him. She knew it as surely as she knew she'd seen her last sunset. Submerged, pg 7.

Back Cover: A sabotaged plane. Two dead deep-water divers. One single clue.

Bailey Craig vowed never to set foot in Yancey, Alaska, again. She has a past, and a reputation--and Yancey's a town that doesn't forget. She's returned only to bury a loved one killed in the plane crash, but then dark evidence emerges and Bailey's own expertise becomes invaluable for the case.

Cole McKenna can face dangerous rescue dives. He can face the fear a murderer may be threatening his town. But facing the reality of Bailey's reappearance is a tougher challenge. She broke his heart... but doesn't seem to be the same girl who left Yancey ten years ago. And he's not the same guy she left behind.

Racing against the clock and a rising body count, Bailey and Cole must move beyond the hurts of their pasts to work together until the truth of what is hidden in the depths finally surfaces.

My Review: I loved this book! This is the premier novel for Pettery, and it is fabulous. The adventure, the danger, the romance, and the strong faith of the characters. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and had great difficulty putting it down (thankfully my husband has the ability to cook supper at times like that). Dani Pettrey is an author to watch! I can't wait for the next book in the series to come out. Did I mention that the book is fabulous?
My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Feb 28, 2012

Book Review: When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason

Excerpt: He suspected what was in the envelope. Shaky fingers opened it and pulled out the single white sheet with the block-style printed words.

I KNOW.

Senator Frank Hoffman leaned back in his plush leather chair and drew in a deep breath.

It was Jillian; he knew it. She'd decided to come out of hiding. He'd searched high and low for the girl ten years ago, when she simply dropped off the face of the earth.

But the letter proved she wasn't dead. She was back, taunting him with the skeleton in his closet.

Jillian Carter. The one person who could kill his career, ruin his shaky marriage, and sabotage his future.

He'd rather put a bullet in her brain than let that happen. When the Smoke Clears, pg 17.

Back Cover: After a brush with death due to equipment failure, smokejumper Alexia Allen is ordered to take time off while the incident is under investigation. She makes a last-minute decision to recuperate at her mother's home and attend her high school reunion. Yet trouble seems to be following her, and within hours of arriving home she is confronted with murder, arson--and a handsome detective.

But the conflicts ahead are nothing compared to the ghosts of her past. As she struggles to accept and forgive her family's past, she must also decide if the secret she's been guarding for the last ten years must finally come to light.

Chock-full of the suspense and romantic tension you've come to expect from Lynette Eason, When the Smoke Clears is the explosive first book in the Deadly Reunions series.
My Review: Lynette Eason's newest book is a must read for those who enjoy romantic suspense. This book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Alexia goes from one dangerous situation to another without much of a break in between. Of course, there is the tall, handsome cop, but even he can't keep her from the killer's clutches. Once I got to the end, I really want to read the next book in this series. There is still so much that hasn't been answered, still so many people in danger. Well done Lynette. Thank you for this great read!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this edge-of-your-seat romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Nov 16, 2011

Book Review: Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills

Excerpt: "I know you've been assigned to Lindsay for the past four years. I know you hate the idea of working with a woman. I know we're both up for the same assignment with VP Hall. But Lindsay is our protectee, and besides her addiction, someone out there wants her dead. We need to work together on this." Attracted to Fire, pg 59.

Back Cover: Only one assignment stands between Special Agent Meghan Connors and her dream of protecting the president.

After threats are made against the vice president's rebellious daughter, Meghan is added to her protective detail on a secluded Texas ranch, far from the media and any would-be assassins. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as challenging as safeguarding Lindsay Hall. He has a reputation for being critical and exacting, but behind his tough exterior, Meghan finds Ash is equally dedicated to upholding their oath.

When Vice President Hall is sworn in as president, threats on his daughter escalate and security on the ranch is breached. But who is the real target, and who can be trusted? As Ash and Meghan investigate, they uncover a deadly conspiracy that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined . . . and only they can put the pieces together before it's too late.

My Review: Attracted to Fire has it all - murder, mystery, danger and love. Once I started the novel, I had a hard time putting it down, and still find myself thinking about the plot days later. DiAnn Mills brings to life an exciting and intriguing story of the life of a woman in the Secret Service. This is also the tale of addictions and deception. I loved trying to solve the mystery with Ash and Meghan.

I did have one complaint about the book, which had nothing to do with the story line or characters. The cover of Attracted to Fire really bothers me. Meghan doesn't look anything like how she is portrayed in the cover art. I like details, so this was a little bit of a distraction.

This book is a welcome addition to my home library, and I look forward to sharing it with others.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Oct 11, 2011

Book Review: Deadly Pursuit by Irene Hannon

Excerpt: Heavy breathing.

That was all she could hear.

No voice.

No background noise.

Just a palpable presence on the other end of the line.

Again. Deadly Pursuit, pg 7.

Back Cover: A stalker with deadly intent . . . A woman who protects children . . . An ex-Navy SEAL turned police detective.

Social worker Alison Taylor has a passion for protecting children. But now it seems she needs protecting. When her tormentor's attentions take a violent turn, she calls in reinforcements--her police-detective brother, Cole, and his new partner, ex-Navy SEAL Mitch Morgan. As her relentless stalker turns up the heat and the danger intensifies, Mitch takes a personal interest in the case. Because protecting Alison has become more than a job; his future depends on keeping her safe.

Filled with nail-biting suspense and heart-melting romance, Deadly Pursuit is Irene Hannon's storytelling at its very best.

My Review: Irene Hannon is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorite authors. Deadly Pursuit is the second book in the Guardians of Justice series. From the very first page, I was drawn into the story, turning pages as quickly as I could, trying to figure out who was stalking Alison, and how things would end. I love the twists and turns that the story takes, and the adrenaline pumping climax. If you haven't read Irene Hannon's work, you've missed out on an amazing adventure. I can't wait to see what she come up with next!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book (and others by Irene Hannon) to lovers of romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Sep 19, 2011

Book Review: The Queen by Steven James

Excerpt: Anger tightened like a knot in my chest and I was glad. Forget objectivity. I like it when things get personal. I want to feel grief and want it to be like a hot knife inside of me. It keeps me focused on why I do what I do.

I'd been dreading this next part of the investigation ever since Margaret had told me about the crimes.

Viewing the body of the four-year-old girl. The Queen, pg 51.

Back Cover: While investigating a mysterious double homicide in an isolated northern Wisconsin town, FBI Special Agent Patrick Bowers uncovers a high-tech conspiracy that ties together long-buried Cold War secrets with present-day tensions in the Middle East.

In his most explosive thriller yet, bestselling author Steven James delivers a pulse-pounding, multilayered storytelling tour de force that will keep you guessing.

My Review: I have become a huge fan of Steven Jame's Patrick Bowers Thrillers. Ever since I read The Pawn I have looked forward with great anticipation for the release of the next book in the series. The Queen did not disappoint. James is a master storyteller, and his suspense fiction is truly amazing. One of the things that I really appreciate about his writing is his expert pacing - I've never read an author who does it better. The Queen kept me on the edge of my seat, and made me want to keep turning the pages to find out who was really behind this crime spree. If you haven't read the other books in the Patrick Bowers series, you really have been missing out.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of Suspense. I would recommend that you read the other four books in the series before reading The Queen.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jul 8, 2011

Book Review: Pattern of Wounds by J. Mark Bertrand

Excerpt: Gazing down the length of the pool, a tingle creeps up my spine. A ping of recognition. Something's been bothering me. And now I know what.

With the lieutenant looking on, Dr. Green takes one of the victim's wrists, lifting the arm, carefully turning the body to expose a breast and another network of punctures and a jagged, seeping gash in the chest.

I throw out my hand. "Wait."

The medical examiner freezes. After a pause, she lowers the body back. Bascombe stares at me, palms raised. Without explaining I switch my camera on and snap a photo. The preview on the LCD screen isn't exactly right. I realign the camera and take another shot.

"Everyone go inside," I say. "Except for you, Lieutenant. I need you over here."

The work stops, but nobody moves. Bascombe makes the call, signaling the crime scene techs to indulge my whim. He comes over, bringing Dr. Green with him. With the scene clear I take another shot.

I hand him the camera, displaying the photo. "Does that remind you of anything?"

"Yeah," he says, "it reminds me of what I can see with my own eyes." He squints and the screen, then shows it to the ME. "You gonna tell me or what?"

"The Fauk scene." Pattern of Wounds, pg 21.

Back Cover: A brutal murder. An unraveling conviction. To catch the killer, Roland March must decipher the Pattern of Wounds.

It's Christmas in Huston, and homicide detective Roland March is on the hunt for a killer. A young woman's brutal stabbing in an affluent neighborhood bears all the hallmarks of a serial murder. The only problem is that March sent the murderer to prison ten years ago. Is it a copycat - or did March convict the wrong man?

Alienated from his colleagues, and with a growing rift in his marriage, March receives a series of taunting messages from the killer. The bodies pile up, the pressure builds, and the violence reaches too close to home. Up against an unfathomable evil, March struggles against the clock to understand the hidden message in the pattern of wounds.

My Review: When I saw that the next book in the Roland March Mystery series was out, I couldn't wait to review it. Back on Murder, the first book of the series, gave a great starter look at this man, and this second book is just as good, if not better. Pattern of Wounds is full of mystery, danger, and death. I love reading a murder mystery where I actually have to work to figure out who the murder is. I was on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as quickly as I could, to help Roland solve these horrible crimes. From start of finish, this is a superbly written novel, and I can't wait to read the next one in the series!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of Christian suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jun 14, 2011

Book Review: A Killer Among Us by Lynette Eason

Excerpt: The Judge rubbed his eyes, weary with all the thinking he'd had to do lately. Searching for the perfect family, seeking ways to administer justice. And when it was all said and done, he'd go home and rub his old man's face in it.

Over and over and over again. He giggled at his repetition. Threes always made him feel better.

Feel better, feel better, he echoed in his mind.

Then frowned. They'd have no choice but to admire him, to praise him for his brilliant mind and methods.

Especially those who'd laughed at him.

Those who'd mocked him, humiliated him.

Like Walter.

Poor Walter. A Killer Among Us, pg 22.

Back Cover: What happens when the hunter becomes the hunted?

Kit Kenyon is a first-rate hostage negotiator. Noah Lambert is a good detective with excellent instincts. These new partners have hardly had time to get used to each other when they are thrown into a grisly murder case. As evidence mounts up and more victims are found, Kit and Noah realize they are on the hunt for a serial killer. The problem is, he may be hunting one of them too.

My Review: Warning: Do not read this book when you are home alone at night!

Lynette Eason does an excellent job in this third book of the Women of Justice series. I couldn't wait till this book came out so I could continue the story, and I was not disappointed. Eason fills this novel with enough conflict, romance and suspense to keep the reader turning the pages from one cover to the other. But be warned, this story is not for the faint of heart, or those who are already scared of the dark!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jan 26, 2011

Book Review: Fatal Judgment by Irene Hannon

Excerpt: "Is there a problem?"

Yeah. A big one.

He'd rather go back to Iraq than head Liz Michaels's protective detail.

But there was only one response a professional could give.

"No. No problem." Fatal Judgment, pg 11.

Back Cover: U.S. Marshal Jake Taylor has seen plenty of action during his years in law enforcement. But he'd rather go back to Iraq than face his next assignment: protection detail for federal judge Liz Michaels. His feelings toward the coldhearted workaholic haven't warmed in five years since she drove her husband - Jake's best friend - to despair...and possible suicide.

As the danger mounts and Jake gets to know Liz better, he's forced to revise his opinion of her. And when it becomes clear that an unknown enemy may want her dead, the stakes are raised. Because now both her life - and his heart - are in danger.

Full of suspense and romance, Fatal Judgment is a thrilling story that will keep you turning the pages late into the night.

My Review: When I found out that Irene Hannon's newest book was out, I couldn't wait to read it. I loved her Heroes of Quantico series, and couldn't wait to find out if this new series was going to be as good as the last. The first book of the Guardian's of Justice series, Fatal Judgment, is everything that I've come to expect from Irene Hannon's work. The novel is full of great storytelling, believable characters, and a plot line that keeps you glued to the page. I didn't want to put the book down, and I'm sure that you won't either.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to lovers of crime fiction and romantic suspense.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Jan 20, 2011

Book Review: Possession by Rene Gutteridge

Excerpt: The phone went dead. He decided to walk back inside, see what this Karen Kaye had to say about things. Get out of the openness. He began to turn toward the house, then spotted something.

It looked white and it hung off one of the two mailboxes that sat at the edge of the curb. The first one belonged to his condo. He liked the fact that they still had a mailbox by the curb and not a metal box crowded in a block of dozens of other metal boxes.

Upon examining it, he found a clothespin holding a white envelope to the handle of the mailbox. How long had that been there? He ripped it off and examined it. Nothing written on it. Sealed. Maybe it was some documents for the condo.

The flap unstuck easily. He felt the glue. Still slightly damp. Inside was a single piece of paper. A short, typed letter started at the top.

You have secrets that I am willing to expose. $15,000 by tomorrow or you will lose everything. Possession, pg 80-81.

Back Cover: "This is your last chance. If you don't pay up, you will lose everything."

In the aftermath of investigating the D.C. snipper case, detective Vance Graegan is burned out on life and love. Hoping to save his marriage, he quits the force and moves his wife and son to the other side of the country. But when the movers decide to hold his belongings for ransom, Vance is determined to ensure his family's new beginning is not ruined. Soon, though, losing his possessions becomes the least of his problems, as everything they are fighting for begins to unravel in the hands of Vance's past...and a little boy's innocent faith brings a group of desperate people to their knees.

My Review: Possession kept me on the edge of my seat from the first pages. Rene Gutteridge relates a real to life tale of danger and betrayal. Her characters are believably flawed and come to life as the story unfolds. This book is not for the weak at heart. There is danger, murder, and mystery between the covers. There is also the story of a young boy's simple faith that brings his doubting parents to their knees. Possession is a wonderful story to remind us of what is really important in life, and what is worth fighting for.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend Possession for those who enjoy suspense and crime fiction.

(I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.)

Oct 12, 2010

Book Review: Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason

Excerpt: "What? You think someone's targeted me? That . . . that I've picked up a stalker or something?" The irony of it hit her. She threw up her hands. "Great. I don't leave the house for years and the minute I decide to try and have a life, some sicko wants to ruin it for me." She ignored the tinge of hysteria in her voice and the fact that her volume had notched up a few decibels.

Dakota laid a calming hand on her arm and she shrugged him off. Anger like nothing she'd ever felt before spun through her. Shocked, she stopped, then realized the anger felt good.

Really, really good.

Much better than the fear she'd lived with the past eleven-plus years. She poked a finger in Dakota's chest and said, "I'm not hiding anymore. I'm not going to be afraid anymore. I'm not giving up the life I've just managed to acquire. This time I'm fighting back, got it?" Don't Look Back, pg 28.

Back Cover: One man lives to see her dead - the other is fighting to keep her alive.

Twelve years ago, forensic anthropologist Jamie Cash survived a brutal kidnapping. After years of therapy, she has made a life for herself - though one that is haunted by memories of her terrifying past. She finally lets herself believe that she can have a close relationship with a man, when signs start appearing that point to one frightening fact - her attacker is back and ready to finish the job he started all those years ago.

Can she escape his grasp a second time? And will she ever be able to let down her guard enough to find true love?

Filled with heart-stopping suspense, gritty realism, and a touch of romance, Don't Look Back pulls you into its twists and turns to hold you there until the very last page.

My Review: Lynette Eason introduced us to Jamie Cash in Too Close to Home, the first book of the Women of Justice series. I've been waiting to find out how this story was going to turn out since reading Too Close to Home.This story is full of twists and turns. I was surprised several times, and every time in a good way. Lynette's writing is fun to read, and draws you in. The plot keeps you sitting on the edge of your seat, trying to solve the mystery before it's too late. This book is not for the faint of heart. Lynette isn't afraid to put her characters in very difficult and even deadly situations.

My Rating: 

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to those who enjoy edgy crime fiction with a hint of romance. I would suggest that you also read Too Close to Home, the first book in this series.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. 

Aug 3, 2010

Book Review: The Bishop by Steven James

"Death isn't trite because life isn't, and the day I stop believing that is the day I'll no longer be any good at my job." The Bishop, pg 17.

Patrick Bowers was hoping for a few quiet weeks in DC with his step-daughter Tessa, but when a congressman's daughter is found dead, Bowers is called in to help. As Bowers struggles to put the pieces together in this perfect crime, his home life gets tilted on end. Tessa's real father wants custody of her, and is willing to take Patrick to court to get it. Patrick and Tessa both struggle with the implications that are presented to them. Then the killer raises the stakes. It is a race against time, a fight against good and evil. The game is on. Who will win?

Steven James does an amazing job crafting this novel. The graphic nature of the murders and getting inside psychopathic thoughts can be a little unnerving. This book is not for someone who has a weak stomach or is given to nightmares. Still, James does justice to the topic. The plot is well constructed, the pace is amazing. I really appreciate the workmanship of this novel and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.

If you like thrillers and suspence, this book is for you! I would suggest, if you have never read Steven James that you start with book one in the series, The Pawn.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purpose of review.

Steven James Launch Party!