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.

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.

Book Review: Deceived by Irene Hannon

Back Cover: A grieving mother. A mysterious child. And a dedicated PI who's determined to solve the puzzle.

For three years, Kate Marshall has been mourning the loss of her husband and four-year-old son in a boating accident. But when she spots a familiar-looking child on a mall escalator, she's convinced it's her son. With police skeptical of her story, she turns to private investigator Connor Sullivan for help. As the former Secret Service agent digs into the case, the boating "accident" begins to look increasingly suspicious. But if Kate's son is alive, someone is intent on keeping him hidden--and may go to lethal lengths to protect a sinister secret.

As Irene Hannon's many fans have come to expect, Deceived is filled with complex characters, unexpected twists, and a riveting plotline that accelerates to an explosive finish.

My Review: Irene Hannon is one of my favorite romantic suspense writers, ever. I have been waiting for this novel to come out for far too long. Deceived is the third book in the Private Justice series. While the novel stands alone, I would suggest someone read the first two books in the series before this one. This story had my attention from the very start. The poor woman, Kate, not only lost her husband but also her son in a tragic boating accident. In the very first chapter, she believes she sees her son, now three years older, in a shopping mall in a different state. As a mother of a young son, I can only imagine the emotional anguish Kate was going through. Because of the involvement of a mother and son, I couldn't put the book down. I had found the perfect place to put the novel down for the night, but the story pulled me back out of bed. I can say it was worth staying up until after 2:00 AM to finish.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I can't recommend this book highly enough, especially 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.

Book Review: Blind Trust by Sandra Orchard

Back Cover: Kate's not sure how deep this deception goes--but she'll do whatever it takes to find out.

Kate Adams had no idea she was carrying counterfeit money and can't believe that it came from her sweet elderly neighbor. Or that it has landed her in the middle of another of Detective Tom Parker's investigations. Determined to prove her neighbor's innocence, Kate stumbles into a pit of intrigue far deeper than a two-bit counterfeit operation--and one that strikes too close to home for comfort.

As family secrets come to light, her world--and her budding romance with Tom--begin to crumble. To Kate, it's clear that she won't be safe until she uncovers all of Port Aster's secrets. But then will it be too late for her and Tom?

My Review: Blind Trust is the second book in the Port Aster series and, in my opinion, does not stand alone. This book leaves some major questions unanswered, obviously in anticipation of the next book in the series. The novel is full of danger, intrigue, and twists. Without giving away spoilers, I have to admit being frustrated and disappointed in the characters and their choices at times.  This book read more like a romantic suspense than a mystery. And who knew nutmeg could be so dangerous?

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to those who have read the first book in the Port Aster 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.

Book Review: Shadows of the Past by Patricia Bradley

Back Cover: While she's stalking the truth . . . someone is stalking her.

Psychology professor and criminal profiler Taylor Martin prides herself on being able to solve any crime, except the one she wants most desperately to solve--the disappearance of her father twenty years ago. When she finally has a lead on his whereabouts, Taylor returns home to Logan Point, Mississippi, to investigate. But as she works to uncover the truth, someone else will do almost anything to keep her from it.

Nick Sinclair pens mystery novels for a living, but the biggest mystery to him is how he can ever get over the death of his wife--a tragedy he believes he could have prevented. Now that his estranged brother is the only family he has left, Nick sets out to find him. But when he crosses paths with Taylor, all he seems to find is trouble.

Join the chase as Taylor and Nick search the murky shadows of the past for the keys to unlocking the present--and moving into a future they never imagined.

My Review: Amazing debut novel! I can not wait to read more books by Patricia Bradley. Her plot and characters pulled me into the story and would not let me go. Even though I figured out who was to blame fairly early, I did not realize all that was involved until the end. Bradley gave us hints of something more along the way, without insulting the reader's intelligence. The characters were rounded and complex. They each had stories of pain and triumph. I couldn't help but fall in love with them. I hated to see the book end and I wait impatiently for fall to arrive for the next book in the series.

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.

Book Review: No One to Trust by Lynette Eason

Back Cover: She doesn't know who she's running from--and the man she loves may be someone else entirely
Summer Abernathy wakes up one morning to find her husband missing, three men in her home intent on finding him, and the life she's been living based on a lie. Which Kyle Abernathy did she marry? The computer programmer she met in line at the bank? Or the one who was apparently using that image as a cover?

The search for her husband--and answers--takes Summer ever deeper into a world of organized crime where people are used one moment and discarded the next. And with her deepest relationship of trust already shattered, Summer doesn't know who to believe.

Always thrilling, bestselling author Lynette Eason outdoes herself in this taut, breakneck story of lies, loyalties, and love that will have you up all night to discover the truth hidden in the shadows.

My Review: Romantic suspense is one of my favorite genres to read. I enjoy the action and suspense as the main characters fight for their lives and good pushes back against evil. No One to Trust is full of action and suspense, and even though I enjoyed the story, it left me feeling a little flat. Eason pulls the reader into the life of a man in witness protection. He's set to testify against a mob boss and link the mob a man of influence. Of course, the bad guys find him and his wife - who knows nothing about her husband's secret past. Danger ramps up with every turn and the reader is left trusting no one. This story kept me turning the pages, but there were times that I felt the plot went beyond the realm of possibility. I know others won't agree, but No One to Trust had one too many plot twist to get a five star rating from me. Still it was a fairly enjoyable read and I am interested in seeing what Eason is going to do with the rest of this series.

My Rating:

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

Book Review: Unspoken by Dee Henderson

Back Cover: Charlotte Graham is at the center of the most famous kidnapping in Chicago history.

The task force of FBI and local cops found her two abductors, killed them, rescued her, but it took four very long years. The fact she was found less than three miles from her home, had been there the entire time, haunts them. She's changed her identity, found a profession she loves, and rebuilt her life.

She's never said a word--to the cops, to her doctors, to family--about those four years.

A family legacy has brought her back to Chicago where a reporter is writing a book about the kidnapping. The cops who worked the case are cooperating with him. Her options are limited: Hope the reporter doesn't find the full truth, or break her silence about what happened. And her silence is what has protected her family for years.

Bryce Bishop doesn't know her past, he only knows she has coins to sell from her grandfather's estate--and that the FBI director for the Chicago office made the introduction. The more he gets to know Charlotte, the more interested he becomes, an interest encouraged by those closest to her. But nothing else is working in his favor--she's decided she is single for life, she struggles with her faith, and she's willing to forego a huge inheritance to keep her privacy. She's not giving him much of an opening to work with.

Charlotte wants to trust him. She needs to tell him what happened. Because a crime cops thought was solved, has only opened another chapter...

My Review: I've become a fan of Dee Henderson in recent months. I've enjoyed her romantic suspense novels, and am looking forward to reading her previously published works. I was more than excited to hear that this novel was coming out. I expected an engaging tale full of danger and adventure. I was a little disappointed. The best part of the story, in my opinion, happened off the page and I had to hear about it second hand. Henderson was being true to her character by writing the scene this way, but I still felt short changed as a reader. On another note, if I ever wanted to collect coins, I don't any longer. I've had coin overload after this novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I recommend this book to fans of Dee Henderson and 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.

Book Review: Stranded by Dani Pettrey

Back Cover: When Her Friend Goes Missing,

Every Minute Counts!

Darcy St. James returns to Alaska to join a journalist friend undercover on the trail of a big story. But when Darcy arrives, she finds her friend has disappeared. Troubled by the cruise ship's vague explanation, Darcy uses her cover as a travel reporter to investigate further.

The last person Gage McKenna expects to see during his summer aboard a cruise ship leading adventure excursions is Darcy. And in typical Darcy fashion, she's digging up more trouble.

He'd love to just forget her--but something won't let him. And he can't help but worry about her as they are heading into more remote regions of Alaska and eventually into foreign waters. Something sinister is going on, and the deeper they push, the more Gage fears they've only discovered the tip of the iceberg.

My Review: Stranded is the third book in the Alaskan Courage series. Darcy St. James' friend drags her into an undercover journalistic investigation, but when her friend goes missing and she suspects foul play. This novel is a full of mystery and questions as Darcy tries to figure out who can be trusted and the reader turns pages. The reluctant attraction building with Gage was interesting to watch. I enjoyed this book, but I didn't love it as I had hoped. Even with that said, this book is a good read for romantic suspense fans, but I would highly recommend that you read the first two books in the series first, since there is a lot of background that is needed to understand the dynamics happening between Gage and Darcy at the beginning of the novel.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I 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.

Book Review: Trapped by Irene Hannon

Back Cover: A runaway teen, a desperate sister, and an intrepid PI determined to discover the truth

When Laura Griffith's sixteen-year-old sister disappears on a frigid February day, leaving only a brief note behind, Laura resolves to do whatever it takes to track down the runaway teen. That includes recruiting ATF agent turned private investigator James Devlin to help. Dev knows time is of the essence with runaways--just forty-eight hours can mean the difference between recovery and ruin.

But the deeper he and Laura dig, the more Dev begins to suspect that something sinister is at work in the girl's disappearance. And in the icy winter weather, the trail is going cold . . .

In her latest thrilling read, queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon outdoes herself with a fast-paced tale of fear, deception, and just the right dose of romance.

My Review: Irene Hannon has been called the queen of romantic suspense and I completely agree with that title. She has earned it. I love her books and Trapped is another winner in my opinion. The book is the second in the Private Justice series, but it reads well as a stand alone novel. Hannon creates some deep and troubled characters. While, as a reader, I was irritated with young Darcy at the beginning, I started to root for her as she changed and grew. Hannon's "villain" is believable and yet scary at the same time. He could be anyone. Nice on the outside, hiding painful secrets that have messed with his mind and turned him into a serial killer. I was reminded of the power that parents have over the development of their children. It is a high order, and one that should not be taken lightly. Of course, the book wouldn't be classified as romantic suspense without having the romantic element. The openness that happens between the two characters is very quick, but I know that it isn't outside of the realm of possibility. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I highly recommend this book to readers of romantic suspense and fans of Irene Hannon.

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.

Book Review: Shattered by Dani Pettrey

Back Cover: When her prodigal brother Reef's return to Yancey, Alaska, is shattered by his arrest for murder, Piper McKenna is determined to protect him.

Deputy Landon Grainger loves the McKennas like family, but he's also sworn to find the truth. And he knows those closest to you have the power to deceive you the most. With his sheriff pushing for a quick conviction, some unexpected leads complicate the investigation, and pursuing the truth puts Landon's career in jeopardy.

When Piper launches her own investigation, Landon realizes he must protect her from herself--and whatever complications await as the two follow clues deep into Canada's rugged backcountry. Not only does their long friendship seem to be turning into something more, but this dangerous case is becoming deadlier with each step.

My Review: Shattered takes the reader on an exciting ride to prove the innocence of a brother and solve a puzzling murder. This book is a real page turner, with danger and excitement around every corner. I was a little put off by the amount of immorality that was mentioned in the book. The constant reminder that the murdered woman slept around with everyone and anyone ruined some of my enjoyment of this novel. Pettrey sets up a great cast of characters, and I do wonder what future adventures she has in store for readers and the series continues.

My Rating:

My Recommendation: I 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.

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.

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.

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.

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