Blog

Newsletter news, December 2024 edition

Hi, everyone! I've basically transferred my blog to Substack, and I'd love it if you join me there. I publish my free newsletter every other [...]

Follow me on Substack!

Hi, everyone! Well, I didn't fulfill my 2023 writing resolutions. Obviously. But I did make headway on my new WIP. A few people have [...]

2023 Writing update

Photo by Sixteen Miles Out on Unsplash If you've read my blog before, you may (or may not) have noticed that I, [...]

Review of The Company by Sally Spencer

In this hard-hitting standalone thriller from Sally Spencer, a crash survivor discovers dark family secrets as he tries to stay alive. Bristol, 1991. Crammed into [...]

The Adventure of the Deceased Scholar by Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Love Sherlock Holmes? Ever wonder what he'd be like as a teenage boy? Liese Sherwood-Fabre pens another fabulous mystery in the young Sherlock series and [...]

Devil in the Detail by A. J. Cross

Genre: forensic mystery/police procedural Publication: 4 May 2021, Severn House A suspected car-jacking leads to something deeper and darker in the compelling new Will [...]

Becoming Inspector Chen by Qiu Xiaolong

Interested in Chinese poetry and Confucian thought? Fascinated with mysteries set in China? Love a poetry-writing detective? Check out the latest in the Inspector Chen [...]

Too Good To Be True by Carola Lovering

If you like psychological thrillers and want to read Too Good to be True, then do what other reviewers have recommended: do NOT read the [...]

#Tag Thursday: The Anti-TBR List Book Tag

As I was browsing online reader, I came across the book tag at Maxxesbooktopia. An anti-to-be-read list? That sounds intriguing to me. It's always [...]

Without Blood by Martin Michaud

If you're a fan of Quebec thrillers, don't miss Without Blood. Author Martin Michaud has been dubbed the master of the Quebec thriller. After reading [...]

Flaubert on the best occupation, plus my February 2021 roundup

Photo by Pavan Trikutam on Unsplash In my area of the U.S., February is still cold, the wind still beats at the windows, and [...]

The Unwilling by John Hart #crimefiction

One of my critique partners recommended the work of John Hart to me, so when I saw that it was available on Netgalley, I requested [...]

Lady Jail by John Farrow

How I've missed the Emile Cinq-Mars series is baffling. Though not perhaps as baffling as the locked-room crime that Emile solves in this book. John [...]

My top 5 beautiful book covers

Who doesn't love gorgeous book covers? An eye-catching cover makes a huge difference in whether or not I pick up a book. When done well, [...]

New Book! A Slight Folly by Elizabeth Harris @lume_books @lovebookgroup #aslightholly #lovebookstours

Help celebrate the publication of A Slight Folly, the third novel in The Wilderness Series by Elizabeth Harris. Read on for more information! A Slight [...]

Murder by Numbers by Eric Brown

If you're in the mood for a charming, old-fashioned cozy mystery, then be sure to check out this week's review. Murder by Numbers by Eric [...]

Tag Thursday: the 2021 New Year’s Book Tag

Welcome to 2021. It's such a relief to see 2020 exit the calendar. Yet the events of this past year cannot be reversed. In the [...]

The Faberge Secret by Charles Belfoure

The Faberge Secret by Charles Belfoure New York Times bestselling author Charles Belfoure takes readers on a breathless journey from the gilded ballrooms of Imperial [...]

New Thriller! Sign of Evil by T. J. Brearton

I'm thrilled to be sharing my review of T. J. Brearton's brand new thriller Sign of Evil. It's number 3 in the FBI agent Shannon [...]

7 cozy mystery novels to read right now (plus 3 upcoming releases!)

If you're anything like me, then you're probably tired of winter, tired of the cold, and tired of January 2021 feeling too much like [...]

House of the Patriarch by Barbara Hambly

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day to all my American friends. Stay safe and healthy as you celebrate freedom and equality for all people! If [...]

The Rough Cut by Douglas Corleone

If you like fast-paced thrillers, quirky (and troubled characters), and lots of suspense from a dual timeline, read on for more about The Rough Cut [...]

Read an excerpt from Winterkill by Ragnar Jonasson

I'm thrilled to be able to share this excerpt from Winterkill by Icelandic author Ragnar Jonasson. Jonasson's work has been called "Icelandic noir of [...]

The Art of Dying by Ambrose Parry

Thanks to Black Thorn press and Netgalley for a copy of The Art of Dying by Ambrose Parry in exchange for an honest review. The [...]

Book Tour: Always Adam by Mark Brumby

I'm delighted to share my review of Always Adam by Mark Brumby. This is part of the damppebbles blog tour, so be sure to check [...]

Book Tour: The Failsafe Query by Michael Jenkins

I'm delighted to share my review of The Failsafe Query today. This is part of the damppebbles blog tour, so be sure to check out [...]

Hidden Treasure by Jane K. Cleland (Josie Prescott series)

If you like cozy mysteries, here's a series to put on your to-be-read list! Hidden Treasure by Jane K. Cleland Josie Prescott series #13 Genre: [...]

Read an excerpt from Play the Red Queen by Juris Jurjevics

Today's my stop on the Random Things blog tour for Play the Red Queen by Juris Jurjevics. Thanks to the author and Anne Cater [...]

Take It Back by Kia Abdullah

If you love legal thrillers, this is one you won't want to miss! Take It Back by Kia Abdullah is riveting, character-driven, and builds to [...]

Read an extract from The Kidney Killer by M. M. Hudson

Welcome to my spot on the tour for The Kidney Killer by M. M. Hudson! Thanks to the author and Anne Cater of Random [...]

One of Our Own by Jane Haddam

This is book 30 in the Gregor Demarkian series, and sadly, it is the last. The author passed away and her sons published the book [...]

Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March

Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March Genre: Historical mystery Publication: 10 November 2020, Minotaur In 19th century Bombay, Captain Jim Agnihotri channels his idol, [...]

Where the Wild Ladies Are by Aoko Matsuda

Ready for some wild retellings of Japanese ghost stories? Foxes, a candle-making company, ghosts who disapprove of body hair removal . . . Aoko Matsuda [...]

The Moscow Whisper by Michael Jenkins

A while back, I was lucky enough to join the blog tour for The Kompromat Kill. After that, Michael reached out and offered me an [...]

Read an excerpt from Mango Bay by Serena Fairfax

Welcome to my spot on the Random Things Tour for Mango Bay by Serena Fairfax. Read on for an excerpt from the novel. Then [...]

The Adventure of the Murdered Gypsy by Liese Sherwood-Fabre (Young Sherlock Holmes #2)

Before Sherlock Holmes became the world’s greatest consulting detective, murder followed the arrival of unexpected guests to the Holmes family estate.Shortly after one of his [...]

Meet Smita Bhattacharya, author of the Darya Nandkarni mysteries

I'm delighted to have Smita Bhattacharya on the blog today. Smita is the author of the Darya Nandkarni mystery series, which she describes as "warm, [...]

Snow by John Banville

Snow by John Banville Genre: Mystery Publication: Harlequin: Hanover Square Press, 6 October 2020 The incomparable Booker Prize winner’s next great crime novel—the story of [...]

Shadow Ridge by M. E. Browning

If you like police procedurals, here's a new series for you! M. E. Browning, author of the Agatha-nominated Mer Cavallo mysteries, introduces us to Jo [...]

Deception by Gaslight by Kate Belli

I'm delighted to share my review of Deception by Gaslight, the first in a new historical mystery series by Kate Belli. If Gilded-age New York, [...]

Lone Jack Trail by Owen Laukkanen

I absolutely adored last year's Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen, so I was both thrilled and apprehensive to read the follow-up thriller. Thrilled, because I [...]

Dreaming in Color by Melanie Florence

Dreaming in Color by Melanie Florence Genre: Middle-grade #OwnVoices Publication: Orca Book Publishers, 22 September 2020 Jennifer McCaffrey has been working hard on her art [...]

Book tour: Tutankhamun by Nick Drake

Tutankhamun: The Book of Shadows by Nick Drake Rai Rahotep #2 Genre: Historical mystery Tutankhamun, son of Akhenaten, has inherited an empire that seems to [...]

Blog tour: Nefertiti by Nick Drake

Today's my spot on the blog tour for Nefertiti by Nick Drake. I'll also be sharing my review of the sequel, Tutankhamun, later today. Thanks [...]

Broken by John Rector

Broken by John Rector Genre: Suspense/Thriller Publication: Thomas & Mercer, 15 September 2020 Trust becomes a fatal mistake in this shocking thriller by the international [...]

Guest Post: Chariots of Fire & Derek Jarman, by Tim Sullivan

Please welcome acclaimed screenwriter Tim Sullivan to the blog today. Tim has had a long career in screenwriting--read on for more juicy insider details!--and now [...]

Review: The Four Symbols by Giacometti and Ravenne

The Four Symbols by Eric Giacometti & Jacques Ravenne Translator: Maren Baudet-Lackner Genre: Historical thriller Publication: May, 2020 by Hodder & Stoughton In a Europe on [...]

Sanctuary by V.V. James

If you're in the mood to play Sherlock Holmes or Miss Marple, and long for a novel that gives you all the clues to solve [...]

How Reading Has Changed in 2020, Guest post from Malia Zaidi

I'm delighted to have author Malia Zaidi on the blog today. Malia is the author of the Lady Evelyn historical mystery series, set in the [...]

Road To Mercy by T. J. Brearton

I'm thrilled to share my review of Road to Mercy by T.J. Brearton. A few months ago, I reviewed Into Darkness, the first book in [...]

Review: A Door Between Us by Ehsaneh Sadr

A Door Between Us by Ehsaneh Sadr Genre: general fiction/multicultural interest Publication: 1 September 2020, Blackstone Publishing The dissident, the soldier, the bride: will the [...]

Review: The Mystery of Henri Pick by David Foenkinos

Genre: Comic mystery Publication: Steerforth Press, September 1, 2020 The delightful first title in a new collaboration with Channel 4's Walter Presents: a fast-paced comic [...]

Read an excerpt from Blood Ties by Peter Taylor-Gooby @PeterT_G @matadorbooks

I'm thrilled to help kick off the blog tour for Blood Ties by Peter Taylor-Gooby. Thanks to Matador Books, the author, and Kelly of [...]

Blog Tour: The Memories We Bury by H.A. Leuschel

I'm happy to be on tour with damppebbles again, this time for psychological suspense novel The Memories We Bury by H.A. Leuschel. Do you like [...]

Interview: Mike Grist, author of Saint Justice

Please welcome Mike Grist to the blog today! Mike is the author of Saint Justice, the latest in the Christopher Wren vigilante crime series. Reviewers [...]

Giveaway! The Night of Shooting Stars by Ben Pastor

This week, I'm running a giveaway for a paperback copy of The Night of Shooting Stars by Ben Pastor. It's for the U.K. only. The [...]

Read an excerpt from At the Feet of Mothers by Adnan Mahmutovic

Today, I'm joining the DampPebbles blog tour for Adnan Mahmutovic's novel At the Feet of Mothers. Read on for more about the book, an exclusive [...]

Review: Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

I'm thrilled to review of Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden. This is the first crime novel I've read that is set on a [...]

Review: Echo Hall by Virginia Moffatt

Today, I'm joining DampPebbles blog tour of Echo Hall by Virginia Moffatt. If you love historical mysteries, family sagas, and story-within-a-story-within-a-story (yes, triple stories!), you [...]

Read an excerpt from The Innocents by Michael Crummey

Read on for an excerpt from The Innocents by Michael Crummey. It's been shortlisted for the 2019 Giller Prize, the 2019 Governor General's award, [...]

Review: Little Falls by Elizabeth Lewes

I'm thrilled to help kick off the blog tour for Little Falls by Elizabeth Lewes. Like rural noir? Small-town mysteries? Literary thrillers? If you answered [...]

Giveaway! Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver

This week, I'm running another giveaway. Up for grabs is Hinton Hollow Death Trip by Will Carver. Carver's work includes the bestselling January David series. [...]

Blood and Steel (John Steel #4) by Stuart Field

If the words roller-coaster ride, action-packed, and adrenaline-rush describe your ideal novel, then you need to check out the latest book in the John Steel [...]

The Night Lawyer by Alex Churchill

Today is my stop on the blog tour for The Night Lawyer by Alex Churchill. If you adore legal thrillers, you must check out this [...]

Review: Lucky Bones by Michael Wiley #noir

Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Lucky Bones by Michael Wiley in exchange for an honest review. Lucky Bones by Michael [...]

The End of the Road by Anna Legat

Today, I'm joining with the Love Books Tour to celebrate the release of the dystopian fantasy The End of the Road by Anna Legat. If [...]

10 facts about thriller author Mark Eklid

Please welcome Mark Eklid to the blog today. Mark is the author of Family Business, a twisty-filled, fast-paced contemporary thriller, but as his top 10 [...]

Blackwatertown by Paul Waters

It's my turn on the blog tour for Blackwatertown. Author Paul Waters gives us a story full of intrigue, corruption, and religious-political conflict, all within [...]

The Silence of the White City by Eva Garcia Saenz

Thanks to Netgalley and Knopf/Doubleday Publishing Group for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. If you like richly nuanced suspense/thriller/mystery [...]

Tapestry by Beth Duke

I'm super excited to be kicking off the blog tour for Tapestry by Beth Duke. I've lived in Alabama, where this novel is mainly set, [...]

Review of Sarah’s List by Elizabeth Gunn

Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Sarah's List in exchange for an honest review. Sarah's List by Elizabeth Gunn Genre: Police [...]

Giveaway! The Big Chill by Doug Johnstone

Thanks to the generosity of Orenda Books, I'm running a giveaway for a hot-off-the-presses new mystery by Doug Johnstone. It's the second in the Skelf [...]

Someone’s Listening by Seraphina Nova Glass

Thanks to Netgalley, Harlequin/Graydon House, and author Seraphina Nova Glass for a copy of Someone's Listening in exchange for an honest review. Someone's Listening by [...]

The Last Lemming by Chris Chalmers

Greed, obsession, murder, and . . . a new British mammal?! This mystery sounds unusual, to say the least, and today, you can read [...]

Interview: Michael Ward, author of Rags of Time

A few weeks back, I reviewed Rags of Time, a wonderful historical mystery by debut novelist Michael Ward. Today, I'm interviewing Michael about his book [...]

Review: Fire on the Island by Timothy Jay Smith

Last year, I was privileged to review Timothy Jay Smith's Lambda award finalist spy thriller The Fourth Courier. So when he asked me to review [...]

Thirty-One Bones by Morgan Cry

I'm thrilled to be able to share this excerpt from the new novel Thirty-One Bones by Morgan Cry. Read on for an excerpt from [...]

The Revelators by Ace Atkins #CrimeFiction

Thanks to Netgalley and Putnam Books for a copy of The Revelators by Ace Atkins in exchange for an honest review. The Revelators by [...]

Death of a Prominent Citizen by Cora Harrison

Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Death of a Prominent Citizen by Cora Harrison in exchange for an honest review. [...]

The Mid-Year Freak-Out tag 2020

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash Unsplash/license I did this tag last year, too. (I guess it's an annual tradition now.) I'd forgotten about [...]

Verbal by Peter Murphy

I'm thrilled to be on the blog tour for Verbal by Peter Murphy. If you love legal thrillers, you do not want to miss [...]

Blog tour for Final Verdict by Sally Rigby

It's my turn on the blog tour for Final Verdict by Sally Rigby. If you like police procedurals featuring strong female characters, read on! [...]

The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife by Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Thanks to Little Elm Press and Netgalley for a copy of The Adventure of the Murdered Midwife by Liese Sherwood-Fabre in exchange for an [...]

Bad Magic by A. M. Stirling

Thanks to A. M Stirling and Emma Welton of DampPebbles blog tours for a copy of Bad Magic in exchange for an honest review. [...]

Whatever It Take by Tadhg Coakley @Lovebooksgroup @MercierBooks

Today, I'm thrilled to host an excerpt from the crime novel Whatever It Takes by Tadhg Coakley. It sounds like a thrilling book, and it's [...]

A Thin Porridge by Benjamin Gohs

Huge congrats on publications day to Benjamin Gohs. Out today and we are celebrating with a book blitz from Love Books Tours! When 19-year-old Abeona [...]

Rags of Time by Michael Ward

If you're a fan of historical mysteries, this new series by Michael Ward is one you won't want to miss! Stuart England comes alive [...]

One Fatal Night by Helene Fermont

Reviewers have called One Fatal Night by Helene Fermont "engrossing," "intriguing and gripping," and a "spine-chilling slice of Nordic noir." If you're a fan of [...]

Everything to Lose by Gordon Bickerstaff

Thanks to Gordon Bickerstaff and Emma Welton of DampPebbles blog tours for a copy of Everything to Lose in exchange for an honest review. Everything [...]

Spotlight on Love is What You Bake of It (The Meraki Series Book 1) by Effie Kammenou

I'm thrilled to shine a spotlight on a new novel by Effie Kammenou. Love is What You Bake of It sounds like a delicious, heart-warming [...]

A safecracker witnesses a murder during an attempted theft and is forced to take a job for the killer's boss, a drug lord, or else his friends will be killed. But if he succeeds, he might be killed. Impressive debut thriller by Ryan Wick, with lots of action and memorable characters.

Book of Skulls by David Hutchison

I'm thrilled to spotlight the new novel Book of Skulls by David Hutchison. It's the first book in an historical mystery series, and it sounds [...]

Awesome mysteries for dog lovers

What's better than a suspense novel? How about a suspense novel with a dog? I've run across a lot of new/recently published/soon-to-be published suspense/thriller/mystery [...]

The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett #CozyMystery

The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett Genre: Cozy mystery Publisher: Severn House Publication Date: June 2, 2020 Introducing an engaging new amateur sleuth, declutterer [...]

Fall Out by Mark Grenside #lovebookstours #thriller

Today I'm shining a spotlight on the new thriller Fall Out by M. N. (Mark) Grenside. Read on for an exclusive excerpt from the book. [...]

PM Press submission call! @PMPress1 @damppebbles

It's always exciting when a publisher calls for submissions! Writers, if you're ready to query, read on for information about Holland House's new digital imprint, [...]

The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce by Tom Gillespie @tom_gillespie @lovebooksgroup

The Strange Book of Jacob Boyce by Tom Gillespie A spiraling obsession. A missing wife. A terrifying secret. Will he find her before it’s too [...]

Little Girls Tell Tales by Rachel Bennett

No one believes Rosalie found a skeleton but years later, a woman believes that skeleton is her sister. But someone wants to keep those bones buried. Little Girls Tell Tales by Rachel Bennett.

The Kompromat Kill by Michael Jenkins #SpyThriller @FailsafeQuery @damppebbles

If you love spy/espionage novels, be sure to check out The Kompromat Kill by Michael Jenkins. I received a free copy of this book in exchange [...]

Broken Steel by Stuart Field #damppebblesblogtour

Welcome to my stop on the Damp Pebbles blog tour for Broken Steel by Stuart Field. Thanks to Emma Welton for letting me join, [...]

The Running Lie by Jennifer Young

Today I'm thrilled to have a guest post from Jennifer Young, author of The Running Lie. It's second in an historical thriller series featuring archaeologist [...]

Paper Soldiers by Mark Pettinger #damppebblesblogtours

Thanks to author Mark Pettinger and Emma Welton of damppebblesblogtours for a copy of Paper Soldiers in exchange for an honest review. Paper Soldiers [...]

The Sideman by Caro Ramsey #PoliceProcedural

Thanks to Black Thorn Books and Netgalley for a free copy of The Sideman by Caro Ramsey in exchange for an honest review. The [...]

The Inheritance by Anne Allen @AnneAllen21 @lovebooksgroup

If you've read my blog for a while, you know that I love historical mysteries. While this series is new to me, now that I've [...]

Locked in Fear by Liz Cowley and Donough O’Brien @urbanebooks #Lovebookstours

Today, I am happy to shine a spotlight on Locked in Fear by Liz Cowley and Donough O'Brien. Thanks to Kelly of LoveBooksTours for the [...]

The Paladin by David Ignatius #SpyThriller #Review

Before I review this book, let me remind you that there's still time to enter the giveaway for the Nordic thriller Sister by Kjell [...]

The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale #review #PsychologicalSuspense

Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark and Netgalley for a copy of The Sunday Girl by Pip Drysdale in exchange for an honest review. The Sunday [...]

The Good Wife by Jane A. Adams #Netgalley review of book 5 in Henry Johnstone series

The Good Wife by Jane A. Adams Genre: Police Procedural, Mystery Publisher: Severn House Publication Date: May 5, 2020 About The Good Wife: [...]

The Secrets of Bones by Kylie Logan #review

Thanks to St. Martin's/Minotaur and Netgalley for a copy of The Secrets of Bones by Kylie Logan in exchange for an honest review. The [...]

Cover reveal: Midtown Huckster by Leopold Borstinski #MidtownHuckster, @borstinski @damppebbles @DamppebblesBTs

Today, I'm excited to help reveal the cover of Midtown Huckster by Leopold Borstinski. I reviewed Borstinski's previous book in the Alex Cohen series, East [...]

Read an excerpt from Nordic thriller Sister by Kjell Ola Dahl, plus a giveaway!

Today you can read an excerpt from the Nordic crime thriller Sister by Kjell Ola Dahl. Plus, I'm hosting a giveaway of the book, too! [...]

Perdition’s Child by Anne Coates @Anne_Coates1 @urbanebooks #Lovebookstours

Today, I'll be sharing an excerpt from Anne Coates's new book Perdition's Child. If you like thrillers, check this out! I really enjoyed what I [...]

Review of Strangers by C. L. Taylor #Netgalley #PsychologicalSuspense

Thanks to Avon Books and Netgalley for a copy of Strangers by C.L. Taylor in exchange for an honest review. Strangers by C.L. Taylor Genre: [...]

Sword by Bogdan Teodorescu @Corylusbooks @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

Today, I'm participating in the cover release of Sword, by Romanian author Bogdan Teodorescu. It's already been a bestseller in both Romanian and French, and [...]

A Full Cold Moon by Lissa Marie Redmond

Thanks to Severn House Publishers and Netgalley for a copy of A Full Cold Moon in exchange for an honest review. A Full Cold Moon [...]

Into Darkness by TJ Brearton #review

Special thanks to Inkubator books and Emma Welton of DampPebblesBook Tours for a copy of Into Darkness in exchange for an honest review. Into Darkness [...]

Spotlight on And Then We Vanish: collected stories by D.H. Schleicher

Welcome D. H. Schleicher to the blog today! Some of you may remember that I reviewed Schleicher's novel Then Came Darkness last year. Great book, [...]

Children of War by Ahmet Yorulmaz @NeemTreePress #RandomThingsTour

I'm thrilled to take part in the blog tour for Children of War by Ahmet Yorulmaz, a noted Turkish journalist. Thanks to Anne Cater and [...]

Giveaway: Containment by Vanda Symon @orendabooks @annecater #blogtour

"Dunedin’s favourite young police officer Sam Shephard is drawn into a perplexing investigation when a series of shipping containers wash up on a sleepy New [...]

#BlogTour #BookReview East Side Hustler by Leopold Borstinski #AlexCohenSeries #damppebbles

Today is my turn on the damppebbles blog tour for East Side Hustler by Leopold Borstinski. Thanks to Emma Weldon of damppebblesblogtours and the [...]

Spotlight on Why Me? Chimeras, Conundrums, and Dead Goldfish by Charlotte Stuart

Some of you may remember my review of Charlotte Stuart's quirky mystery Survival Can Be Deadly this past summer. Well, Stuart is back with a [...]

#BlogTour The Awful Truth about the Sushing Prize by Marco Ocram

The Awful Truth about the Sushing Prize by Marco Ocram Whatever he writes, he lives. But unless he can draft a [...]

Giveaway: Deep Dark Night by Steph Broadribb @orendabooks @annecater #blogtour

Today, I’ve got a fabulous opportunity for you to win a copy of Steph Broadrigg’s novel Deep Dark Night. Read the series that critics call [...]

With Her Fists by Henry Roi

With Her Fists by Henry Roi Genre: Crime Thriller Publisher: Independently published Publication Date: November 25, 2019 Clarice "Shocker" Ares retired from a sensational pro-boxing [...]

New Police Procedurals Spring 2020

If you're like me, you love a well-crafted police procedural mystery. The author has a unique job: they must construct both an investigation and the [...]

Mexico Street by Simone Buchholz #Giveaway

Mexico Street by Simone Buchholz Today, I've got a fabulous opportunity for you to win a copy of Simone Buchholz's new novel Mexico Street. To [...]

Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey

Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey Genre: Suspense/General adult fiction Publisher: Simon & Schuster Publication Date: March 3, 2020 About Woman on the [...]

How to destroy a culture according to Ray Bradbury, plus a roundup

https://unsplash.com/licensePhoto by Hayden Scott on Unsplash You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them. Ray [...]

Avenge the Dead by Jackie Baldwin @JackieMBaldwin1 @0neMoreChapter_ @damppebbles

Avenge the Dead by Jackie Baldwin Genre: Crime/Police Procedural Publisher: One More Chapter Publication Date: February 28, 2020 About the book Sometimes murder is the [...]

The Holdout by Graham Moore

The Holdout by Graham Moore Genre: Legal thriller Publisher: Random House Publication date: February 18, 2020 About The Holdout: One juror changed the verdict. What if [...]

Guest post: author Sally Zigmond on Conscientious Objectors in WWI

Please welcome Sally Zigmond to the blog today. Sally is the author of the recently-published historical novel The Lark Ascending. Today, she's sharing about [...]

Guest post: Steven Jacob, author of Nobody’s Heroes @sdjacob30 @damppebbles #damppebblesblogtours

Author Steven Jacob Please welcome Steven Jacob to the blog today. Steven is the author of Nobody's Heroes, historical fiction about the black [...]

Here’s my process for how to get rid of books

Get rid of books?!For some of you, the very title of this post is heresy. You have Mt. Everest-sized mountains of books, you're proud of [...]

The Mentor by Lee Matthew Goldberg #blackthorntours

The Mentor by Lee Matthew Goldberg Genre: Thriller Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books Publication Date: June 13, 2017 About the book: Kyle Broder has achieved his lifelong [...]

Read an excerpt from San Diego Dead by Mark Nolan

San Diego Dead by Mark Nolan Danger awaits Marine-turned-lawyer Jake Wolfe on his vacation to sunny San Diego and Cabo San Lucas. There he finds [...]

The Art of Murder by J. S. Strange #review

The Art of Murder by J. S. Strange Genre: Cozy mystery Publisher: Panther Publishing Publication Date: September 30, 2019 Artist Xander Draper is being threatened [...]

Never Forget by Martin Michaud #Review #Netgalley

Never Forget by Martin Michaud Translator: Arthur Holden Genre: Mystery/Thriller Publisher: Dundurn Press Publication Date: originally 2012, first translation release 2/11/20 Tormented, rebellious police [...]

Who should you pity? Here’s what Benjamin Franklin thought

Photo by Jamie Street on Unsplashhttps://unsplash.com/license Benjamin Franklin writes, "The person who deserves most pity is a lonesome one on a rainy day who [...]

Cartier’s Hope by M.J. Rose #review #Netgalley

Cartier's Hope by M. J. Rose Genre: Historical mystery Publisher: Atria Books Publication Date: January 28, 2020 From M.J. Rose, New York Times bestselling author of Tiffany Blues, [...]

Spotlight on . . . Bullets, Teeth, & Fists 3 by Jason Beech

She's heavily pregnant. She's handcuffed to a pipe. The clock is ticking.Belle, the heavily pregnant wife of an important man, is bundled into the back [...]

Excerpt from The Final Trail by A. A. Abbott #BlogTour @LoveBooksTours @AAAbbottStories

Enjoy this excerpt from The Final Trail by AA Abbott, which Amazon reviewers have called "fast-paced," "compelling," and so engrossing "that I almost missed my [...]

Death of a Young Lieutenant by B.R. Stateham #review

Thanks to Isobel Blackthorn and Henry Roi of Blackthorn Tours for a copy of Death of a Young Lieutenant in exchange for an honest review. [...]

2020 Reading and Book Blogging Resolutions

Photo by Estée Janssens on Unsplash/ https://unsplash.com/license I started this blog around a year ago. In this time, I've learned a great deal about [...]

The Falconer’s Apprentice by Malve von Hassell

The Falconer's Apprentice by Malve von Hassell Genre: Historical fiction, young adult historical fiction Publisher: Namelos Publication Date: May 30, 2015 Summary ”That bird should [...]

Hiding in Plain Sight by Eoghan Egan Book launch! #LoveBooksTours

Love crime fiction? If the words "Irish crime fiction" make you shiver in anticipation, you won't want to miss this. Award-winning writer Eoghan Egan's debut [...]

Trouble in Mind by Michael Wiley review #Netgalley

Trouble in Mind by Michael Wiley Genre: Crime, Noir Publisher: Severn House Publication Date: January 7, 2020 Blurb: Introducing maverick Chicago private investigator Sam Kelson [...]

The Woman in the Veil by Laura Joh Rowland

The Woman in the Veil by Laura Joh Rowland Genre: Historical mystery Publisher: Crooked Lane Books Publication Date: January 7, 2020 Summary Award-winning author Laura [...]

Author Interview: Jim Alexander, author of The Light

I've been wanting to do an author interview for a while now. When Jim Alexander (GoodCopBadCop, the Light) contacted me about his new release, [...]

Year of the Asian reading challenge 2019: completed!

Back in January, I discovered Year of the Asian Reading Challenge on another book blog. Obviously, the idea was to promote Asian authors, whether [...]

17 Church Row by James Carol #BlogTour

Thanks to Tracy at Compulsive Readers (@Tr4cyF3nt0n) for the tour invitation and to author James Carol for a copy of 17 Church Row in return for [...]

On Sale Now! Happy Hour and Other Philadelphia Cruelties by Tony Knighton

Happy Hour and Other Philadelphia Cruelties by Tony Knighton Publisher: Crime Wave Press Release Date: 2015 "A young grifter steals an overcoat. As he discovers forty-thousand [...]

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of The Dead Girls Club in exchange for an honest review. The Dead Girls Club [...]

Echoes of the Fall by Hank Early

Echoes of the Fall by Hank Early Genre: mystery Publisher: Crooked Lane books Publication Date: November 12, 2019 Blurb "Earl Marcus has faced a litany [...]

Every Stolen Breath by Kimberly Gabriel

Every Stolen Breath by Kimberly Gabriel Genre: YA mystery/thriller Publisher: Blink Publication date: November 5, 2019 Summary The Swarm is unrecognizable, untraceable, and unpredictable—random attacks [...]

Cover Reveal for The Final Trail by A.A. Abbott

I'm thrilled to have my very first cover reveal on my blog! Thank you, Kelly from Love Books Tours, for inviting me along. The Final [...]

This Poison Will Remain

This Poison Will Remain by Fred Vargas Translator: Siân Reynolds Publication Date: August 20, 2019 Publisher: Penguin Books Originally published as Quand sort la recluse, [...]

Red Oblivion by Leslie Shimotakahara

Red Oblivion by Leslie Shimotakahara Genre: mystery Publisher: Dundurn Publication date: October 15, 2019 Goodreads blurb: "Family secrets surface when two sisters travel to Hong [...]

Fishnet by Kirstin Innes #Netgalley

Fishnet by Kirstin Innes Genre: literary/mystery Publisher: Gallery/Scout Press Publication date: October 15, 2019 Summary "Twenty year old Rona Leonard walks out of her sister [...]

The Burning Hill by A. D. Flint #BlogTour

The Burning Hill by A. D. Flint Genre: Crime/Action Publisher: Unbound Publication Date: 2018 Blurb On the run from unjust court-martial back home, a young [...]

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer

The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer Genre: historical mystery Publisher: St. Martin's Press / Minotaur Books Publication Date: October 15, 2019 Blurb [...]

Need a new mystery to read? Here’s some new releases!

It's hard to believe that it's October already. Another busy reading month for me, as I'm sure it is for you. Are there new books [...]

What happens when you like books too much #quote

Photo by Robert Anasch on UnsplashFree to use under the Unsplash License She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain. [...]

Synapse by Steven James #Netgalley

Synapse by Steven James Genre: Christian mystery/thriller/science fiction Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publication date: October 8, 2019 Summary Thirty years in the future, when AI [...]

The Wall Between Us (a lesson in perception)

(This is a post from my old blog, written under a different name. It's only tangentially about books, but I thought it might be worth [...]

The Beijing Conspiracy by Shamini Flint

The Beijing Conspiracy by Shamini Flint Genre: Spy thriller Publisher: Severn House Publication date: October 1, 2019 Summary "I need your support. There is no [...]

Murder at Whitby Abbey by Cassandra Clark

Thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for a copy of Murder at Whitby Abbey in exchange for an honest review. Murder at Whitby Abbey by Cassandra [...]

Survival Can Be Deadly by Charlotte Stuart

Thanks to the author for an unsolicited ARC of Survival Can Be Deadly in exchange for an honest review. Survival Can Be Deadly by Charlotte [...]

Neon Empire by Drew Minh #NeonEmpire #NetGalley

Thanks to California Coldblood Books/Rare Bird Books and Netgalley for a copy of Neon Empire in exchange for an honest review. I'm thankful that I [...]

Lady Killer by Jeff Richards #BookReview

Thanks to Emily HagenBurger of MindBuck Media Book Publicity and Main Street Rag for a copy of Lady Killer in exchange for an honest review. [...]

Bomber’s Moon by Archer Mayor

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur for a copy of Bomber's Moon in exchange for an honest review. Bomber's Moon by Archer Mayor Genre: [...]

How word choice colors how readers respond to your story

Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash unsplash/license This is probably one of the least helpful writing tip columns I've written. It's so [...]

What Happened That Night by Deanna Cameron

Thanks to Netgalley and Wattpad Books for a copy of What Happened That Night in exchange for an honest review. What Happened That Night by [...]

No Place of Refuge by Ausma Zehanat Khan #KhattakAndGetty

Thanks to No Exit Press for an advanced reading copy of No Place of Refuge in exchange for an honest review. Thanks also to Anne [...]

#Stasiland by Rolf Richardson #BlogTour

This is part of a book blog tour organized by Anne Cater. This review of Stasiland is my first ever blog tour, and I'm thrilled [...]

Need a new mystery to read? September releases

If you're in need of a new mystery to read, I've got seven new novels to suggest. Thanks to Netgalley and several fabulous publishers, I [...]

What is a book? plus blog roundup

A book is a gift you can open again and again. Garrison KeillorThis quote reminds me of my mother-in-law, who has Alzheimer's. On one recent [...]

Graveyard Bay by Thomas Kies #Netgalley

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press/Sourcebooks and NetGalley for a copy of Graveyard Bay in exchange for an honest review. Graveyard Bay by Thomas Kies Genre: [...]

2 ways to build suspense in your novel

This week's tips are all about how to build suspense in your novel. Okay, there's really only two tips! Photo by Jessica Lewis [...]

29 Seconds by T. M. Logan #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read 29 Seconds in exchange for an honest review. 29 Seconds by T. M. [...]

The Spotted Dog by Kerry Greenwood #NetGalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an advance reader's copy of The Spotted Dog in exchange for an honest review. The Spotted Dog [...]

Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard #NetGalley

Thanks to Netgalley and Blackstone Publishing for a chance to read Rewind in exchange for an honest review. Rewind by Catherine Ryan Howard Genre: Psychological [...]

What should a book be? A thought from Kafka

A book must be the axe for the frozen sea within us. Franz Kafka Book reviews Catacombs by Mary Anna Evans Beyond the Moon [...]

The Alienist by Caleb Carr #review

The Alienist by Caleb Carr Genre: historical suspense/mystery Publisher: Random House Publication Date: 1994 This review of The Alienist originally appeared (with some modifications) on [...]

Why Your Characters Need to have Compassion

If you want readers to sympathize with your character, one way to do it is for the character to show compassion for someone else. It [...]

Where There is Smoke by Elisabeth Rose #Netgalley

Thanks to Escape Publishing and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of Where There is Smoke in exchange for an honest review. Where There is [...]

Beyond the Moon by Catherine Taylor #Netgalley

Thanks to NetGalley and Cameo Press LTD/Author Buzz for a free copy of Beyond the Moon in exchange for an honest review. Beyond the Moon [...]

Catacombs by Mary Anna Evans #Netgalley

A big thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks, and Netgalley for a copy of Catacombs in exchange for an honest review. Catacombs by Mary [...]

What do you need to be creative?

What do you need to be a creative person? Creativity takes courage. Henri Matisse From the number of intensely creative fiction writers I follow online, [...]

Need an escape? Try one of August’s new mysteries!

If you're like me, August is a bit overwhelming. The summer heat's still stifling and the AC's still cranked up high but the kids are [...]

Why you should take a risk in your writing

This week's writing advice column is about writing risks. Not when characters take a risk--but when you, the writer, take a risk. If you're like [...]

The Third Mrs. Durst by Ann Aguirre #Netgalley review

Many thanks to Midnight Ink and Netgalley for an advance reading copy of The Third Mrs. Durst in exchange for an honest review. The Third [...]

A Conspiracy of Wolves by Candace Robb #Netgalley

Many thanks to Severn House Publishers and Netgalley for an ARC of A Conspiracy of Wolves in exchange for an honest review. A Conspiracy of [...]

Mid-Year Freak Out tag for 2019 #MidYearFreakOutBook tag

Photo by Siora Photography on Unsplash License | Unsplash I came across the mid-year freak out tag through a blog post RT'd [...]

The Victim by Max Manning #Netgalley

Many thanks to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for an ARC of The Victim in exchange for an honest review. The Victim by Max Manning Genre: mystery/thriller [...]

3 rules for writing a novel, plus blog roundup

Photo by Angelina Litvin on Unsplashhttps://unsplash.com/license There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are. W. Somerset MaughamAgree [...]

Why you can break the rules of writing

Every month, I write a column about things I've learned about the craft of writing from the books I've reviewed. This time, I've started with [...]

Beijing Payback by Daniel Nieh #NetGalley

Beijing Payback by Daniel Nieh Genre: Thriller/crime Publisher: Harper Collins/ Ecco Publication Date: July 23, 2019 Summary: College student Victor Li's father has been murdered. [...]

The Right Attitude to Rain by Alexander McCall Smith

(This review of The Right Attitude to Rain is old and was previously published on Goodreads. I'm rather swamped with work right now. This is [...]

What I’ve learned as a book blogger

I joined the ranks of book bloggers six months ago. Recently, I thought about the novels I've read and how my taste in reading material [...]

Rasputin’s Shadow by Raymond Khoury #review

I was searching for a novel to read for my June selection for the Year of the Asian reading challenge; my original pick ended up [...]

Who needs patience? A thought from St. Francis de Sales

We must have patience with everyone, but especially with ourselves. St. Francis de SalesBetween travel and reading, it's been hard to update the blog as [...]

Razia by Abda Khan, #Netgalley #review

Many thanks to Netgalley and Unbound for giving me a review copy of Razia in exchange for an honest review. Razia by Abda Khan Genre: [...]

Need a new mystery to read? Try July’s hot new releases

July's a busy month for new releases! Thanks to Netgalley and publishers' generosity, I've been able to read several soon-to-be released novels. Whether you prefer [...]

Marked Men by Chris Simms #Netgalley

Many thanks to Severn House Publishers and Netgalley for giving me an advanced reading copy of Marked Men in exchange for an honest review. Marked [...]

Writing tips from the blog, June 2019 edition

Stories must have tension and suspense, even outside the suspense genres. (from The Orphan's Song by Lauren Kate) I’ve read quite a bit of “literary” [...]

Watchers of the Dead by Simon Beaufort

Many thanks to Netgalley and Severn House publishers for an advanced reading copy of Watchers of the Dead in exchange for an honest review. Watchers [...]

American Red by David Marlett #netgalley

American Red by David Marlett Genre: Historical legal thriller Publisher: The Story Plant Publication Date: July 2, 2019 Many thanks to NetGalley, David Marlett, and [...]

Murder by the Minster by Helen Cox #NetGalley

Murder by the Minster by Helen Cox Genre: cozy mystery Publisher: Quercus Publication Date: July 1, 2019 Summary: "Meet Kitt Hartley: librarian, trilby-wearer, taker [...]

5 mystery novels about fathers #Father’sDay

In honor of Father's Day this past weekend (in the U.S., at least!), I've put together a top 5 list of mystery novels about fathers. [...]

The Orphan’s Song by Lauren Kate #Netgalley #review

The Orphan's Song by Lauren Kate Genre: historical Publisher: Penguin Publication Date: June 25, 2019 Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Books, and Lauren Kate for providing [...]

Hungry? A thought from Mother Teresa

There is more hunger for love and appreciation in the world than for bread. Mother TeresaWhen I read this quote from Mother Teresa, it struck [...]

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny #review

Kingdom of the Blind by Louise Penny Genre: mystery Publisher: Minotaur Publication Date: 2018 Summary Chief Inspector Armand Gamache, still suspended from duty, has received [...]

Need help writing your novel? Here’s some Writing Tips #writingtips

Setting & World-building Writing Tip #1. Make that setting work for the story. (from William Boyle's The Lonely Witness) I noted this in my review [...]

The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan #mystery

The Scent of Murder by Kylie Logan Genre: mystery Publisher: Minotaur Publication Date: 2019 Summary Jazz Ramsey is an administrative assistant at St. Catherine's, an [...]

Permafrost by Alastair Reynolds #review

Permafrost by Alastair Reynolds Genre: Science Fiction, Post-apocalyptic time travel Publisher/ Publication Date: Tor, 2019 Summary Arctic Circle, 2080. After a horrible bio-disaster named "The [...]

Darksight by D. C. Mallery #netgalley

Darksight by D. C. Mallery Genre: Fantasy/Medical Thriller Publisher: Black Opal Books Publication Date: June 8, 2019 Summary: Audra, a blind woman in her twenties, [...]

Need encouragement? Here’s some from J. R. R. Tolkien

Photo by Emma D. on Unsplash / License | UnsplashThe past two weeks have been slow work for me. Life's been busy. (Isn't it always?) [...]

The Lonely Witness by William Boyle

The Lonely Witness by William Boyle Genre: Mystery/Noir Publisher/Date: Pegasus, 2018 Summary: Amy, a former wild girl, lives an isolated life as a Eucharistic Minister [...]

Writing tips from book reviews, May 2019 pt. 2

As promised, here are several bonus writing tips, gleaned from the books I've reviewed in the past few weeks, plus one extra tip that I've [...]

Smoke and Ashes by Abir Mukherjee

Smoke and Ashes by Abir Mukherjee Genre: Historical crime Summary December 1921, Calcutta. Captain Sam Wyndham keeps his opium addiction a secret from his superiors. [...]

Uneasy Lies the Crown by Tasha Alexander, #review

Uneasy Lies the Crown, by Tasha Alexander Genre: historical mystery series Publisher: Minotaur Press Release Date: 2018 Summary: "On her deathbed, Queen Victoria asks to [...]

Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna by Mario Giordano

Auntie Poldi and the Vineyards of Etna by Mario Giordano Translator: John Brownjohn Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publication date: 2019 Summary: In Sicily, vivacious widow [...]

Annie Dillard quote plus blog roundup

Photo by Ryan Searle on Unsplash /License | Unsplash Trigger by David Swinson #reviewThe Controller, by Matt Brolly #NetGalley #review5 mystery novels about mothersWriting [...]

The Controller by Matt Brolly #Netgalley

The Controller, by Matt Brolly Genre: Thriller Publisher: Oblong Books Release Date: May 23, 2019 Summary of The Controller Six years ago, former FBI agent [...]

Writing tips from May 2019 book reviews, part one

Here are a few writing tips. This is what I've learned about the writing craft from books I've recently reviewed. Characterizations Put a new spin [...]

5 mystery novels about mothers: mini #bookreviews

Mother's day was this past weekend in the U.S. In honor of that day, I decided to find 5 new (or newer) novels where moms [...]

Trigger by David Swinson #review

Trigger by David Swinson Genre: Cop/Private Investigator crime Publisher: Mulholland Publication Date: 2019 Summary Ex-cop Frank Marr works as a private investigator for a defense [...]

Quotation from C. S. Lewis, plus weekly blog roundup

Photo by Farrel Nobel on Unsplashhttps://unsplash.com/license What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step. C.S. LewisI reviewed several upcoming releases [...]

Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen #NetGalley #review

Deception Cove by Owen Laukkanen Genre: thriller Publisher: Mulholland Books Release Date: May 21, 2019 Thanks to #NetGalley and Mulholland Books for a free review [...]

Gnosis by Rick Hall #bookreview #newrelease

Gnosis by Rick Hall Genre: Psychic urban fantasy/mystery Release Date: May 8, 2019 Gnosis summary: Seventeen-year-old Samantha Black (Sam) is newly orphaned. The police believe [...]

New Mystery Releases May 2019

I've been very fortunate to be approved by Netgalley for so many terrific books. Here are 6 new mystery releases for May 2019. The Savage [...]

The Killer You Know, by S. R. Masters #Netgalley #review

The Killer You Know, by S. R. Masters Genre: Psychological Suspense Publisher: Redhook Books Release Date: May 14, 2019 Many thanks to Redhook Books, [...]

Andy Warhol on what should thrill you & review roundup

You need to let the little things that would ordinarily bore you suddenly thrill you. Andy WarholI have this quote from Andy Warhol posted over [...]

Baby’s First Felony by John Straley

Baby's First Felony by John Straley Genre: mystery/crime Publisher: Soho Crime Publication Date: 2018 Summary Cecil Younger, a criminal defense investigator, is no stranger to [...]

Writing Tips from my April 2019 reviews #writingtips

Bonus Tips for Writers from this month's reviewed books. I used to include these bonus tips at the end of each review, but I noticed [...]

5 Mysteries about Conspiracies and Cover-ups

If we're honest, we all love a good conspiracy theory. It intrigues us . . . as long as we're not the ones kept [...]

Aunt Dimity and the King’s Ransom by Nancy Atherton

Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom by Nancy AthertonGenre: Paranormal cozyPublisher: VikingPublication Date: 2018SummaryAside from the occasional run-ins with mice, exploding diapers, and smashed vases, [...]

Ever thought about giving up your dream? (plus blog post round-up)

Photo by Emma on Unsplash Giving up doesn't hurt that much. What really, really hurts is to wish on a daily basis that you [...]

The Savage Shore by David Hewson #Netgalley #review

The Savage Shore, by David HewsonGenre: crime fiction / detective seriesPublisher: Black ThornRelease Date: May 2, 2019(This has been previously published. I'm a little unclear [...]

I am Lemonade Lucy! by Kenneth Womack #review

I am Lemonade Lucy! by Kenneth WomackGenre: Women's fiction/MysteryPublisher: Black Rose WritingRelease Date: May 9, 2019Thanks to Black Rose Writing, Kenneth Womack, and Netgalley for [...]

5 novels about current issues mini#reviews

Sometimes the fiction I read feels ripped straight from the headlines. Here are five new (or newer) novels that address serious issues currently facing us. [...]

Keep Her Safe by K. A. Tucker #review

Keep Her Safe by K. A. Tuckersuspense/ romantic suspenseSummaryNoah is the son of Austin Police Department's female chief of police. He's had a relatively comfortable [...]

Roald Dahl quote on the power of books, plus review roundup

These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message: You are not alone. Roald DahlMy reviews from the past week:The Leaden Heart, by Chris Nickson [...]

Lives Laid Away by Stephen Mack Jones

Lives Laid Away by Stephen Mack JonescrimeSummaryAugust Snow is a Detroit ex-cop. His home neighborhood Mexicantown is filled with immigrants who fear the constant patrols [...]

For the Blood is the Life by Joe Albanese

For the Blood is the Life by Joe Albanesepolice procedural (with a bloody twist!)Summary:Evan Summers is a cop down on his luck. He's struggling with [...]

The Leaden Heart by Chris Nickson #Netgalley review

The Leaden Heart by Chris Nicksonhistorical police proceduralpublisher: Severn Housepublication date: 7/1/2019Note: I read this book thanks to the generosity of Severn House and Netgalley. [...]

Croisset on reading as a journey

Reading is the journey of those who cannot take the train. -F. CroissetI did a lot of reading in the past few weeks! It wasn't [...]

The Fourth Courier, by Timothy Jay Smith #review

The Fourth Courier by Timothy Jay Smithcrime thrillerSummary:Poland, 1992. The victims have all been alike: young males, shot execution-style with a rare police-issued weapon, and [...]

5 Spy Novels You’ll Love #minireviews

5 Spy novels you'll love* (*At least I hope you'll love these spy novels.) I'm a bit late reading spy thrillers. They were never my [...]

The Kill List, by Frederick Forsythe #review

The Kill List, by Frederick Forsythespy thrillerSummary:A terrorist known only as The Preacher radicalizes young Muslims, urging them to commit assassinations. After several high-profile deaths, [...]

The Pyongyang Option by A. C. Frieden, #review

The Pyongyang Option, by A. C. Friedenspy/thrillerSummary:Jonathan Brooks is a lawyer down on his luck. Hurricane Katrina (and the subsequent looting) has devastated his legal [...]

A Lesson in Secrets by Jacqueline Winspear, #review

Another review from my Goodreads profile. New reviews coming soon. Two of the novels are being released next week!A Lesson in Secrets, by Jacqueline WinspearSummary:Maisie [...]

The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne, #review

(Note: I'm still wrestling with a migraine, so I haven't been able to update the blog very well. So I'm posting an older review of [...]

The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon, review

The Temptation of Forgiveness by Donna Leon Genre: police procedural Summary: When a woman requests his help with her teen son's suspected drug abuse, [...]

5 novels about amnesia (mini #BookReviews)

What is it that fascinates us about amnesia? A quick Goodreads search yielded dozens of titles that involved amnesia somehow. (Romance novels, in particular, [...]

Good Cop Bad Cop by Jim Alexander, #book review

Good Cop Bad Cop by Jim Alexander Crime novel. "Tartan noir with a delicious twist," as the press release calls it. Summary: Good Cop [...]

Then Came Darkness by D. H. Schleicher, review

Then Came Darkness, by D. H. Schleicher historical suspense/thriller Summary of Then Came Darkness: Summer 1936. Upstate New York. The country is in the [...]

Maya Angelou quote about human nature

Quote from Maya Angelou: "I am capable of what every other human is capable of. This is one of the great lessons of war [...]

A Necessary Evil, by Abir Mukherjee, book review

A Necessary Evil, Abir Mukherjee, historical mystery Summary India, 1920. Captain Sam Wyndham and Sergeant "Surrender-Not" Banerjee witness the murder of the heir of [...]

Island of the Mad, by Laurie R. King, review

Island of the Mad, by Laurie R. King, historical mystery Summary: An old friend of Mary Russell's asks her to help find the friend's [...]

Top 5 mystery books set in Venice (mini #BookReviews)

Venice, Italy, has always intrigued writers and for good reason. What setting can compete with a city built on water? Here's five mystery books [...]

IQ, by Joe Ide, book review

IQ, by Joe Ide Genre: amateur Private Investigator mystery Calling Isaiah Quintabe an "amateur P.I." is a bit of a misnomer: sure, he's not [...]

Helen Keller quote on suffering and overcoming

Helen Keller quote on suffering: "Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." [...]

The Fallen Architect, by Charles Belfoure, review

The Fallen Architect, by Charles Belfoure, historical mystery Summary: A theater balcony collapses, killing multiple people, and the theater architect is held responsible. Douglas [...]

The Incendiaries, by R.O. Kwon, review

The Incendiaries, by R.O. Kwon, literary Summary: Will pretends to be a wealthy college student at an elite university, hiding his real identity as [...]

Frederick Douglass on the value of reading

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. Frederick DouglassWhen I read Douglass' Autobiography, I was impressed by his determination to learn to [...]

Top 5 Books to Protect You from Dangerous People

I'm not sure it's normal, but I spend a lot of time thinking about criminals. As I'm sure most crime/mystery writers do, I read a [...]

The Gift of Fear, by Gavin de Becker, book review

The Gift of Fear: Survival Signals that Protect Us from Violence, by Gavin de Becker, non-fiction De Becker, an expert on violence and safety, [...]

Libraries: are they dangerous? Saul Bellow’s view

Is the library dangerous? Saul Bellow tells us why.

Black Water Rising by Attica Locke, book review

Black Water Rising, by Attica Locke, legal thriller First off, I'm thrilled to have found Locke's work. After the time-consuming search for legal thrillers, [...]

The Wild Dead, by Carrie Vaughn, book review

Review of The WIld Dead by Carrie Vaughn. In this dystopian novel, a slow pace and some predictable plot twists weaken an otherwise strong novel. Terrific characterization, great world-building, and a strong ending make this an enjoyable read, though. 3 stars.

5 Reasons to Write a Mystery Novel

Why should you try to write a mystery novel? Here's five reasons. 1. Writing a mystery exercises your brain. When I started seriously writing [...]

How to tell if someone is trustworthy, by Lemony Snicket

"Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them." Lemony SnicketThis past week's blog posts: Frieda Klein series, by Nicci French The Wife, [...]

Frieda Klein series, by Nicci French, book review

the Frieda Klein series, by Nicci French, suspense The Frieda Klein series includes the titles Blue Monday, Tuesday's Gone, Waiting for Wednesday, Thursday's Child (also [...]

The Wife, by Alafair Burke, book review

An exceptional novel. The Wife by Alafair Burke hits all the right notes: strong, culturally relevant premise; an unreliable narrator; great plot twists. A novel that is as enjoyable to read as it is thought-provoking. 5 stars.

Top 5 lawyer books

My 5 top legal novels, which include one John Grisham, and 4 female authors: Alafair Burke, Attica Locke, P.D. James, and Sujeta Massey

Agatha Christie on the meaning of fear

Photo credit: Kiwihug, Free to use under the Unsplash License This past week's blog posts: We That Are Young, by Preti Taneja [...]

I’d Know You Anywhere, by Laura Lippman, book review

I'd Know You Anywhere, by Laura Lippman, psychological suspense Summary: In I'd Know You Anywhere, Walter Bowman kidnaps fifteen-year-old, Elizabeth and holds her hostage [...]

The Rōnin’s Mistress by Laura Joh Rowland, book review

The Ronin's Mistress by Laura Joh Rowland. Excellent characters, exciting plot, and well-written historical setting make this a good addition to the Sano Ichiro detective series. But the outlook on life feels bleak and hopeless. 4 stars.

Top 5 Unusual Writing Places for Novelists

My top 5 places to write when I'm not at home. Some may be obvious but others are more unusual. The mall food court, anyone?

Dangerous Personalities, by Joe Navarro, book review

Review of Joe Navarro's book Dangerous Personalities. Identifies 4 types of dangerous personalities, the narcissist, the emotionally unstable, the paranoid, and the predator. Includes ways to escape their influence. Quick, easy read, gives broad overview of topic. 3 stars.

Why you should stay drunk on writing (by Ray Bradbury)

photo credit: Sérgio Alves Santos Free to use under the Unsplash License

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo, book review

The Snowman by Jo Nesbo, translated by Don Bartlett Confession: I have a soft spot for Scandinavian crime fiction. I've enjoyed every author I've read (thus far) [...]

Beneath the Darkest Sky, by Jason Overstreet

Review of Jason Overstreet's historical thriller Beneath the Darkest Sky. There's a lot of info-dumping and an ineffective dual timeline. However, Overstreet's story about an African-American man in a Soviet gulag accurately portrays the time period and brutality of the 1930s Stalinist regime.

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