Snow Storm ~ Review

 

Snow Storm  by Mike Alger  Greg O'Brien is the meteorologist for KRGX and also for local radio station KOPP-FM. He's popular and is shocked when the radio station lets him go without explanation.  But what follows leaves him totally flummoxed. At first, he thinks it's just a series of unfortunate circumstances that have made him accident-prone. But all too soon, it becomes clear that someone is helping these accidents occur. Unfortunately, no one who can help him will believe him.  But how can a meteorologist outsmart an international assassin and live another day in hopes that he'll discover why he's been targeted? Greg O'Brien is about to make an effort. After all, he has a lot to live for. Over the years, I've listened to Mike Alger narrate audiobooks written by other authors; this is the first I've enjoyed that he has written. The book is told from Greg O'Brien's perspective. It is sometimes a memoir of Greg's recollection of what had happened until the book gets to where the opening action occurs. From there, the book unfolds as in-time action. Overall this was a well-written story with plenty of action that will more than completely engage the reader's attention. The reader and Greg will get a crash course in international crime and cartels as the threats escalate.  You won't want to miss this book if you are looking for suspense and life-and-death situations. The audio reading is well-presented, the various characters are distinguishable, and there is good pacing throughout. At just over 11 hours, this is the perfect length for a week's commute. I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own. The Book Details Book Title:  SNOW STORM by Mike Alger Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +)  Genre:  Mystery / Thriller Publisher:  Publish America Release date:   July 2002 Content Rating:  PG - I wavered between G and PG… there's no explicit language, but there is some mild violence. Snippet: He smiled. "Kidnapping? Naw… you don't have to worry about that. Oy'm not here to kidnap you. Oy'm here to kill you." About the Book: Have you ever had one of those days? You know the kind. You wake up one morning, and all of a sudden, an internationally feared assassin wants you dead? I hate it when that happens. And what do you do when the forecast for your friendly neighborhood TV weatherman looks like murder? ​KRGX meteorologist Greg O'Brien is having one of those days. He just hopes it's not his last. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Audible  Add to Goodreads Meet the Author: One of the most popular and recognizable faces on television sets in Nevada and California, Mike Alger is the Chief Meteorologist for KTVN-TV Channel 2 (CBS) in Reno, Nevada. The award-winning weatherman is a holder of the American Meteorological Society's Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal of Approval. He is happily married with two children. ​ Connect with the author: website ~ ACX ~ Facebook ~  Twitter Tour Schedule: May 1 – Mystery Review Crew – audiobook review/giveaway May 1 - Mystery Review Crew - book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 2 – Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 8 - Blooming with Books – audiobook review/author interview/giveaway May 9 – Rockin' Book Reviews – audiobook review/guest post/giveaway May 10 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review/giveaway May 11 – Splashes of Joy – audiobook review/giveaway May 12 – Liese's Blog – book spotlight May 13 – Rajiv's Reviews – audiobook review May 16 – Stephanie Jane – book spotlight/author interview/giveaway May 17 – Diane's Book Journal – book spotlight May 18 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight/guest post/giveaway May 23 – Locks, Hooks, and Books – audiobook review/giveaway May 24 – The Momma Spot – audiobook review/giveaway May 25 – Paws.Read.Repeat – audiobook review/giveaway May 26 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight/giveaway May 26 – fundinmental – book spotlight/giveaway Enter the Giveaway:

The Shifting Current ~ Review with Excerpt

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Shifting Current 

Coastal Guardians #4  

By Dani Pettrey

Logan Perry loves his job as a Special Agent with the Coast Guard's Investigative Services division. And he especially loves working with Emmy Thorton; she makes him a better investigator. And makes him want to be a better man. But the secrets from his past will forever stand in the way of any future they could have.

When Logan gets word that Colt, his grandfather, the man who raised him, has been murdered, he returns home. He needs to lay his grandfather to rest and find justice. But he won't be going alone; Emmy insists on helping him because together, nothing can stop them from getting to the truth. And she refuses to allow him to suffer such a loss alone.

The Shifting Current brings the Coastal Guardians series to a conclusion. It is interesting to finally get Logan's back story, to learn who and what shaped him into the man he is. But throughout, we get to see Emmy and Logan working together to discover not who but why someone decided to kill Colt. And as they get closer to answers, danger comes ever closer. Overall this was a good book, it is a novella, so it is just under 200 pages and a relatively quick read. The action keeps the story moving while maintaining the tension of wondering, "What's next?" The fact that we've gotten glimpses of Logan and Emmy's rather complicated relationship throughout the series makes this the "cherry on top," where their romance is concerned. And to best enjoy this book, you should probably read the first three books in the series first, but it is doable even if you pick this up first; it's just like skipping to the end of the book (only in this case, it would be the series).

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book

Title: The Shifting Current 

Series: Coastal Guardians novella 

Author: Dani Pettrey 

Publisher: Gracie & Johnny Inc. 

Release Date: May 2, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart. 

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him. 

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other? 

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books in this Series

        

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Excerpt

Em was a natural. He knew she’d be. She took to everything so easily, her easygoing

nature just adapting. He loved her so. The lyrics for “I Lived” by OneRepublic tracked through

his mind, especially the part about hoping the person found love and that it hurt so bad. Hurt in

a good way. It was the strangest dichotomy, but he understood it. He ached for her.

“Now we’re going to have to go through a narrow stretch along the trail. Just go slow.”

“Where exactly are we headed?”

“There’s an outcropping on the far ledge. We’ll tie up the horses and head out on the

boulder. Sitting there, away from any man-made lights, you can see a gazillion stars.”

“A gazillion, huh?” She laughed. “Oh.” Her voice went up an octave. “I see what you

mean about the trail narrowing.

“You’ll be good. Just let Wrangler do his thing. The horses have walked this trail so many

times over the years, it’s second nature to them.”

Em stared down at what was visible of the steep drop-off in the moonlight. It had to be

well over a hundred-foot drop.

“Easy now,” Logan said. “Nice and slow. You’ve got this. Just trust your mount—he

knows what he’s doing.”

A noise like the crack of a whip sounded a millisecond before the rock by Em’s head

shattered.

Wrangler reared back, and Logan’s heart lodged in his throat. Em.

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About the Author

Publishers Weekly, #1 Parable, #1 Amazon, ECPA, and CBA bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters (Publishers Weekly), gripping storyline[s], (RT Book Reviews), and sizzling undercurrent of romance (USA Today). She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland.

Connect with Dani by visiting danipettrey.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" mug, 

gourmet roasted coffee from NYC, 

and the full Coastal Guardian series 

including The Shifting Current in paperback!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" notebook, 

gel pens, and a paperback copy of The Killing Tide!

(1) winner will receive a "The Best is Yet to Come" vintage sign 

and a paperback copy of The Crushing Depths!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. 

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway began at midnight May 5, 2023, and lasts 

through 11:59 PM EST on May 12, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of their prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

The Duke and the Lady Gardener ~ Review with Excerpt

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

The Duke and the Lady Gardener by Alissa Baxter, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

The Duke and the Lady Gardener
The Grantham Girls #1
By Alissa Baxter

Alexandra Grantham does what she can to provide for the poor. But now her questionable activities are about to get her into trouble when she targets her new neighbor, Mr. Robert Chanderly. Suddenly she has someone not intimidated by her activities as a lady highwayman. Worse, he knows who she is, and her fate rests in his hands.

But when her London Season begins, rather than ruining her, Robert pays her attention, effectively elevating her in the eyes of society. But her outspoken ways have made her enemies, enemies who are in the ton. Can Robert protect her as her enemies draw close?

The Duke and the Lady Gardener is the first book in The Grantham Girls series, and it is a fun read. Alexandra feels burdened to help those in need in her neighborhood. But she doesn't have the means to support them on her own, and the other landowners don't seem to care. But when she challenges Robert, she never expected him to care, much less listen to her. Taking over his newly inherited estate, Robert decides to keep his true identity a secret in an effort to thwart the attentions of title-hungry mothers. He didn't expect to find a red-haired miss who was outspoken and cared little for her marriage prospects. This is a clash of wills and personalities, as Alexandra and Robert learn that not everything is as it seems at first glance, and sometimes love blooms in the most unexpected places.

I was provided a complimentary copy of the book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion, all thoughts expressed are my own.

Excerpt

The thieves rode swiftly across the countryside, saying not a word to one

another as they sped away. Finally, they came to a secluded copse where

they drew up their horses and silently dismounted beside an open carriage,

which had been carefully concealed amongst the bushes. The leader picked

up a bundle from the conveyance and slipped away behind some trees while

the larger highwayman harnessed the horses.

He went about his task efficiently, muttering to himself as he put the

animals in their traces. Finally, the man raised his voice: “Our escape this

time was too narrow, Miss Grantham. When I saw the barrel of that gun in

your face—. Your brother would have my blood if he knew I aid you in such

foolishness.”

“It isn’t foolishness, Ben, and we managed to escape, so don’t fuss. Is my

appearance tidy enough?”

Ben scowled at the young lady who emerged from behind the bushes.

“Aye, miss, you look tidy enough. But that wouldn’t be the case if a

bloodstain happened to mark those pretty clothes of yours.”

“You concern yourself far too much over me. I admit our plans went

slightly awry today, but Lady Luck has smiled on us—as she always does.”

She laughed up at him as he assisted her into the carriage.

Ben continued to frown. “Well, in my experience, miss, it don’t pay to

tempt fate. We’d be mad to continue this for much longer.”

About the Book

Title: The Duke and the Lady Gardener
Series: The Grantham Girls #1
Author: Alissa Baxter
Publisher: ‎ Dragonblade Publishing
Release Date: May 2, 2023
Genre: Regency/Historical Romance (sweet, wholesome)

Love blossoms for a Lady Gardener when she robs a Duke. . . and then steals his heart.

Alexandra Grantham becomes Lady Robin Hood, stealing from the rich to provide for the local farm workers in the district. However, when her new neighbor, Mr. Robert Chanderly, unmasks her, Alexandra cannot hide her horror as he has it within his power to ruin her reputation. But, instead of blighting her social chances when they arrive in London, Robert decides to bring Alexandra into high fashion, and she effectively takes the ton by storm.  

 

Enemies abound in the Capital, however, causing trouble for Alexandra at every turn. So when an adversary threatens to reveal Alexandra’s dangerous secret, Robert must do everything within his power to defend the honor of the woman he loves—or lose the only lady he’s ever wished to make his wife.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

Also Available

   

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About the Author

Alissa Baxter wrote her first Regency romance during her long university holidays. After traveling the world, she settled down to write her second Regency novel, which was inspired by her time living on a country estate in England. Alissa then published two chick lit novels, The Truth About Clicking Send and Receive(previously published as Send and Receive) and The Truth About Cats and Bees (previously published as The Blog Affair).

Many years later, Alissa returned to her favorite era. She writes Regency romances that feature women in trend-setting roles who fall in love with men who embrace their trailblazing ways… at least eventually. Alissa currently lives in Johannesburg with her husband and two sons.

Connect with Alissa by visiting alissabaxter.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a $30 Amazon gift card!

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on May 2, 2023, and will last 

through 11:59 PM EST on May 9, 2023. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US Amazon accounts only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

A Heart Worth Stealing ~ Review

A Heart Worth Stealing

By Joanna Barker

She only wants what was taken from her to be returned but to get results, she will have to employ a thief-taker. Genevieve Wilde has walked a very narrow line all her life, always on the fringes of polite society. And using a thief-taker is something that could well damage her fragile reputation beyond repair.

Someone has stolen the watch her father gave her moments before he died. The local constabulary is too busy to be bothered by something she most likely just misplaced. Her father's watch though not of great monetary worth, means something to Ginny. And she'll do whatever she can to recover it, even hiring Jack Travers, a former Bow Street Runner.

But more than a missing watch is at play at Wimborne. and Ginny needs more than a thief-taker when it becomes obvious that someone is making the attacks on her property personal. But is it directed at her, or is it someone from her late father's past? 

When Jack decides the best way to protect Ginny and get answers is to be on-site, he takes on the role of her "cousin" to protect her reputation from the local gossips.

A Heart Worth Stealing is a delightful Regency read. Tension sets the stage at Ginny and Jack's first meeting. It is an interesting journey as they get to know one another. Can Ginny trust this charming thief-taker, especially after their less-than-stellar first meeting?

This is my first time reading Joanna Barker's work, and it was a pleasant first meeting. The writing was well-done. The story was written entirely from Genevieve's viewpoint, which was a highly unusual format for me. I usually read books that are a back-and-forth between the main characters' viewpoints, so this was an enjoyable change. Fans of Regency and Historical fiction will enjoy this book. A Heart Worth Stealing is worth your time.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts presented are my own. 

About the Book:

Little Sowerby, England, 1802

Miss Genevieve Wilde—a magistrate’s daughter and independent heiress—is determined to meet 

life’s challenges all on her own, just as her late father had taught her. So when her father’s 

pocket watch is stolen, she will do anything to get it back, especially when the local authorities 

prove incompetent.

Upon reading an advertisement in the paper, she takes a chance and contacts a thief-taker to find 

the watch. It’s a choice Ginny regrets when former Bow Street officer Jack Travers arrives on 

her doorstep. He is frustratingly flirtatious, irritatingly handsome, and entirely unpredictable, and 

Ginny wonders if she’ll be able to resist such a man.

But after Ginny discovers that the missing watch is just a small part of a larger, more frightening 

plot against her, she needs Jack’s help more than ever. To protect her home and her reputation, 

the two enter into a risky charade—pretending Jack is her cousin so he can begin his 

investigation, starting with the household staff. As they work together to unravel the mystery, 

Ginny finds herself falling fast for her charismatic thief-taker, leaving her heart in just as much 

danger as her life.

What Dreams May Come ~ Review

 What Dreams May Come

 By Dana LeCheminant

Lucy Hayes has been persuaded to leave her place of employment in secret in an attempt to evade the unwanted attentions of a man she does not wish to marry. But a storm soon finds her agreeing to a most unusual plan-she pretends to be married to an utter stranger. Great idea until the stranger offering her protection falls ill, and his family is informed of her status. 

To protect herself, Lucy is reluctantly drawn further into the lie that she has a connection to William Calloway. As his betrothed, she is offered a place within the family. And as much as she hates lying about who she is, Lucy relishes the feeling of family, safety, and love they freely offer her. How can she even begin to explain the truth of her situation without William's aid?  

And then there is Simon, William's older brother, whom Lucy connects with. As she gets to know Simon more, Lucy discovers a hurting soul, a soul that she alone seems to understand. But the lies she has told stand between them. 

What Dreams May Come is a lovely read from the talented mind of Dana LeCheminant. A woman with no connections in need of refuge hides behind a lie. A lie she never wanted, but it is all that stands between her and an unwanted marriage (or worse). But the very lie meant to protect her could be the very thing that will destroy her future. I must admit this would be a most trying situation to find oneself in. I can't honestly say what I would have done in a similar situation. 

I really loved these characters - Lucy, who was trying to protect herself the only way she knew how. Simon, who was losing himself to the legacy he was trying to preserve. These are characters I would love to revisit in additional books. I have become invested in their lives and want to know what happens next, and would love the chance to get to know the supporting characters better. This lovely Regency read will delight readers of Historical Romance who want a clean read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.            

About the Book:

In a bid to escape the incessant attentions of a man she does not love, governess Lucy Hayes embarks on a journey to begin a new post. But when she’s stranded in a storm, her plans go shockingly awry. Desperate times call for desperate measures: against her better judgment, she agrees to a foolhardy scheme presented by a handsome stranger, known to her as only William. But when her mysterious benefactor falls ill, she finds herself unwittingly drawn into his family home in a case of mistaken identity: they believe she is William’s betrothed. Though she realizes she should admit the truth, the family’s warmth and welcome make it all too easy to play along, just for a while. Until she meets Baron Lord Simon Calloway, William’s older brother.

Simon is suspicious of his lovely future sister-in-law, a woman who seems completely unsuited to his self-important brother. As they wait for William to awake, Simon and Lucy are drawn ever closer together. But danger draws closer too, in the form of her unwanted suitor. Lucy knows that when Simon discovers the truth, he will despise her. Now she must find a way to keep herself safe . . . and avoid falling hopelessly in love with a man she can never have.

Expired Hope ~ Review

Welcome to the Takeover + Review Blitz for 

Expired Hope 

by Megan Besing and Lisa Phillips

Expired Hope
Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2
By Megan Besing and Lisa Phillips

Macon James feels he has to prove himself to everyone in Last Chance County. After messing up as a teen, he knows it will be an uphill battle, especially when he hears that some people were against his hiring as Fire Chief. Worse, his crew is in disarray, and it isn't getting better. Can he figure out how to be the chief his station needs before they lose someone else? 

Natalie Atkinson's life is in rebuild mode. First, her Army career was over after she didn't see the signs of a soldier in distress. Then she had to deal with a patient who turned into a stalker. And now, she has to evaluate the fire crew that just rescued her from a burning building. Could things get any worse?

Unfortunately for both Macon and Natalie, things are about to get even more complicated. And they just might need what the other has to offer if they hope to heal from the past and do what they need to, to move on. But there are some lines, such as admitting to past failings, that are just difficult to cross. And vulnerability is something neither does well, ever.

Expired Hope is the second book in the Last Chance Fire and Rescue series and it takes up shortly after the conclusion of Expired Return. But there are a few months between the two books - enough time for things at the station to get even more problematic than they had been. So there is a bit of unknown that is referred to as the story progresses, helping to explain the tensions that all are feeling. I find it interesting that Natalie is as much in need of her own services as Macon and the other members of his crew. 

As hope of improvement seems an empty dream or promise, a crisis just might be what they all need. But how do you plan an event to draw people together without widening the chasm that has driven them apart before they ever got a chance to come together? 

This was a page-turner that did keep me up way too late (as in no sleep at all), but it was so worth it. The story moved at a good pace and definitely threw in some unexpected twists so that one could not determine just who was a threat. I would recommend this book to fans of romantic suspense. This book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone title, but it would read better if you read Expired Return first. But no matter how you read the book (or series), this one will draw you in from the opening scene!

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

 

About the Book

Title: Expired Hope 

Series: Last Chance Fire and Rescue #2 

Authors: Megan Besing & Lisa Phillips 

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing 

Release Date: April 25, 2023 

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

She battled every fire she ever faced.

He’s risking everything for the chance to belong. 

Veteran and therapist Natalie Atkinson watched her Army career explode in her face. All she ever wanted was to help people carry their burdens. Seeking a new future in Last Chance County doesn’t start so well when she’s the one being rescued from a client’s burning house. To make matters worse, now she’s stuck evaluating the truck and rescue squads for the fire department. When the chief overhears why she left her last job, she’s determined to prove to him and her boss that she’s still the right therapist to assess his crew. 

No matter if success takes everything she’s got. 

 Fire Chief Macon James is the right man for the job. He doesn’t need a therapist interfering with the running of his crew or putting his position in jeopardy when a counselor is what tore his family apart. He’s got to get his firefighters to be a team, and he can do it without Natalie’s help. After an explosion destroys her car, it quickly becomes clear she might need him as much as everyone thinks he needs her. If these two stubborn hearts will surrender, they could have everything they want. 

Or it could all go down in flames.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books in this Series

    

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About the Authors

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 50 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). As a worship leader for Calvary Chapel churches in her local area, Lisa has discovered a love for mentoring new ministry members and youth worship musicians.

 Connect with Lisa by visiting authorlisaphillips.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

                        

Despite adoring happily-ever-afters, Megan Besing didn’t unlock a love for reading until her mid-twenties, which quickly expanded into writing. Her stories have won many awards, but her most cherished achievements are being a wife and mother. She lives in a pocket-size Indiana town, centered around extended family. She’s always planning a road trip with a view, yet her favorite place may just be on her front porch drinking tea.

Connect with Megan by visiting meganbesing.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Discover the world of Last Chance County at www.lastchancecounty.com.

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JustRead Tours

Deep Blue Murder ~ Review

Deep Blue Murder

A Fiona Quinn Mystery #11

By C.S. McDonald

Fiona Quinn and her now husband, Nathan Landry, have been offered a free weekend getaway in the Bahamas. What newlyweds would turn down such a chance? Not Nate and Fiona, but maybe they should have? Especially since it was going to be a "working" trip for Nate's mom, Rita. But what could go wrong in paradise? A whole lot!  Especially when you are stuck on an island with no connections to the outside world, as in no phones, computers, or anything. Yikes!

But the island does offer monkeys, beaches, and an interesting mix of people staying there with them. And did I say a possible scandal in the making? Yep, a real relaxing weekend getaway, NOT!                  

I really enjoyed this book. The pacing was excellent, and the various potential victims and suspects make for an exciting who-did-what-to-whom to the very end. Can they find the answers they seek before the whole weekend goes horribly wrong? Probably not before a crime or two happens. But just who is the guilty party? 

And then there are Fiona's home parents there for the wedding. With an armload of Yorkies to harass her nosy neighbor and her mom, Nancy taking on her own investigation into the murder, well, it won't get boring. 

I listened to the audio version of this, and the narration was excellent. The book was narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg and was well presented. At just over 7-1/2 hours, this is the perfect busy work listen. This is most definitely a cozy mystery, and I would have no qualms recommending it to any reader over twelve years of age. This is one to add to your Summer TBR list, perfect for wherever you are when you need to getaway without going anywhere.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

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Book Details:

Book Title:  Tastes Like Murder:  A Fiona Quinn Mystery #11
Author:  C.S. McDonald
​Category:  YA Fiction, 268 pages
Genre:  Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  McWriter Books
Release date:  Nov 2022
Content Rating:  G (The Fiona Quinn Mysteries are for everyone--adults love the books, and they are appropriate for teens and tweens too!)

About the Book:

Fiona is delighted when her new mother-in-law, Rita Landry invites her and Nathan to a private island in the Bahamas owned by a US ambassador. Sun, sandy beaches, and romantic tangerine sunsets await the newlyweds, but for Rita and her executive assistant, Hal Underwood the trip to Deep Blue Isle is a working vacation. Ambassador Taslow has summoned them to the island to discuss a scandal he has fallen victim to. However, when the Landry’s and Hal arrive, they find less than welcoming circumstances: no internet or Wi-Fi, mischievous monkeys, a dangerous tenant, and then there’s that pesky dead body.

​A storm is brewing on Deep Blue Isle, and it has nothing to do with wind and rain.

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BUY THE BOOK:
Audible ~ Amazon
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

For twenty-six years C.S. McDonald’s life whirled around a song and a dance. Classically trained at Pittsburgh Ballet Theater School, The Pittsburgh Dance Alloy, and many others, she became a professional dancer and choreographer. During that time, she choreographed many musicals and an opera for the Pittsburgh Savoyards. In 2011 she retired from her dance career to write. Under her real name, Cindy McDonald, she writes murder-suspense and romantic suspense novels. In 2014 she added the pen name, C.S. McDonald, to write children’s books for her grandchildren. In 2016 she added the Fiona Quinn Mysteries to that expansion. She decided to write the cozy mystery series that everyone, including teens and tweens, can read and enjoy. Presently, the Fiona Quinn Mysteries includes nine books with a tenth slated for 2021. The books are also available on audio, narrated by Maren Swenson Waxenberg.

Cindy’s newest venture is The Owl’s Nest Mysteries. Once again, she has set her cozy mystery in Pittsburgh and the female protagonist, Alexa Owl, is much different from Fiona Quinn. The Owl’s Nest Mysteries has a little grit, a little time travel, a little romance, and a whole lot of cozy!

Ms. McDonald resides on her Thoroughbred farm known as Fly by Night Stables near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Bill, and her poorly behaved Cocker Spaniel, Allister. 

Connect with the author:  Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook ~ Instagram

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