"Combustion" by Martin J. Smith

                         Buy "Combustion" on Amazon September 27th: click here!

"Starke had a flickering thought: TV news would be all over the story, and Paul Dwyer's family shouldn't find out that way. While he was no fan of Shelby Dwyer, the new widow deserved better. He took a long pull, certain the delay was spiking the blood pressure of a woman whose smile he had yet to see during her first few months as his boss. She was a puzzle."....

Los Colmas, CA has a murder in their midst. Cop Ron Starke, has his hands full with a list of suspects, and motives. The body of Paul Dwyer, a local real estate developer,has been found in the dried up pond of some developing property.

The widow, Shelby, has her own secrets. Paul wasn't what he appeared to be to everyone else. Not everyone thought Paul's developing the area was in the best interest of the town either. Was he killed by someone he angered with his work? Was it someone closer? 

Can Ron Starke appease his difficult boss and get the answers he is looking for? An out of control wildfire may burn the town to the ground, and there may not be anything left to investigate. Small towns and close relationships often help keep secrets. The closer Ron gets to the truth the harder his life is going to become. 

This mystery was well written, great characters and an intriguing read. I loved the relationship he has with his dad. Not a typical situation, but handled with such love. A few well placed surprises that will keep you fully engaged until the end. 

Thank you Martin J.Smith, Netgalley, and Diversion Books

"The Diary of Harri Foxx" by Sue Lloyd

Buy "The Diary of Harri Foxx" by Sue Lloyd now on Amazon: click here!

"The floor received my pounding from both fists. In my weakness, anger became my strength for a moment, and then I conceded. I lay in the fetal position, wishing to be anywhere else than this existence."....

Set in Manchester, England we open with a diary being written to us, the reader, by Harriet Foxx. She writes of her life, her love, and how she came to be agoraphobic. A person who never leaves her home.

She tells her story in memories of her past life, and her love, her late husband, Cyril. Stories of her good friend, Bobbie, and what life was like before she stopped leaving her home. Her neighbors provide company, entertainment, secrets, and stories for her diary. She is in the care of mental health, who visit her regularly. Just Harri and her cat, Sapphire, living inside the confines of her home.

This contemporary fiction book was interesting, heart breaking, and well written. I was patiently waiting to find out Harri's "unmentionable event," and what brought this women to this point in her life. Sad, as you realize what a depressed state she is in and why.

Emotionally disturbing at times. It will settle under your skin if you've ever suffered a traumatic event, and or depression. Haunting.

Thank you Sue Lloyd

"Pretty Girls" by Karin Slaughter

       

                     Buy "Pretty Girls" on Amazon: click here!

"The Peeping Tom was alive when you went missing. He sought out young women around your age, around your hair color, around your beauty. Had he stood outside the window to your ground floor bedroom and taken images of you? Had he watched you brush your hair and talk to your sisters and undress for bed? Had he seen you on campus when he was working for the grounds crew? Had he followed you to the Manhattan that night? Had he followed you again when you left the bar? Had he decided that images were not enough?"...

Girls are missing. "Pretty Girls" in the Atlanta area are disappearing. Julia is one of them.

Claire and Paul Scott. They're attacked in an alley and left for dead. A discovery in their home by Claire sets her off on a dark journey for the truth . Is what she found and the attack somehow related?

Lydia and Rick and her teenage daughter Dee. Lydia couldn't be happier that Paul was attacked. Lydia has long been on her own self destructive road.

A father living with hope his missing college age daughter will somehow still be alive, even though years have passed. Hope is all he has left. It's controlled his entire life. Unable to move on, he suffers everyday. What happened to Julia? It's destroyed his marriage and the lives of his other daughters.

The story goes back and forth between these families. Their connections become evident. This is one of my favorite authors. She knows just the right way to shock you with her words and stories. She has a way of leading you down a road, only to find out you're going somewhere you would have never thought.

Eventually the sisters uncover unspeakable horrors that will forever unravel their lives. Will the truth about Julia's disappearance come to light? Will old wounds be healed? For some it will be too late. Shocking, things that will make your skin crawl and sleep with the light on. Never underestimate "Pretty Girls," and the will to survive.

Karin Slaughter never fails to amaze me, or scare me with her modern day lore. Not for the faint of heart. With shocking surprises and all too believable scenarios, this is one author you shouldn't miss.

Thank you Karin Slaughter

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"Finding My Forever" A Finding Strength Companion Novel by Shevawn Michelle

"Zak stood and placed a firm hand on Braxton's shoulder before leaning down to him. "Sometimes you have to go through a valley to get to the mountain. Live your life for you now. Keep her close, but give her the space she needs. If she loves you in return, she'll find her way back to you."....

The kids from "Finding Strength" are grown now. Their past has shaped their future. Braxton has lost his mom and his dad. Allie has been his best friend forever. He's madly in love with her, but she's left for college and he hasn't told her how he feels. He's also in college and just as busy, but she's never far from his thoughts.

At least Braxton has his step dad, Zak, who stayed close through the death of his mother, Anna. They each have their own dreams, and they're taking them to other places, and opposite directions. Braxton hopes one day Allie will realize he's always been the one for her.

A sweet story. Impossible to put down. When Braxton can't take the silence, and lack of contact, he goes to see if she's alright. Disappointed at every turn though. So heartbreaking to watch the love he has for her rejected.

Is everything about to change? When things interfere in her life plans, Allie may have a change of heart. Will she realize Braxton has always loved her? Does she feel the same? Will they reach their goals, together or apart? Does distance make the heart grow fonder? Thank goodness for family and friends.

Such greatly written characters you will love. You feel so close to them, and they draw you in so easily. There are times you want to reach in and give a hug, and tell them everything is going to be alright. If you haven't read "Finding Strength" I suggest you pick that up. They are stand alone reads, but you'll want the back ground anyway.

Thank you Shevawn Michelle for another amazing story. 

Coming soon.. on sale Sept 27th

"Me, The Biological" by B.R. Miller

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"The moment they said, "I do," my life changed. My mother's new husband had two sons, Carson and Kyle, both older than me, but only by a few years. To my mother, and most importantly to their father, Aaron, they were golden children who never did anything wrong. The bruises on my arms and back proved otherwise."

Step brothers, 3 boys thrown together by their parents marriage. A wonderful story of being a kid, making the adjustments step families make. The crazy life of 3 boys and the wild things they're willing to do or try. Learning where they fit into each other's lives. 

Between fights and hugs, tears and jealousy, the boys build a special bond. It was a nice read watching them come together and become a family. It certainly wasn't always easy or happy. Kids can have mean streaks. Adults have their own pain. Some tragedy, like any family, was woven into this story. It felt like something you might be reading about your neighbor kids. 

Each chapter a look into a part of their lives. Stepping stone stories to their futures. A shocking twist that left me stunned. Well worth reading. 

Thank you B.R. Miller

"Taking on Water" by David Rawding

                     Buy "Taking on Water" now on Amazon: click here!

"She suspected that the drugs had gone underground in response to recent media attention. Her mind turned to the boy who had helped Derek Fanning overdose at the rec center. The red headed juvenile had turned out to be the only son of a weathly local businessmen: Fred Hanson, the type of man who rubbed elbows with the town councilmen. Hanson had delivered his son to the station to turn himself in but not without a lawyer strapped to his side. "......

Tucker Flynn is a lobster-man, trying to make a living up against men who don't play fair. Life is a little rough for the Flynn family, wife Melanie and son Kevin. 

James Morrow is a local social worker. He suspects Tucker's son Kevin is being abused. Starting up a friendship with Tucker, trying to get some insight into why he saw Kevin with so many bruises. 

Taking place in a small town on the coast of New Hampshire, fishing isn't the only business going on. There are drugs running rampant as well. James is seeing more than his fair share of the dark side of people. 

James wife, Maya, is a cop. Maya is also has a front seat to the drugs and the wake of their destruction in her daily life. Together though, James and Maya are a great couple. There is a lot of emotion, love, friendship, and a genuine want to help others weaved throughout this book. Their relationship is what made me really love this part of the story. 

From the very beginning the story line was engaging. Immediately drew me in. Characters were well written. Is Kevin being abused or is there more going on then first meets the eye? After the two couples become friendly though thoughts of abuse are deflected. Maya wonders what if the drugs are coming by water into town? Perhaps Tucker and his family are in danger. 

Sad moments of drugs, death and abuse. Realistically told. This town has underlying secrets that can't be kept in the dark forever. Together maybe these people can make a change in a positive direction. Some shocking twists and dark turns. You won't be able to put it down. What would you do for money?

Thank you David Rawding.

"Children From Dark Houses" An Atticus & Rosemary Mystery Thriller by Carlyle Clark

       Buy "Children From Dark Houses" now on Amazon:  click here         

                                                                            

"Imran's mind drifted toward what fate Sabellia had planned for his parents, and he shook his head, as though that simple act of denial could negate the obvious truth. He felt himself withdrawing, trying to escape reality. It was all too much. Everything was wrong and every bit of it was his fault.".....

In the first book of the Atticus Wynn and Rosemary Sanchez detective series, we find them taking on the case of a missing teenager, Imran. He's escaped from his current school, Barrington. Barrington is mostly for the teenagers whose parents are at their wits end with their delinquents. There is more to his story than just a wild teenager on the run as you will soon see.

Imran's family has secrets. It will bring danger to Imran and those trying to help him. An outlaw biker gang and a couple people trying to be hit men are soon added to the mix. Can Atticus and Rosemary help find him? Or will they decide maybe he needs saving from those that claim to love him?Who is the mystery woman who seems to have deep control over Imran? Is she the reason he ran? To her or from her? What secrets is she harboring?

Lots of action, a few close calls for all involved. Lies and deceit made for an intriguing story. Atticus and Rosemary have made some serious enemies. 

Steady paced, crime, mixed in with some dark humor and great characters that come alive on the page. I really enjoyed this book. Not your usual private investigators. Interesting backgrounds that just make them a great pair. 

Thank you Carlyle Clark 

"A Time of Torment" A Charlie Parker Thriller by John Connolly

                                                                                                       

                      Buy "A Time of Torment" on Amazon" click here

"Parker was different now. For starters, he was thinner, with a few more lines on his face, and his hair was speckled with new white. He also seemed quieter, more distant, although Dave figured that with being shot and left for dead, not to mention dying and being brought back a few times, would do that to a person."......

Private Detective, Charlie Parker, returns in the 14th book of this series. Meet Roger Ornsby, a widow in his early 60's. Roger has a dark side, or rather another identity. He calls it "Gray Man." Roger is someone you'd never suspect of having a dark side. "Gray Man" is a serial killer who takes great satisfaction in tormenting the victims families. That's just a taste of what is to come. 

Charlie is still dealing with his past tragedies. Now he's up against a cult like group that resides in the "Cut," an isolated community in West Virginia. With his associates, Louis and Angel, at his side, Charlie has been hired by a man, Jerome, that had his life destroyed by these people and is seeking retribution. He sought Charlie out after the notoriety of the Ornsby case. There are others that roam the world similar to Ornsby. 

Part paranormal/supernatural weaved into this story line. Charlie now possesses certain gifts, after having died more than once, and was brought back. His daughter also possesses something. He uses these things to track what lurks in the darkness of man, and in places like the "Cut."

There is much at stake here. Charlie is backed by others higher up. There are things being sought. Who is the "Dead King?" A slightly complicated story line. Intriguing, but I can only say so much without giving things away. It will definitely hold your attention and take you in directions you'd never thought of. 

Can Charlie help Jerome Burnel? Will it put an end to Jerome's agony or will the men of the "Cut" finish the job they started? Nobody believed he was innocent, and it cost him everything. Now Charlie is venturing into the "Cut," can he survive? There are dark places others are not welcome. Creepy and shocking just barely begins to cover this story. An ending you won't quite expect. An entirely enjoyable read. 

I've always enjoyed this authors dark/mystery story lines and have read a few of his books. Several await on my own book shelf. While you can read this book as a stand alone, I'd recommend the series. The development of the characters and the background makes each book a more enjoyable read. This will also lead to anticipation of his next book!

Thank you John Connolly, Netgalley, and Atria Books. 

"After The Curtain Call" by Nancy E. Polin

                       Buy "After The Curtain Call" on Amazon: click here!

"This. Was. Not. Happening. Yet it was. Zack Lacombe stood by my SUV, smiling his boyish smile. He'd always reminded me of a panther, with lean ropey muscles and a coiled readiness, as if expecting to be part of some action movie with loads of explosions he'd need to outrun. He'd gained some weight, but none of it was soft. Almost eight years had roughed up the smooth fair skinned face I remembered, but his chestnut hair remained thick, clipped short around his ears and collar , a little longer on top.".....

Single mom, Amy Ross, has a full time job and a night time love of acting at her local theater. When a new business partner at the theater takes an interest in Amy her inner alarm is activated. Past trauma haunts her, and she has a 9 year old son to consider. Is Thomas someone worth spending time with? Can Thomas find a way to her heart by befriending her son? Will she leave town and take the easy way out? 

The past doesn't always stay behind and has a way of catching up. This contemporary romance was interesting and intriguing from the start. What a great twist! Loved the ending. Well written story with some scary moments for Amy and those that love her. Just when you think you know someone, you'll be surprised. 

Thank you Nancy E. Polin.

"James Journey:" The Interlude The final novel of the "Epic Saga of The Master of Whitehall" by Rick H. Veal

     

"Somewhere, across the great expanse of time, at some point in the far distant future, you will find someone else...I was the love of your old life...the center of that universe...she will be the love of your new life and the center of that universe..."  and they shook me to the center of my being.".....

We return with the final installment of "The Master of Whitehall." This is the fifth book in this immortal vampire series.  James, beginning his journey overseas, after the death of his wife and baby daughter, not to return to Charleston for 123 years. I cried when I read of the deaths of his beloved family. James, born to a wealthy family, made so by the hard work of his father and grandfather before him. Well educated in both knowledge and social graces, James is the ultimate gentleman. 

We learn exactly how James came to be an immortal and what became of his life. Will his new life help him find the peace he seeks? He can't immediately return to his family, they would know or be in danger. His maker, Charlotte Ann, will teach him what he needs to know before returning to "Whitehall." His journey ultimately brings him home.  However, due to war and the passage of time,  his home will not be as he left it.

James learns to live at home again. Spending time with friends and traveling to all that he had not yet seen. Finally he returns and there he meets the second true love of his life, Katelyn. Where one life ended another began. 

While you could just read this book, I highly recommend the entire series. This one is the "icing on the cake." Written with class and elegance. Such descriptive wording you will feel as if you've stepped into the story.  It's not just the characters that are so well defined, but also their surroundings. I absolutely loved this series. It feels real, as if the author has first hand knowledge of vampires. I did gasp a little as I realized the story has come full circle to where the first one began.

Thank you Rick R Veal for this classic immortal  story.