"The Secrets of Eaton Square", by Alexander Larman

Sex, Scandal on the Road to Buckingham Palace

This book is an exploration of the history of London’s most sought-after address revealing live of notable figures from the past and present, including royals and political leaders….

Juicy London gossip, social insight fulling tabloids and a delicious romp through British history combining historical accounts with scandalous tidbits. Eaton Square is the largest residential garden square in London located in London’s Belgravia district and is one of the most expensive places to live.

My thoughts will be short and sweet.

For those interested in London’s history ranging from the 1600s to present time written in a clear language, this book could be incredibly interesting. For those like myself a North American (Canadian) not so much. Most people mentioned I had no idea who they were and cared even less.

I struggled with this book and the style. It seemed at times the author was losing focus and babbled (he wasn’t really), eventually I had to drop this and close the book.

Although, if you are an historian or a British aficionado looking for a fun glimpse of people who live in Eaton Square, this book may be for you.

I sadly join those who said that they were not the target audience for this book.

I’d like to thank NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for granting me access to this ARC.

"Shadow Of Doubt", by Nancy Cole Silverman

Carol Childs #1

Carol Childs's friend and neighbor Samantha Millhouse had recently lost her aunt Pepper when she accidentally drowned in her bathtub. Samantha inherited he aunt’s total estate including the highly regarded talent agency. When the death was rules a homicide Samantha became the prime suspect, Carol can’t believe that her friend had anything thing to do with Pepper’s death.

Pepper was the third employee to die, the first two were older and their death ruled natural cause…until the police decided to reopen the case and discover they were both poisoned……setting off an investigation that will uncover surprises…enjoy.

This was indeed an enjoyable read. I was pulled in immediately and stayed with the drama till the very end. The interplay between characters was engaging and the tempo kept the suspense at its max. Carol had recently changed career from radio advertising to radio news and is still on probation and very hungry for any scoop she can get and this one is a doozy. Can you imagine what hoops she had to go through…this story tells all, a bit scary at time although very creative in many ways. The plot contained plenty twists and conflict, all leading to nail biting scenes and of course a first-class solution. Surprise Ms. Silverman expertly hid the real killer in plain sight…..

The characters are an interesting bunch and are skillfully drawn, being the first book in the series there is room for them to grow. My preferred character is psychic to the Stars Misty, as creepy and as comic one can be.

I like this story it was fun and easy to read. Well constructed and uniquely penned.

Note: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

"Play Dead", by John W. Mefford

Alex & Ozzie

Dark Horizon Book# 6

Ozzie’s daughter has been it by a car and almost killed when Ozzie’s best friend came calling for help, his niece had disappeared without a trace and needed Ozzie expertise finding her, Ozzie had no choice but to look for her and bring her back home. With the help of Alex, his sister and most trusted business partner, they set out chasing a trail that led them far from home and soon fond themselves in a web of buried secrets, old grudges and enemies with long memories who would kill to protect their empire.

The clock keeps ticking…..

What an exciting story this one is with its relentless pacing throughout and multiple peaks and valleys to keep us on our toes all through it is hard not to say this is Mr. Mefford at his best. So much is going on, trouble always find a way to Alex and Ozzie and for them getting out of it is always a challenge that entertains us. What an intense story this one is I was glued to every word and crossing my fingers rooting for a good outcome but Mr. Mefford had a surprise…. A shocking ending.

What a mix: missing niece, drug cartels, human trafficking, a roller coaster ride and lots and lots of mayhem….and characters extraordinaire….

Well- said and well-done Mr. Mefford thank you for the hours of entertainment.