"A Dead Lie", by John W. Mefford

Alex &Ozzie Dark Horizon, Book #7

The story is a few simple words

While Ozzie is trying to deal with the aftermath of Nicole’s brutal murder, he sets on the hunt for the man that killed her. Thus, striking a deal with the Giordano crime family is his only option…A favour that requested one in return…..

Meanwhile, Alex takes a routine missing-persons case one that turns out not so routine after all. Eventually her investigation collides with her brother’s shadow war where one wrong move means disaster…….and us as readers in the middle of action…..enjoy.

My thoughts

Mr. Mefford’s writing is like a fine wine that matured exceptionally well: skillfully balanced giving us a blend of family saga in a complex and intense journey while not forgetting to pepper his narrative with graceful and sophisticated words.

I am baffled to know where does all this imagination comes from always giving us a fresh story book after book, 47 of them I read up to now and I am still looking forward to the next installment. I admit some I like better than others although all are excellent…this one is top notch.

Thank Mr. Mefford keep up entertaining us I enjoy your books immensely.

"Knit Happens...then Murder", by Tessa Aura

Penelope Sinclair Cozy Murder Mystery Book#12

A cozy mystery

This engaging story delivers a witty, clean and cozy mystery set in a charming small-town and features Penelope Sinclair. The story centers on the murder of a yarn shop owner Evelyn Harper and the investigation that follows. Oh! I must not forget the Chihuahua sidekick, Teo.

I was offered this book by the author and wish to thank her many times. This mystery was a good introduction to Ms. Aura witty writing and twisty yet cozy mystery genre. Definitely this is a puzzle driven story that has some humour and warmth into it and a satisfying whodunit. The author has a knack to keep her reader guessing till the very last chapter.

The characters make this story come to live, they are dynamic and simply love their interaction especially during the knitting sessions...:) not what to love when a new member, a detective, looking for answers pretends to love knitting…

I zipped through this story in no time. With its light style and its 180 pages it was smooth sailing all through.

If you pick up this series mid-way no fear you will blend in no problems

"Library of Forbidden books", by Mario Escobar

Based on the heroic true stories of librarians that fought back.

Berlin 1933

“Library of Forbidden Books”, follows Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarian, as she works at a prestigious German Library to save ahead of the systematic purge of literature the books targeted to public burnings. Helene and her colleagues embark on a perilous mission secretly collecting and hiding the very books slated for destruction…..this is her story.

The book is divided in three sections and an Epilogue.

This story goes from feeling fiction to slightly academic at times, no doubts it is well researched. The first part of the book focuses on Helen’s upcoming marriage to Derek, an Aryan army officer, and the rise of Nazim. The tempo soon picks up as Helen faces consequences for hiding the books. A dangerous act of defiance in a city where neighbors could be an informant and the Gestapo are a constant threat.

The chapters are short and the story is easy to follow and very engaging. I am fond of the author’s writing style: no- nonsense, no filler words and well-said.

Mr. Escobar has penned a gripping tale of courage and the profound power of literature as resistance and delivered this wonderful story with vivid although sad words. Be sure after reaching the end to read the Clarifications From History and the timeline of events.

I enjoy reading this author he is one of my favourites

My thanks to Thomas Nelson Fiction and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.