"Ax Rising", by Travis Colter

A Vigilante Suspense Thriller

The Handyman Series Book #1

This story is short and sweet 114 pages I zipped through it in no time. In this new series we are introduced to Ax Hawke, a handyman who fixes houses in Calder, California where he is well known….We soon find out that Hawes isn’t really a handyman…..

“When a few of his new friends are threatened by someone from the outside, Ax's past resurfaces, his old secret friends Zeb Carter and his team come to help him as well. “.. and the fun commences….enjoy.

This book is based on characters created by Ty Patterson. Although you will recognize landmarks and some characters, this story is pure fiction. Those who know Ty will recognize that this story mirrors his technique...This story reads in short sentences at a staccato rhythm with never ending action. It is far from being boring and in no time the finale is there. In fact, I must say this is the best short story I read so far this year. A great start for a new series.

"Purranormal Activity", by Cate Conte

A Cat Mystery Café Mystery book #10

A Cozy mystery

I enjoyed my first experience reading this author and her charming story set off the coast of New England which features Maddie the cat café owner and JJ the cute little fur ball. I had not trouble fitting in at this stage although I am deeply curious …. What excitement did I miss not having read the previous installments….

This story in a few words:

Maddie recent customer booked her for a birthday party featuring her adorable kitties. Olivia, the customer was Maddie’s mother high school friend who had left the island a long time ago, astonished to see her back they both head over to her home. When they arrived, the door was ajar and a gorgeous long-haired white and gray cat lead them to a secret room where they found Olivia dead in a pool of blood…….and the mystery kicks off…..enjoy.

My thoughts:

This is a fun story full of charming characters and the touch of a ghost cat added intrigue and speculation. In a few words, this story is surrounded by a close-knit community assembling together in order to solve a murder, all this while cats are set free to roam around helping humans in their quest. Quite a deferent spin.

It is a fast read keeping a steady pace throughout and is well said to keep us engaged till the very last page. No dramatic red herring to shocks us just smooth sailing from start to finish. The touch of purranormal was at a minimum just purrrrrrrrrrrfect.

My thanks to St-Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this ARC

"Barbara's War", by Fenella J. Miller

Barbara’s War book #1

First published in 2012

This is a tale of a young woman in wartime changing the course of her unhappy life as the war rages over Europe. Barbara Sinclair is desperate to escape from her home and wants to find her paternal grandparents who know nothing about her. He grandfather Dr Edward Sinclair is delighted to welcome her and it took time for her grandmother to defrost but she nevertheless did and Barbara enjoyed life with them….The story will tell the ups and downs and how her life changed forever.

Really, this story is not what I expected. Although is set against the background of the war, it doesn’t cover any of the hostilities rather the dramatic events surrounding Barbara’s life: her unhappiness and the why, the love for her brothers, the caring and loving nature of her friend John, the many people that crosses her path… etc….

Barbara is definitely the driving force of this story one said in a very meandering way, quite gently and peppered with pathos. Oh! Boy does it rattle on and on….Not really anything happens for 99% of the story and finally yes something…a murder.

Barbara plays well her part so as all the characters but they are dull and uninteresting.

In whole this story is too simple and is somewhat boring.

"I Have a Secret", by Cheryl Bradshaw

Sloane Monroe #3

First published in 2012

Private detective Sloane Monroe is on the haunt for a killer who stabbed to death a classmate on their 20-year high school party reunion. The investigation brings her back to her hometown where no one is ready to talk…This small town is soaked in secrets and to unravel the mystery of the present lie in the past……

This story is engaging and has kept my attention from start to finish with its many twists and turns. Sloane is a unique and complex protagonist I loved to follow as she was digging deep for answers.

This is quick read and really entertaining, the creative writing gives the plot character and is so easy to follow. The players are engaging and dialogues sounded real, quite witty and humorous. Sloane is a great heroine hard not to be rooting for her success. Well, I also like her love interest Giovanni quite a deferent person to pair up with a P.I.

Well written and fun to read

"Kill Shot", by Cameron Blake

Adam Kinkaid Book #1

Published in 2017, a short book of 214 pages

In a few words:

Ex-Navy Seal Abram Kinkaid is recruited by a rogue group to assassinate the Prime Minister of Canada claiming it is in the best interests of the United States… caught between truth and death, Abram must make a choice…..he is then thrust into a world of espionage and murder…..what will come out of this?

My thoughts in a few words:

A very long introduction to the main character and a very tedious process depicting his indoctrination into the group and how they proceed with is training: long winded words put together that went on and one for many chapters. Too much… although once past this stage the pacing picks up and the drama comes to life and the mystery starts to be interesting. However, the story line appears convoluted and the changing scenario definitely will keep the reader on his toes. As for Kinkaid, although his character is well defined, I didn’t care much for him, or maybe the mission he was sent to do hit home too much, especially now in 2026….

Interesting ending leaving the door open and many questions.

Not my cup of tea but not that bad.