"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.

"The Lightning Girl", by Sam Ripley

 Sarah returns to her hometown after her father’s death only to find that old memories of thirty years ago will haunt her. Her best friend Genevieve survived being struck by lightning had proclaimed to be a witch and that this event had given her power.

Till one night Genevieve slipped and fell of a cliff to the sea and met her end…she has never been recovered or seen since…..Where is she…..

Returning home, Sarah thinks more and more about her friend especially the last night she was alive. She begins to question the story she’s believed for many years …. Then Genevieve reached out…..and as readers we fall in a psychological tug of war…what is real and what is not……..

My thoughts:

I admit that after the first 5 chapters I didn’t think I would push on. Not really my style but lo and behold a was struck by a magical spell and from then on, I was hooked.

What a mystery this turn out to be. Gen keeps popping up and talking to Sarah. Not frightening but definitely disconcerting. What happened to Gen, was she murdered and by whom…. Gen will divulge tidbits to Sarah just enough to push her to uncover the truth and this goes on and on, a teaser well done till the very end. This uncertainty kept me engaged and questioning Sarah’s interpretations of events. I enjoyed this and played along.

Some may say there is a supernatural element here but I think it is more a psychological brain game. Guilty conscience plays tricks on you: Sarah sees and hears her friend and talks to her….but is she really there talking back.

The pacing is steady giving us enough twists and clues for us to keep turning the pages. Sarah is a good character as is the ghost Gen….

If you like a mystery with originality you may like this one. I know I did.

My thanks to Atria Books as well as Netgalley for this ARC

"Nightmare in Summerset", by Melinda Woodhall

A Bailey Flynn FBI Mystery book# 11

When a book from Melinda comes out, I can’t resist. Even if this is the 11th book in the series the story is fresh and as expected filled with suspense and many unexpected twists that will derail us and keep us on our toes. This fine plot inevitably played out by charming and villain characters has a way to hook us and keep us captive till the closing chapter. As always, I was immersed in the story and I enjoyed every moment I spent reading it.

Well said and well done and most of all entertaining

The story in a few words:

Special Agent baily Flynn is investigating a horrific murder of a would-be actress who had vanished without a trace from the Scorched Pine Studios. Bailey while on the task finds chilling clues to the murderer’s twisted motive and is soon lured into his nightmarish fantasy.

Enjoy.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review

"The Alias Conspiracy", by Simon Gervais

Caspian Anderson #3

As usual Simson Gervais’ storyline is fantastic and absorbing and this one is as usual tension-filled and adrenaline fueled. This latest delivers a compelling story with lots of action, emotion and most of all intrigue. Lots in going on, so this tale demands our full attention from the very beginning through the excitement till we reach the surprising finish.

The story in a few words;

The abduction of an investigative journalist unravels an intricate conspiracy of corruption—both deadly and deeply personal.

My thoughts:

The top-notch characters make this story fantastic. The two main players Caspian and his German agent/girlfriend Liesel Bergman are well developed and complex.

When a journalist was abducted before their eyes, they were pulled into action and chased the truth across Europe, uncovering a network of corruption…As the pieces of the puzzle came together, more players entered the game, and the tension peaked…..This story is well-written and well done for our entertainment.

“The Elias Conspiracy”, is the 3rd book in the trilogy what a shame with it comes the end of excellent storyline. Maybe Mr. Gervais will reconsider and keep Caspian going…..

In a few words:

This story is suspenseful, riveting, fast-paced and pulse-pounding words reflecting many reviewers’ point of view.

My thanks to Thomas & Mercer as well as Netgalley for providing this ARC

"Dead Men Don't Fetch", by David Rosenfelt

Andy Carpenter # 33

A Legal thriller

in this latest installment David Rosenfelt has Andy Carpenter investigates a wealthy dog lover's unusual death.

Andy Carpenter wanted to retire for a long time but when his friend, Lou Campanelli who runs a rehab center, asked for a favour, Andy cannot refuse. One of his patients, a homeless veteran, is charged with first degree murder, the attorney in him springs into action and Andy will do his best to exonerate Jason, the accused….. The story proceeds with gathering evidences, the trial and the verdict……

My thoughts:

What a puzzle Andy is enmeshed in, a case that is as twisted as one can imagine. Facing the Russo crime family, suspects laundering money, lowlifes supplying drugs, enforcers on the move, all of them, plus, thirsty for revenge. The best of all Andy’s courtroom shenanigans, although he still shines, his actions were more muted than in the past.

This story is smooth sailing and easy to follow even with all the characters that populate the pages. Andy’s team definitely does a whiz-bang job of investigating. The prosecutor doesn’t give him an easy job and Andy give us a hell of a good time. Not all his attention is on the case, he still keeps his eyes on the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue operation and takes time to play with his three pooches.

Andy tells the story in his own words, the first-person narrative is funny, sarcastic and amusing and hilarious at times. I simply love him and since I am a huge fan I am eager to see what Andy and his crew will come up with next.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC which I received via Netgalley.

"Fear the Reaper", by David Housewright

A Mac McKenzie Mystery book # 23

If you are a classic P.I. fan you will enjoy this one. I assure you even if it’s you first experience reading works by this author you will fit right in and not be lost, I know I did, I stepped right in and I enjoyed every moment, although reading this installment piqued my interest for the previous ones….

While visiting his friend in Minong Flowage Mac and his friend dropped in at local winery tasting room for some chat and wine when a man barged in carrying an AR-15. Bobby an officer in the Homicide Unit immediately recognizes the danger and the two sprung into action to take him down. Unfortunately, Wisconsin is an open-carry state…. Their actions started a whole new ball game…Afterall what appears to be a mass murder attempt may be something else……you have to read this book and see what develops…..enjoy.

I enjoyed this story a great deal. It is a fast paced and quick read filled with suspense. I like Mac, he is bad-ass so determined no matter what the cost to himself to do the right thing and along the way he entertains us. There are a lot of people populating this story it may be a bit confusing at times to place them, don’t worry you will do so.

This is a very engaging story giving us a few twists and turns some I could guess others not so much but what I liked the most is how Mac untangled the mystery and how the story is intercepted with Mac’s” inner voice” …pretty entertaining. Boy the man loves to express his thoughts out loud…fun book. I could go on but I will spare you.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur for this ARC

"AKA Montana", by Fabio Amato

The Rise and Fall of an Italian Drug Lord

Based on the true story of a boy from Salerno. Donato lived in the slums of Salerno when at eighteen he left with little in his pocket and a debt to repay. By twenty he was sentenced to three years in a Manhattan Detention Center and from then on, his life spirited out of control, from a small drug operator to a master in brokering kilos of cocaine into Italy, Spain even Australia. He made friends also enemies…When the situation got hot, he bailed out. Donato was the one who walked away clean, his close friends died, in prison or were extradited…

Fabio Amato tells his remarkable story, a journey through the dangerous world of international drug trafficking. He brings his voice, experiences and reflections to us his audience. From the heights of the underworld to confronting his choices to rebuild his life made a very humbling and honest account.

Aka Montana, the moniker giving to Donato, is a raw, honest and powerful account of crime, resilience and how someone can do an about turn and change.

Of course, the story highlights criminal activities at its best: drug trafficking and substance abuse, lots of violence and murder. We will see betrayal and manipulation and emotional distress….all activities eventually ends with law enforcement on someone’s tail…..

The tempo is steady and the cadence was perfect to have kept my full attention till the very last page…. Depiction of the players was up to par and I enjoyed every bit of them even if Donato and his buddies were criminals.

This story is well-said and well-done. Kudos for sharing, this was a very enjoyable read.

My thanks to Book Whisperer for this ARC

"Traitors", by Robert B. McCaw

A political thriller

Robert Cooper, a Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the DOJ’s National Security Division has dedicated his life to hunting spies. When approached by a stranger on a lonely beach exposing Russian moles deep under cover embedded with the American government. Cooper pursues the trail that will lead him into the nation’s most protected corridors of power….

This is a gripping tale of espionage, betrayal and deception. Not a dull moment: fast-paced, high stakes international intrigue. I love how Mr. McCaw has combined this espionage thriller with legal aspect making one of the most riveting novels of its kind.

Explores the Department of Justice is quite a step away from the author’s Koa Kane Hawaiian Mystery series I loved so much to penned a thriller about a Russian campaign to take control of the White House. Cooper had to negotiate with Russian sleeper agent who is willing to divulge details of a plan which involved a Russian mole in the FBI. Suspenseful following him through a series of hurdles to achieve his goal flushing the traitors. I loved the finale a punchy one that began on a fishing trawler off the Canadian coast and provided a very satisfying payoff.

Being a former lawyer and Army lieutenant, Mr. McCaw has definitely brought unique authenticity to his gripping, very well written and cleverly told tale.

My thanks to W.W. Norton & Company to this ARC whish I am happy to review.

"The Last Time We Saw her", by Jaclyn Goldis

It has been 10 years when a legend of buried treasure lured a group of teenagers on a camping trip to Sao Miguel in the Azores archipelago. The vast value will turn the finder’s life to gold and what follows is a frenzied treasure hunt that turned tragic…a camper, Sydney Azulay, was never seen again.

10 years later, a memorial service brings back to the island Sydney’s closest circle of friends to honor her memory…..This story will tell us what their conversations were about and how they agreed to participate in a documentary reliving that terrible day.

My thoughts:

Although this is not a very long book, the pacing was so slow moving, it felt like it would never end. Said in turn by all the friends, one at the time they chat what they experienced during this first trip then in the next chapter was another friend and then up to the next…etc. it went on like that rehashing their perceptions of what may have happened to Sydney and who may have killed her, it seemed the chit-chat never wanted to end. I didn’t care much for the characters they are not particularly memorable.

The pacing having more spunk would have made a far more engaging read. Fortunately, this psychological thriller ramps up the action in the last third of the book salvaging the story with shocking twists and secrets…. a bit over the top, formulaic and largely predictable.

This book may not have love to my expectations it nevertheless received some great reviews.

Thank Atria Books and Netgalley for this ARC

"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.

"The Girl on the Beach", by Carol Snow

The story in a few words:

A missing child tears a family apart

Sonia and Graham Starr have everything going for them, a glamorous couple, her an entrepreneur and he a handsome painter with a zest for life. They had everything till the day Roxie, their precious little girl, disappears into the Pacific Ocean one August afternoon…..Months later when Roxie’s nanny plagued by guilt returns to the Starr’s beach house the family drama turns into a roller coaster ride…

My thoughts in a few words:

This psychological thriller had my brain spinning in circle trying to keep up with it. It is definitely originally said switching back and forth at each chapter telling what happened” Before” and then “After” the incident slowly unraveling the Starr secrets and it went on and on this way till the very end. My head is still spinning….No doubts the presentation is original and it is well said although this format didn’t appeal to me and failed to hold my full attention. I thought abandoning it many times but no I stayed with it till the conclusion which I still have trouble figuring what happened. Too many characters, too many back and forth, too many what not and voilà I still wonder what I read.

Ok don’t take my words many have giving this story high praise so as always, I urge you to judge for yourself, you may love it or as I, not so much.

My thanks to Fauzia Burke, Founder of FSB Associates for this ARC in exchange for my thoughts: this is the way I see it.

"A Spy in Saigon", by Nancy Cole Silverman

A Kat Lawson Mystery

Travel writer and undercover operative, Kat Lawson, is sent to Vietnam her mission is to deliver cash and passports to a top operative when her mission turns awry……. what comes next…. will knock you over.

Another great read that moved along like a read-life story. A page- tuner mystery at its best. The descriptions and the detailed of Vietnam sounded so realistic I thought I was there following every move Kat was facing. Ms. Silverman knows how to set a strong sense of time and place to make her espionage engrossing. Yes, its fast-paced, not a dull moment and of course events happened to derail us.

The plot is skillfully written with well drawn characters, the perfect adventure combining history, mystery and espionage….and love…maybe….Although, threaded through the lines is a darker side: the trafficking of children, a black market made volatile since the collapse of Soviet influence and treatment of children of American GIs.

What elevated “A Spy in Saigon” beyond the conventional thriller is the unmistakable trepidation of lived memory. Kat was an Air Force wife during the war and memories resurfaced with force, the memory of loosing her husband MIA since…

This is a well-crafted story with some tender moments. Excellent read.

I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review

"Road Longer Than Memory", by Melanie McCabe

First, I must admit this is the best first-person narrative I read in a long time. Not only did Melanie McCabe penned a very gripping mystery that delved into the complexities of memory, guilt and the cost of suppressing feelings she did so with aplomb.

Set against the backdrop of suburban 1970s and 80

“Road Longer Than memory” is the story of Sara Barlow returning home in Arlington, Virginia after her love life fell apart and her teaching career tanked. Applying for a teaching job at her old high school would be her next move…when roaming the grounds she unexpectedly spotted a man she suspected to be involved in a classmate’s murder decades earlier….Her life will change for ever…

The slow-burning dual timelines advances through Sara past memories about her family, her sister’s fatal car crash, her secret summer with Devlin Barrie, the anonymous call to 911 made after witnessing what she believed was a murder….and the discovery of Nina’s body. The story forges ahead through rumours that are tough to prove, fleshed out via hearsay and presumptions.

I love this story for its atmospheric tension and the way it weaves past and present. What won my heart is the most engaging narrative and how well-written it is delivered.

Well said and well-done

My thanks to Oceanview Publishing for this ARC

"Dungeons and Danger", by Elizabeth Penney

The Ravensea Castle Book #2

This cozy mystery is set in a haunted castle-turned B&B in Yorkshire, UK.

As Halloween approaches the castle is buzzing with excitement so is Nora Asquith welcoming guests to her newly converted bed and breakfast. Historians have traced movements of Vikings to Ravensea and believed a certain woman known as the Red Maiden may have buried a treasure on the propriety long before the castle was even built…..When a group ghost hunters arrives with all their rivalries and baggage and try to make contact with the infamous ghost , they ended up getting more than they bargained for…..and the fun begins…enjoy.

My thoughts:

A dream castle complete with ghosts. What more can we ask…

This story expertly blends a mystery with romantic complications for the innkeeper turned sleuth, Nora Asquith. The plot covers a lot of ground from treasure hunters, ghost hunters and along the way gives us ghostly encounters: Sir Percival with a sense a humour shows up so is the famous Red Maiden teasing with her ghostly presence.

The point is: the treasure buried may be worth a fortune too much of a lure to resist and well worth killing for to be the one and only one to find it… Tweedy was not so lucky…first victim but not he last. Very exciting following this mystery into the deep dungeons of Revensea.

This story is intriguing and the many recurring and new characters are likeable even the family pets have a role here. I liked passing time with this bunch of misfits and I am looking forward to the next installment

My thanks to St-Martin’s Press for this ARC which I received via Netgalley