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The Chapel in the Woods (Jack Haldean, Bk 11)
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2828 more book reviews


I thought I had this one all figured out. By that I mean the why, but not the who. I should have known better after having read all of the author's "Jack Haldean" books. Talk about confused identities.

But it did drag a bit in some places, so I didn't feel I could give it 5 stars.


Bazaar
BoysMom avatar reviewed on + 996 more book reviews


Bazaar by Miles Joyner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Exciting and fresh with an unpredictable new young assassin.

Bazaar by Miles Joyner is a thrilling and unpredictable story of a deadly game of murder by bid. Ultra-skilled executive protection firms are on the alert! A new online, high-stakes app combines gambling with a murder-for-hire bidding system that anyone with the guts can join, and the first hit on the son of a Nigerian diplomat, accomplished in the middle of Washington, D.C., is a tragic success. Now, the fledgling protection firm, Raptor, with founders and siblings Yemi and Karen Uzunma, are in a cat-and-mouse game against a surprising new foe as he goes after their new make-it-or-break-it client: the diplomat himself.

I enjoyed this book immensely, and I was torn between rooting for the characters on both sides of the target: Raptor and their crew and Aaron Williams, the surprisingly adept young killer. I wanted Karen and Yemi's group to excel while at the same time hoping for Aaron's success and a way out of the situation caused by his father's shocking death at his own hands.

The plot is fast-paced, with a shocking murder occurring soon after the story begins. I was caught completely off guard by the unexpected opening, and I was hooked for the duration of the tale. The death pool with a twist was riveting and unique, and Aaron Williams is a surprisingly relatable antagonist, displaying a genius and aptitude for the horrific work. His backstory is compelling, and he was easy to get behind, even with his actions being murder.

I recommend BAZAAR to thriller and mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.



The Collected Regrets of Clover
Bonnie avatar reviewed on + 429 more book reviews


Good grief. I am in the minority, I know, and I don't like leaving reviews like this, but I couldn't finish this book. I couldn't tolerate another minute of a 38 year old woman so unsure of herself, life, and everyone and everything, and yet so self-absorbed. I was so looking forward to reading a story about a death doula, but not about a death doula who was ashamed of what she did. I worked with a lot of death, these folks are angels on earth. Awful character.


The Talented Mr. Ripley
perryfran avatar reviewed on + 1268 more book reviews


I have been meaning to read this book for a long time and finally got around to it after finding a copy at a local thrift shop. I had a previous copy but it got away from me unread at some point. Patricia Highsmith (1921 â 1995) was an American novelist and short story writer widely known for her psychological thrillers. Her literary breakthrough came with the publication of her first novel Strangers on a Train (1950) which was adapted into one of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock films in 1951. The Talented Mr. Ripley was published in 1955 and contributed to her reputation as a major writer of psychological thrillers.

Ripley was nominated for the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel in 1956. In 1957, the novel won the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière as best international crime novel. The novel is also on the list of 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die which was another motivation for me to read it. It tells the story of Tom Ripley, a young man struggling in New York City, who is approached by Herbert Greenleaf, a wealthy shipping magnate, to travel to Italy to try to convince his son, Dickie, to return to their family in the U.S. and join the family business. Ripley knew Dickie marginally but agreed to the proposal which would be financed by Greenleaf. Dickie had taken up residence in a small Italian village with his girlfriend Marge. Dickie agrees to let Ripley stay with him after he tells Dickie about his father's mission to get him to return to the U.S. But as Tom and Dickie bond, Marge gets left out and Tom decides to try to benefit from Dickie's wealth by killing him and assuming his identity. So will Tom be able to get away with murder and reap the benefits?

As stated in 1001 books: "Tom Ripley is one of the great creations of 20th century pulp writing, a schizophrenic figure at once charming, ambitious, unknowable, devoid of morality, and prone to outbursts of extreme violence. His behavior could be a symptom of mental illness and as a manifestation of ambitions and repressed homosexual desire." Overall, I enjoyed this novel and found it very compelling. Tom Ripley goes to extremes to try to be like Dickie Greenleaf and will stop at nothing to accomplish this goal. A really good psychological thriller. Highsmith actually wrote four sequels to this novel which feature Ripley and at some point I would like to read these. I also need to watch the 1999 film version with Matt Damon as Ripley which I have somehow neglected up till now. And I'll also be on the lookout for Highsmith's other noir novels.


The Way of the Hermit: My Incredible 40 Years Living in the Wilderness
keno avatar reviewed on + 872 more book reviews


I thought the book was really interesting! I kept reading and the journey he did was amazing-but I know I could not even think of doing this lol


The Beaver Men: Spearheads of Empire (Bison Book)
reviewed on + 394 more book reviews


A very detailed story of the first white men that explored to the west and helped eliminate all the beaver for fashion. Mostly came from early journals written by them going back to the 1600's, way before Lewis & Clark.


The Mammoth Book of Private Eye Stories
reviewed on + 3193 more book reviews


This is a collection of short stories by good authors (the old-timers) but I don't care much for the short story genre


Time Traveler's Playlist: A Classic Rock Time Travel Adventure
BoysMom avatar reviewed on + 996 more book reviews


Time Traveler's Playlist: A Classic Rock Time Travel Adventure by David Homick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


An exciting, suspenseful, and, ultimately, heartwarming story of finding one's self and one's soulmate.

Time Traveler's Playlist by David Homick is an exciting, suspenseful, and, ultimately, heartwarming story of a young man's pursuit of his one true love (and classic 70s rock and roll music.) I was honestly captivated by this tale from start to finish.

The hunt for legendary Aztec gold on his family's farm leads 22-year-old Angus Walker to a hidden cave with a mysterious portal to the past. Mustering his courage, he passes through the portal and finds himself in Denver, Colorado, in the year 1978, where the muscle cars and land yachts of his dreams proudly cruise the city streets, and the classic rock music that he collected in his time period are new releases here. He also falls head over heels for the dynamic female lead vocalist and bass player of a rising local band, who knows more than she's letting on about Angus's unconventional mode of transportation to the 70s.

Angus is the wonderful protagonist of the story, a sad-sack, self-prophesying loser in his own time of 2024; he seems to fit in with life in 1978, coming close to being one of the cool kids. In his time, he has a good 'ride or die' friend in Walter "Waldo" Hastings, a fellow misfit in high school due to his high IQ and dedication to academics, and Ozzy, a lovable stray black lab named after the infamous, original frontman for Black Sabbath. Both Waldo and Ozzy are endearing, and each time Angus returned home to 2024, I worried whether his actions in the past would negatively affect either of these characters -- because changes occurred!

While Angus may have succumbed to the negative talk and bullying in his formative years, he regularly shows perseverance and courage throughout the story. He stands up to the bullies. He confronts Lars and Sam head-on when necessary. He talked himself into entering the portal. He pursued his soulmate and then sacrificed everything for love.

The plot is fast-paced, and the transitions between time periods are clear and easy to follow. The descriptions of the rugged and remote Utah farm and 1978 Denver are vivid, creating the perfect backdrops for the ensuing action. I thoroughly enjoyed the song title chapter headings, which not only foreshadowed the coming direction of the story but were tunes contemporary to the time. The selections were so perfect that I compiled them, along with additional songs mentioned in the narrative, into a fun, nostalgic new playlist.

I recommend TIME TRAVELER'S PLAYLIST to fiction readers who enjoy time travel tales of romance.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.



Not a Happy Family
Readnmachine avatar reviewed on + 1502 more book reviews


The murder of a wealthy couple brings forth the cracks in their very dysfunctional family. With a massive inheritance on the line, no one is above suspicion. I spotted the guilty party fairly early on, but Lapena strews a lot of red herrings in the reader's path.


The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise
kickerdad avatar reviewed on + 131 more book reviews


"The Power Of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise" by Robert Cardinal Sarah is a beautiful collection of observations, thoughts, and prayers about the nature of silence, its holiness, and its relationship to Love, God, Peace, Joy and more. Broken into sections on silence and human nature, the scriptural history of silence, and how silence connects the individual to God. Written as a series of questions and responses with Nicolas Diat at Grand Chartreaux, a Carthusian monastary in the French Alps, it poignantly touches on the noiseness of the world today and how we have forgotten how to live quiet lives, both externally and internally. While absolutely beautiful, some of the theological discussions have an intimidating depth. Not the simpliest read but every moment is well worth it [5/5]


The Iron Lance (The Celtic Crusades, Book 1)
kickerdad avatar reviewed on + 131 more book reviews


"The Iron Lance" by Stephen Lawhead is the first in a series titled "The Celtic Crusades." It is the story of a young man who is left home to take care of the family's holdings in Scotland while his brothers and father join the Crusade to free Jerusalem in 1095.
Young Murdo stepped up and was successfully managing things - until the church steps in to assist. After being displaced, Murdo and his mother move to the estate of family friends - where the childhood friendship with the daughter blossoms. But alas, a greedy clergy steps in again and young Murdo has had enough. He leaves on a ship of Norse warrios and a trio of monks to find his father and brother to bring them back to reclaim their home. Through his longer than expected journey to Jerusalem via Constanople and Antioch, Murdo grows in confidence, wisdom, and leadership.
A rousing tale in the style of Lawhead - a sprig mystery, a dash of romance, unexpected herosim, and characters who are more than they expected. As usual, not everything is as it seems. And the biggest, unexpected mystery of all, a hidden, ancient organization that shapes world history. [5/5]


The Curse of Penryth Hall
reviewed on + 1177 more book reviews


I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere but so much else was confusing that I ended up not liking the book overall.


The Brass Verdict (Mickey Haller, Bk 2)
cwousn avatar reviewed on + 146 more book reviews


A seamless, well written courtroom drama. Very enjoyable with a convoluted ending to one of the sun-plots that only someone with an actual legal background could decipher. Recommended.


Once Upon a Murder (Lady Librarian, Bk 2)
dollycas avatar reviewed on + 765 more book reviews


Dollycas's Thoughts

The Duchess of Beaufort has formally hired Miss Tiffany Woodall as her head librarian, meaning the woman can be herself and leave her disguises behind. Miss Tiffany is also teaching 6-year-old Duke of Beaufort (Beau) until a proper governess can be found.

As she leaves her home, Bristle Cottage, to go to Astwell Palace, she trips over the body of a dead man, half covered in the snow. She recognizes that it's Mr. Bernard Coram, a former footman at the palace. Found in front of her home, she is named the prime suspect by the justice of the peace. In an effort to clear her name, she learns that on the night of his death, Mr. Coram was involved in a fight at the local pub, but also that he was blackmailing the love of her life, local bookseller and constable, Samir Lathrop. Soon, it is Samir who is arrested. Tiffany is going to need all the help she can get to prove his innocence. A new arrival in town adds to the drama. The Lady Librarian has her hands full. Can she find the real killer? Or will Samir hang for a crime he didn't commit?

Like in the first book of this series, A Novel Disguise, Ms. Larsen's characters come alive within these pages. They are diverse, coming from all classes, and Miss Tiffany Woodall interacts with them all. She beams as she teaches her young charge, really making learning fun. She is comfortable in her new position, and a new friendship blooms when she needs a friend most. She thought she knew where her relationship with Samir was going, but new developments, and he being accused of murder, could mean she may never get her happy ever after.

I really enjoyed the author's descriptive writing style, especially when Tiffany, her friend Thomas, and others traveled around the countryside trying to find the answers they needed. It's always great to have a friend with power and the right connections to help move investigations along. Through the author's words, I felt that I was right on the scene, whether it be at the palace, in the kitchen or library, the church, the pub in town, or the blacksmith shop in a town up the road.

I loved the way Tiffany fostered young Beau's love for books. The palace library was âsadly lacking in children's literature,â and she was determined to fix that by adding several books, including fairy tales. They were reading Gulliver's Travels, complete with dressing up as pirates with swords to search for hidden treasure and with mathematical pirates' problems to solve.

Ms. Larsen packs a lot into this well-plotted and well-written book. It is filled with twists and turns, a very satisfying reckoning, and a delightful final chapter and epilogue.

What we didn't know when this book was released was if there would be a book 3. I can now report that there is, but the release is unique in that A Poetic Pox is being released first as an audiobook/CD on July 22, 2025, and will be released in other formats a few months later.

Once Upon a Murder is a captivating and entertaining story filled with a smart and loyal protagonist, a motley cast of supporting characters all caught up in an intriguing mystery, that includes the perfect amounts of romance and humor. To enjoy this book to the fullest, I believe you have to read A Novel Disguise first, as Once Upon a Murder picks up right where it leaves off. Then you will be ready when A Poetic Pox hits stores.


My Father Always Finds Corpses
dollycas avatar reviewed on + 765 more book reviews


Dollycas's Thoughts

Jarrod Jarvis is a former child star who found his first corpse 20+ years ago. He was then able to crack the case on a group of real-life Hollywood murders. He now lives in Palm Springs, where he is still grieving the loss of his husband Charlie, who was a police detective. Jarrod fills his time writing and directing plays for the local theater group. Their daughter, Liv, does not know a lot about her father's interesting past, but she recently graduated with a degree in criminal justice. She was closer to Charlie than Jarrod, and Jarrod wishes they could be closer now.

Liv hasn't launched her own career; instead, she is trying to help Zel, her filmmaker boyfriend, launch his own. He has pitched her an idea for a documentary about finding the surrogate her fathers used to facilitate her birth. She doesn't think she is ready to go there, but he is heavily pressuring her to at least take the first step. Before Liv has any time to think, he blindsides her with a meeting face-to-face with the woman who gave birth to her. Later, when she goes back to call it quits with the project and their relationship, she finds Zel lying on the floor in a pool of blood, his head bashed in. Freaking out she calls her father.

Now, together they will combine his experience with her recently acquired skills to track down the killer. It isn't long before Liv realizes how little she knew about her boyfriend and that so many people are happy that he's dead. While this investigation may bring Jerrod and Liv closer, they need to be aware that there is a killer out there who could take great pleasure in getting rid of both of them.

Lee Hollis has introduced a great father-daughter duo with layers who develop strongly throughout the story. It's been almost 10 years since Jarrod lost Charlie, and his friends are pushing him to put himself out there romantically, and you can feel his struggle. Liv lost Charlie when she was just thirteen, and her dads never talked much about her birth and the woman who helped them. Now, it is forced upon her, and it is much more complicated than she thought. Jarrod's good friend, a former first lady, has always been there for him. He also has two best friends in George and Leo. They are a huge hit, the favorite gay couple of the older ladies at the local gym's Forever Fit exercise class. Charlie's brother Brody, a former WWE wrestler, comes to town, a kind, lost soul down on his luck, as usual, but Jarrod will never turn him away. Liv has been friends with Maude since she and Jarrod moved to Palm Springs after Charlie died. Maude tries to get Liv out to have a good time and willingly volunteers to help Liv with a little sleuthing. All of these characters are unique and cleverly crafted.

The author has penned a very intriguing mystery entwined with unexpected family drama and an abundance of suspects. The victim pushed my buttons from the start, pushy and narcissistic, he was after dirt that could get him noticed and make him famous, and freely stole the ideas of others without a care. Politicians, Hollywood elite, and his girlfriend were fair game for the many projects he was pushing on a daily basis. Well, he pushed someone too far. Jarrod and Liv's investigation had them questioning a lot of people, even some they were close to, and I was thrilled to tag along. After many twists, turns, and hurt feelings, the culprit is finally revealed, putting Jarrod in desperate circumstances, followed by an exciting chase.

This story is much more than a mystery. It's a study of family dynamics. Some totally dysfunctional. Some are in flux. Others are finding their way back and moving ahead. Grieving when you lose a loved one is hard, and I appreciated how the author realistically handled this topic. I didn't expect to get so invested in these characters in what appears to be a standalone novel.

My Father Always Finds Corpses is a complicated and compelling mystery, lighthearted and funny, but it tugs on your emotions. Strong, diverse, eccentric characters pull you into the story, and they don't let go after the story ends. I hope this book is a huge success and the author and publisher spin it into a series. I have not had enough of Jarrod, Liv, and their friends.


The Women
The Women
Author: Kristin Hannah
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Hardcover
flyinggems avatar reviewed on + 486 more book reviews


It is a book that takes you on a journey through a difficult time in US History. It gives you a different view of what it was like. Will we ever learn?


Phantom Islands of the Atlantic: The Legends of Seven Lands That Never Were
hardtack avatar reviewed on + 2828 more book reviews


An interesting narrative of the fanciful stories people---mostly sailors, cartographers and monks---made up to explain the unknown. But then they didn't have AAA TripTiks or GPS.

At least I now know how the Virgin Islands got that name. Thank you, Saint Ursula.


Fatal Brouhaha (A Ground Rules Mystery)
dollycas avatar reviewed on + 765 more book reviews


Dollycas's Thoughts

Ground Rules partners, Sage and Harley, have teamed up with brothers Tierney and Shay Doyle of Doyle's Oregon Whiskey to create a canned Irish coffee. The product is set to launch at a celebration over the July 4th weekend on the Doyle's beautiful property in the âColumbia Gorge with a view of the mighty Columbia River.â Twenty local companies have set up booths, several food carts are serving a variety of festival foods, and the Ground Rules coffee cart has a prime spot. There are cornhole tournaments for youth and adults and a Connect Four tournament for the children. The drawing events are the bands performing on the stage in the meadow.

Things start out so well until Sage sees her rival, Left Coast Grinds owner Mark Jeffries, walking toward her. He has been trying to take down Ground Rules since they opened. He was not invited to be part of the event, but to get around the rules, he is sharing a tent with another vendor. This leads to a huge argument with Harley and Mark escorted out of the area by security.

After the event ends for the night, Sage, baristas Kendall and Sophie head for the Ground Rules Subaru. There, they find a very dead Mark Jefferies creating a huge brouhaha. Sage knows Harley will be the prime suspect after the public altercation, but the man had his share of enemies, some Sage has seen at the festival. With a little help, she hopes to ground the investigation to a halt by finding the killer, but it just may be, the killer will find her first.

Oh, this was a great story with a victim who really needed to go.

Sage is a strong protagonist. She is passionate about coffee and her coffee business, but she really comes alive around her family and friends, especially Bax and Niko. The wedding is coming up fast, and they make such a cute family. Niki is an inquisitive little man, and so cute with his satchel containing âall his gearâ and sometimes his cape to help Sage investigate or work on his comic book. He has been writing and illustrating for many months. Harley spent a lot of time hiding from the police, but she can roast and blend those grounds brilliantly and works mostly behind the scenes to make the business a success. Sage's dad and lawyer brother came to have fun at the festival, but also to be around for whatever Sage and Harley need. Kendell and Sophia are terrific baristas who can hold down the fort when Sage goes sleuthing. I enjoy the core group of characters Ms. Duncan has created for this series. She has surrounded Sage with strong people who have grown throughout the series.

She has also plotted out a solid mystery, with several suspects and Sage going the extra mile to keep Harley from ending up behind bars. A tragic event made the case even more important. There were some great twists, and while they weren't alone, I did have the guilty party near the top of my list of suspects. Sage had a little help getting all the clues together, but she had a real A-Ha moment when the final clue fell into place. She did notify Detective Ortega, but Sage unexpectedly got up close and personal with the killer. She had to think on her feet if she was going to survive and be sure to have proof in case she didn't.

Fans will love the final chapter . . . no spoilers here.

Fatal Brouhaha is a delightful whodunit with caring characters, and a top-notch main plot twisted together with interesting subplots that held my attention from beginning to end. The festival sounded like so much fun with the games, music, food, and drink. It has me in the mood to check out some upcoming fairs and festivals here without the dead body, of course.

I highly recommend the entire series, and believe starting from the beginning is best, so you can get to know the characters from the start.


The Superstar Chronicles: Tales of Life Among Rock Royalty
ilovebooksanddogs avatar reviewed on + 371 more book reviews


This was a great read. He's lead a fascinating life and speaks in this book as if you are sitting right next to him. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book.


jjares avatar reviewed on + 3539 more book reviews


This author did many things right: Directing readers with medical issues to consult with a health professional before starting on apple cider vinegar (ACV). Several recipes are included, along with a warning that ACV can be caustic to the esophagus and teeth. The author describes how to make ACV at home. The best part may have been the warnings about excessive use of ACV. As a final bonus, the author includes a cellulite treatment, using ACV and other remedies.


Cherish and the Duke (The Silver Dukes)
jjares avatar reviewed on + 3539 more book reviews


The life of Lady Cherish Northam took a decided turn for the worse when her parents died. Her uncle, who inherited the estate, has turned her into a servant, where she used to maintain the house and farms of the estate. Her best friend, Lady Shoreham, has invited Cherish to a house party at her home. While there, she meets the three Silver Dukes, notably Gawain Burton, the Duke of Bromleigh. Everyone knows the three silver dukes (established men who are forty-something) and have no intention of marrying. However, Galwain is there to meet Cherish on behalf of his nephew. He hopes she will be the right person to guide his wayward nephew into a more serious-minded adult.

Unfortunately, when he realizes Cherish is the perfect person he had in mind, he realizes he likes her very much for himself. The rest of the story is about how this triangle plays out. I have two points I did not like about this story. First, the constant reminder that Galwain was one of the Silver Dukes, who would not marry. Second, the author constantly mentioned that Galwain was "ape-like" or "apish," which doesn't fit with a duke, or any aristocrat. I was offended by the name being called, much less that she sprinkled it throughout the book. It seemed as if the author had to make the book long enough by constantly padding the story with these two refrains.

Silver Dukes
**1. Cherish and the Duke (2024)
2. Moonlight and the Duke (2024)
3. Two Nights with the Duke (2025)
4. Snowfall and the Duke (2025)


What Kind of Paradise
blissmountain avatar reviewed on + 64 more book reviews


i really wrestled with my rating on this one. i'm not sure it's my usual "i loved this book" vibe but i also can't find myself giving it only 4 stars. this is a good meaty book. it touches on some really challenging and difficult subjects, both familial and cultural. it's certainly creepy to read about our tech/computer beginnings in silicone valley and know that all these decades later, we're screwed!
i loved the main character of esme/jane, so flawed and raw and real. and so damn smart. and her friend lionel is a lovely supporting character in the book. i also found the ending a nice surprise.


Higher Love
Higher Love
Author: Joanne Kukanza Easley
Genre: Literature & Fiction
Book Type: Paperback
BoysMom avatar reviewed on + 996 more book reviews


Higher Love by Joanne Kukanza Easley

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Emotionally evocative and character-driven dive into what makes and takes a family.

Higher Love, a sequel to author Joanne Kukanza Easley's I'll Be Seeing You, continues the story of Lauren Eaton, where the results of her past actions suddenly thrust themselves into her present. However, the skillful and steady insertion of background information brought me up to date and prevented me from feeling like I'd missed out. Readers who have not read the previous book will easily be able to read and enjoy this one as a standalone.

At 62 years of age, Lauren Eaton, with her porcelain skin and vibrant head of mahogany curls, could readily pass for a much younger woman. She absolutely doesn't look or feel her age, that is until her biological granddaughter shows up on her doorstep looking for her âreal' granny. Faced with the evidence of an almost forgotten past, it was like looking into a mirror, and there was no denying the relationship whatsoever.

Recently orphaned Stephanie Babcock Kingston had run away from her haughty and insular Boston grandmother's home when threatened with boarding school. It was only after her mother's death that she discovered that Evelyn Cabot Babcock wasn't her biological grandmother and had kept the truth from her and her mother their entire lives. Fleeing to Austin and Lauren, she hoped to build a new, fresh life in Texas.

Told from the dual, alternating points of view of Lauren and Stephanie, the plot is deeply emotional and expressed in such a compelling manner that time seemed to melt away for me. Both Lauren and her granddaughter have a lot of catching up to do, clarifications to make, and trust to build. Both are struggling with their own demons. Lauren is 25 years sober, and readers gain an authentic glimpse into her struggle to maintain sobriety, serving as a poignant reminder that the fight is a lifelong one. Her new-found granddaughter has a recent history of self-harm to overcome. Stephanie is finally able to grieve her father's earlier passing and her mother's sudden death from a tragic accident while vacationing in Belize. Together with Lauren's new husband and truly great guy, Brett, they slowly come to terms with the past, overcome new challenges, and focus on creating a new future as a family.

With its strong and, I suspect, lasting emotional impact, this story is for readers seeking character-driven tales of tragedy, pain, self-determination, and the healing power of love.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.


American Widow
roach808 avatar reviewed on + 226 more book reviews


Wow, a very beautiful, sad, tragic telling of a real-life thing that you just cannot possibly imagine.


Found Object
candy14 avatar reviewed on + 14 more book reviews


I am a huge fan of Anne Frasier, and this one did not disappoint!  Jupiter's mom was murdered 20 years ago, and it has affected her life ever since.  Jupiter recently suffered another loss (she is an investigative journalist and went undercover for a story), so her boss sends her out to do a fluff piece.  It just so happens to be in her hometown.  Of course, this dredges up the past and Jupiter really begins wondering if the guy who confessed to the murder of her mother really did it.  There are quite a few suspects, all plausible, and this story twists and turns and you won't see the end coming.  Totally engrossing and I had trouble putting it down once I started reading.


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