Monday, August 18, 2025

The Devil's Advocate - Steve Cavanagh

Have you read Steve Cavanagh already? I've read three of his books so far and will absolutely be reading the others.

Why do I like his books so much? I'm a fan of suspense fiction, legal battles, and twists and turns. Cavanagh bring those three things together again in The Devil's Advocate. 

That cover catches your eye - with the font and the colors used. But it is the one sentence that seals the deal. 

"He's won every trial...because he's planned every murder." Creepy eh?

There's a group that work for and with lawyer Eddie Flynn. It's easy to 'meet' the supporting cast. You can easily jump in without having read any of the previous books.

I hope you enjoy them as well! 

Tuesday, August 12, 2025

Lime Juice Money - Jo Morey

I loved the cover of Jo Morey's first novel - Lime Juice Money.

You'll find out what that phrase means - and travel to Morey's setting in Belize. She has done a fabulous job of building her "world" in the jungle. The plants, orchids, predators - both animal and human, the indigenous people, those who are hiding and those who come for holidays. And more....

The book is told from two time lines and two characters. Laelia and Ellis - father and daughter. Laelia's sister plays her part well. There are many other characters - many are toxic. I was surprised at the direction Laelia's life went. I tried to be not judgmental. Another factor is her tinnitus - she cannot hear well. And some persons might take advantage of that...

The plotting, the setting, the characters - kept me engrossed from first page to last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Lime Juice Money.

Thursday, August 7, 2025

The Homemade God - Rachel Joyce

Rachel Joyce is an author who has had me in tears with her writing - some happy - some sad, but always engaging and thoughtful.

The title, The Homemade God, was a bit of an enigma. I have my own thoughts on the who and why but I'm going to let you discover your own ideas. I do like the cover image and it houses much of the book.

Four adult siblings have wonderful rapports with each other. But an
episode changes everything in their world. Nothing will ever be as it was again.

Joyce has created wonderful, detailed characters. You'll have your favorites and those you detest. You'll question their options, intents,  goals, actions, and thoughts and more.

The Homemade God is another fantastic read from Rachel Joyce. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Homemade God

Friday, August 1, 2025

The Peculiar Gift of July - Ashley Ream

I've taken to looking, really looking at book covers before turning the first page. My latest is the Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream

The figure could be a woman, but I thought it was a teenage girl. She's holding a small building gently in her hands. And I think the lights are fireflies.

The book is set in a small island where you know everyone and they know your business as well. I love quirky characters - and there are many in this tale. I think Malcom was one of my fave characters - and July as well.

July's interventions are very subtle the first time. Common things and actions that nobody really notices. Until others do. And the tone changes. The past needs to leave and let the now in. I think Ream really caught the emotions of the players. I enjoyed her writing very much. See for yourself - read an excerpt of  The Peculiar Gift of July.