Silent Evidence - Clea Koff

Clea Koff’s new book is Silent Evidence, the first book in a planned series. There are two leads - Jayne and Steelie. The two women both have a set of unique forensic skills based on their time in Rwanda. They’re ready to share their knowledge with law enforcement.

A bundle of human parts falls out of the back of a van on a Los Angeles highway. Agent Scott Houston knows that Jayne and Steelie are who he needs to help crack this awful case.

Koff rapidly introduces us to the two leads, as well as a number of supporting characters. There’s a lot of banter back-and-forth between the various characters. Much of it is case based but some it is personal as well. I was concerned that the book would be too romantic based  for me. I was happily wrong. Instead it added to plot.  Although, I admit I'm not a fan of the name Steelie.   

The plot is excellent and really well written, and after looking the author up I can see why. She is taking pieces from her own life and giving it to her characters. The authenticity of the book benefits greatly with this knowledge.

I chose to listen to Silent Evidence. The reader was  Rachel Handshaw and she did a fantastic job. She has an interesting, gravelly tone to her voice that is perfect for this book. She portrays the characters with distinct voices, including males. The emotions and actions are captured. She enunciates well and is easy to understand. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt. 8 hours 49 minutes I would happily listen to the second book in this series.

Murder at an English Pub - Alice Castle

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog for Murder at an English Pub.

I have a fondness for cozy mysteries. And I'm always on the lookout  for new series. My latest find is Murder at an English Pub by Alice Castle - and this is book one in a new series!

"Retired doctor Sarah Vane moves to Merstairs, she has no idea that the quaint seaside town isn’t quite as friendly it seems, and something sinister is bubbling under the picturesque surface…"

 

Sarah doesn't have a lot of faith in the constabulary of this small villager. Sarah is curious by nature and can't help but launch her own investigation into the crime. She is helped (or perhaps hindered) by her longtime and somewhat scatterbrained friend Daphne. I quite like Saras as a lead character. And let's not forget Hamish - her black Scottie dog.

Sarah meets the villagers one by one and endeavors to interview them without it appearing so. There's a broad bunch of residents that could be the culprit. But just as Sarah thinks she has the answer - new information is uncovered. I think Castle does a great job of keeping the reader guessing right through to the last pages. 

Castle has created a detailed setting in Merstairs that appealed to me. Especially her little cottage.

And given that this is a cozy, it's best read with a pot of tea, a quilt on your lap and a dog at your feet. I'll be watching for the second book in this series. 

Before turning to crime, Alice Castle was a UK newspaper journalist for The Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Her latest cozy mystery, set in fictional seaside town Mersta s, stars retired GP Sarah Vane. It will be published in July by Bookouture, who also publish Alice's nine-book Beth Haldane Mysteries series set in south east London. Alice also writes psychological thrillers for HQDigital as A.M. Castle.

Website:https://alicecastleauthor.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alice.castle.355

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/AliceMCastle

Bookouture Email Sign Up: https://www.bookouture.com/alice-castle.

The Home Front Girls - Susanna Bavin

A Bookworm's World is a stop on today's blog tour for The Home Front Girls - the first book in Susanna Bavin's planned trilogy.

If you enjoy WWII historical fiction, you're  going to want to add The Home Front Girls to your 'to read' list!

I was hooked in the first chapter. Sally and her bestie, Deborah, work for the Food Office making sure that shop keepers are following the rules for ration books. But the latest 'sting' has repercussions for both Sally and the store clerk, Betty.  

I thought Bavin's settings were wonderfully described. The book is set in 1940  Manchester, England. Bavin and her family  lived in Manchester for many years and that personal view really works in creating a setting.

Her characters are also wonderfully created. It's very easy to have a favorite, one you'd like to know in real life. And those you wouldn't! Keep your eyes open for Mrs. Lockwood! And who else you ask? Well, I think a budding romance adds a lot this book as well! 

I really enjoy this time frame. The 'Keep Calm and Carry On' attitude, the looking out for your neighbours, the social mores, and family. There are lots of hard choices to be made - and duty to follow.

And Bavin has included all of that and more. I'll be watching for the second book - Courage for the Home Front Girls coming out May 2004.

"Susanna lives in Llandudno in North Wales with her husband and their rescue cats, but her writing is inspired by her Mancunian roots. She has written stories ever since she was a child and always wanted to be a published author. Susanna enjoys reading, walking and gardening and she loves living by the sea. She also writes as Maisie Thomas, for The Railway Girls series, and as Polly Heron, for The Surplus Girls series." You can connect with Susanna on her webpage or on Facebook and sign up for her newsletter.

The Expectant Detectives - Kat Ailes

The Expectant Detectives is Kat Ailes' debut novel. Now, three guesses - what might these amateur detectives night have in common? If you said 'they're all pregnant' - you're a winner. 

Alice and her partner Joe have moved to Penton, a small village in the Cotswolds. Of course! Penton is home to a varied (and quirky) bunch of residents. The population is down one when a local shopkeeper is found dead downstairs in his shop - while Alice is upstairs at the same shop attending her prenatal class. 

As they're all suspects now - (bar one) four of the women decide to band together to help the local constabulary find the culprit. The group is made up of a wonderful group very different women.

Alice is our lead character and honestly, her actions and dialogue had me laughing out loud. Ailes is a funny woman and writer. Now I have to mention the four footed character Helen - Alice's dog. Again, very funny. She steals the show in a few places.

And what about the crime? Ailes gives us lots of possibilities for the whodunit. And has us questioning just about everyone's innocence. It wasn't easy to suss out the final ah ha!

Fans of Finlay Donovan will love this new series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of The Expectant Detective.

Dead Tired is the follow up to The Expectant Detectives, coming out on June 4/24. It's most definitely on my 'want to read' list!

Welcome to the School by the Sea - Jenny Colgan

Welcome to the School by the Sea is Jenny Colgan‘s latest release in North America. It’s the first of a planned four part series.

I love Jenny Colgan's writing! Her books are just comforting, feel good, sit back, lose yourself in a story reads. In this latest, Colgan takes us to a boarding school for girls in England. Maggie is the the new, young addition to the teaching staff. She hails from Scotland. And she's about to have all her preconceived dreams of a wonderful new teaching experience challenged. 

Maggie is quite likable - she's not perfect, but has a kind heart and good intentions. I quite liked her inner dialogue. There’s a range of personalities amongst the girls with a social hierarchy you'd (sadly) find in any group setting. One of the girls is especially nasty. My heart was with Simone, a scholarship student who has a very difficult time at Downey Hall. As Maggie circumvents the pitfalls, the joys and the unexpected surprises of her new post, she too is hampered by the girls' attitudes, but sometimes helped as well. Let’s not forget about the teachers - some are some strict disciplinarians, rule followers and some are mired in same age old ways. Colgan gives one of the senior staff an unexpected story line. Now, what about that boys school just over the hill? There’s a rather attractive history professor there - and that presents another dilemma for Maggie. Will she succumb to her feelings or is she loyal to the boyfriend she left back at home? I can’t say I agree with every decision that Maggie meets but that’s what makes her human and relatable.

There are some unanswered questions and I'm keen to see where Colgan takes things. I wonder if the same group of girls will be back, a little bit older and a bit wiser. And I'm very eager to see how the romantic plot line unfolds. It's all about the characters for me in Colgan's writing and this latest is no exception. I can’t wait to see what the second book - Rules at the School by the Sea, due out in August 2022 - brings.

I chose to listen to Welcome to the School by the Sea. Jilly Bond is the narrator and she does an absolutely fantastic job! She’s provides unique and distinctive voices for all of the characters. It's easy to suss out who is speaking. She captures the personalities of all the characters - young, old, male and female with her voice and I easily created vivid mental images of each one. She portrays the emotions of the characters as well. I did end up turning down the speed a notch or two as she is a quick speaker and that was perfect for me. Hear for yourself – listen to an audio expert of Welcome to the School by the Sea.

The Recovery Agent - Janet Evanovich

Gabriela Rose made a brief cameo in Janet Evanovich's last Stephanie Plum book. (Game On) I'd read that there was a new series in the works - the first book has just released - The Recovery Agent. 

Gabriela is a recovery agent, working for individuals, insurance companies etc. seeking, finding and recovering just about anything - for a good fee. This time she’s after something that is more personal, and might save the small town she grew up in. A map leading to the pirate Blackbeard's treasure. 

Gabriela is joined in the hunt by her ex-husband Rafer.  The search leads to jungles, small islands and unknown territory. Along the way they run into others  also looking for the treasure, including a death cult. That jungle setting and the derring-do scenes reminded me of Indiana Jones adventures.

I liked Gabriela. She reminded me of someone. ;0) The dynamic between her and Rafer is fun to read. He's much more laid back than she is. 

Readers of the Plum series are going to notice lots of similar and familiar elements in The Recovery Agent. Gramma Franny lives with Mariela's long suffering mother. There's lots of back and forth with Rafer in the romantic sense. Will they? Won't they? The dialogue is often short and snappy. (Although I found some of the 'jokes' fell a bit flat for me.) The sidekicks are a bit bumbling. And you know things are going to turn out just fine in the end. And honestly, that's what I'm looking for. An entertaining, easy, comfortable listen that won't tax my brain.

Lorelei King was the narrator for The Recovery Agent. She’s an excellent reader and I've enjoyed her work on other titles as well. King is an excellent narrator creating different voices for characters that make them easily identifiable. She has lots of movement and expression in her voice that brings the plot to life. Her voice is pleasant to listen to, easy to understand and well paced. She does narrate the Stephanie Plum series as well and this is where I initially had a bit of a struggle. The voices for The Recovery Agent are very similar to the ones provided in the Plum series. At the beginning, I kept picturing characters from the other series. But that lessened as I got further into the book. A good performance from King. Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt of The Recovery Agent. 

A nice extra is tucked in at the end of the book - a fifteen minute excerpt of the forthcoming (Nov 2022) Stephanie Plum book. #29 is The Rogue.  

League of Liars - Astrid Scholte

How to spend a snowed in weekend? For me, it was getting lost in the fantasy world in Astrid Scholtes' new YA novel, League of Liars.

"In this fantasy thriller, four teens charged with murder and caught up with the illegal use of magic band together to devise the ultimate jailbreak."

I am always fascinated by the world building in fantasy novels. In this world in magic is forbidden and strictly regulated. Any misuse is dealt with quickly and harshly. The magic itself is interesting as it is shadows that execute the magic when they are called upon. But the end result often doesn't match the user's intent. 

League of Liars gives us four teen protagonists, all with a vendetta against the Regency. There's Cayder, a law intern, his sister Leta and Jey, who is a bit of a rogue. And of course what fantasy world doesn't have a princess? Although Cayder leads the pack, I found myself drawn more to Leta. She's bold and brave, a bit hard headed and is the character I'd choose to play. The cast of supporting characters are easy to separate into 'good' and 'bad'.

The plot itself is busy in a good way - murders, disappearances, court cases, a prison, royalty, a ruling council, the mysterious Veil that is tied to the magic, and a touch of romance. Danger and action filled as well.

When I read YA books, I try not to be "adult eyes" critical of plot devices or directions, the actions of the teen protagonists, their actions and thoughts. For me, fantasy novels are just that - a chance to escape into another world in the pages of a book.

League of Liars weighs in at 464 pages. I do think it could have been tightened up in a few places, but overall I quite enjoyed League of Liars. Now about that ending.....all I can say is I hope there's a second book! See for yourself - read an excerpt of League of Liars. And isn't that cover great!

A Man Named Doll - Jonathan Ames

I picked up Jonathan Ames's new novel - A Man Named Doll - on a rainy Saturday morning and finished it before dinner. It's just over 200 pages - but those pages make for addictive reading.

Meet Happy Doll - yes, that's his real name, but he does answer to Hank. Former Navy, LAPD and currently a struggling Private Investigator.  He also works security for a massage parlor to make ends meet. And for the reader - a unique lead character.

An old colleague stops by the office to see if Hank would be willing to donate him a kidney. And that one act is the start of a string of bodies and a set of crimes that you just can't predict.

The setting is LA and I immediately got a noir feeling from settings and characters - Hank's office setting, his occupation, his home under the Hollywood sign, the buxom barkeep at his local and more.

Happy's inner dialogue is wickedly sharp and darkly humourous. He acts on impulse quite often and doesn't seem to realize that he isn't immortal. He's quite likeable and you can't help but behind him. Oh, and his dog George is an excellent sidekick.

The plot kept me guessing with every new turn (and body). There was no way to guess how things were going to turn out. The pacing of the book is fast and furious, with no downtime. Well, maybe a tad - Hank does get knocked out quite a bit.

The writing was excellent, the lead character engaging and the plot was inventive. Lee Child says this about A Man Named Doll - "Quirky, edgy, charming, funny and serious, all in one." I couldn't have said it better myself. And.....there's more Happy-ness to come. The first chapter of the next book is included at the end.  The Wheel of Doll is due out next year.

The Jigsaw Man - Nadine Matheson

Nadine Matheson's debut crime novel is The Jigsaw Man. That perfectly creepy cover hints at what's hiding inside...

Detective Inspector Anjelica Henley is just back to active duty after surviving an attack from serial killer Peter Olivier. He's behind bars in a maximum security prison. But the case she's called to seems to mimic his crimes - the dismembering of his victims. The brand he left on his victims is there as well. Does he have an acolyte on the outside? A copycat?

What a great lead character Matheson has created. I liked Anjelica from the get go. She's highly intelligent, driven, respected, but flawed as well. Although the physical wounds from Olivier's attack have healed, she's still emotionally scarred  and her personal life is a bit of a mess. Matheson has also built a solid cast of supporting players in the Serial Crimes Unit. I was quite drawn to trainee DC Salim Ramouter. And I heartily disliked Anjelica's husband and mother in law.

In the beginning I thought this was a second book for this crew, but it was indeed the first. Matheson does a great job building the characters, their history and their relationships in such a way that they all felt quite established already. They're a crew that work the dark cases.

The plot isn't straight forward, taking a number of turns that kept me guessing. There are quite a few suspects, victims and aliases,  so listen carefully to keep track of everyone. The police procedures hit all the right notes and are believable. My pet peeve is convenient clues that are dropped in a protagonist's lap. Not the case in The Jigsaw Man - Henley and her team have to work to put the pieces together. (Yeah, that one was on purpose!)

Gentle readers, this one may not be for you as the crimes are quite brutal and graphic. (Think Silence of the Lambs)  Matheson is herself  a criminal defense attorney and the plot and characters definitely benefit from this inside knowledge. I've got my fingers crossed that Matheson is hard at work on another Anjelica Henley book! (The Jigsaw Man has also been optioned for television.)

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem - Manda Collins

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem is the new book from Manda Collins. I loved the title and happily turned to the first page... 

1865. Lady Katherine Bascomb is the widowed owner of a London newspaper. She also (against the opinions of the male members of the paper) writes a column. With some particularly vicious crimes happening in London, she and her bestie Caroline decide to pen a piece about the 'Commandments Killer.' Perhaps do some investigation as well. Can you guess the name of the column?

Kate inadvertently lands herself in the middle of the investigation and under the scrutiny of DI Eversham. Which might be bad....or maybe good...

I love novels set in this time period. The verbal sparring is so much fun - barbed insults delicately covered in social decorum. What's not as great is the male attitude towards women and their 'sensibilities' and what might be best for them. Collins has created a wonderfully spunky, outspoken, eminently likable protagonist. And a great sidekick that shares her ideals and is just as forward thinking.

Collins has come up with a good mystery as well. There are lots of choices for whodunit along the way, with one character that I sussed out early on, but she adds a little bit more that wasn't predictable.

So, how to categorize A  Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem? Historical romantic mystery seems to cover all the bases!

Now, that romance angle...Collins has penned some delicious romantic tension between Kate and Eversham. Will it go any further than each of them just thinking about it...? Not telling! But suffice to say Collin's background as a romance writer stands her in good stead.

It looks like this will be a new series for Collins with Caroline and Lord Thorn getting the lead roles in Lady's Guide 2 due out in Fall 2021.

A Lady's Guide to Mischief and Mayhem was a fun escapist read, perfect for a snowy day on the couch with tea and biscuits! See for yourself - here's an excerpt.

Review and Giveaway - Silent Scream by Angela Marsons

I love crime fiction and am always excited to discover a new author. Angela Marsons is my latest discovery. Silent Scream is the first book in her Detective Inspector Kim Stone series. And I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader, courtesy of Grand Central Publishing!

Right off the bat, I really liked the lead character. Kim is opinionated, pushy and likes to buck authority. But its all for the good - finding killers is her job and she's darn good at it. There's a great team backing Kim, three disparate personalities, all with a unique set of skills. I liked all of them as well and appreciated the relationship between the four.

Silent Scream opens with a startling prologue and hideous crime. Fast forward to present day - someone is killing seemingly random victims - until Kim find a link between them - something from all their pasts. Archaeologists are brought in. There are cryptic missives from the killer as well - and they're pretty dark.

I have to say that Marsons did a fantastic job with not just the police procedural details, but the archaeological bits as well. Everything rang true. Detailed.

Her writing is smooth, the pacing is great, the dialogue works and the and descriptions of time and place brought the 'Black Country' setting to life. The plot is well planned and executed. There are multiple choices for whodunit - and a nice little gotcha in the end. Well played.

An excellent read - I'll definitely read others in this series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Silent Scream.

 And if you'd like to read Silent Scream, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, no PO boxes please. Ends July 18/20.

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Old Bones - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child.

Old Bones is the latest collaboration of authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. It's also the first book in the Nora Kelly series.

Fans of Preston and Child will recognize Nora Kelly from Cemetery Dance - the ninth Pendergast novel. I was happy to see her again - and that she will be getting her own series. Joining her is rookie FBI Agent Corrie Swanson -  who also appeared in two Pendergast novels.

Preston and Child often draw on history and actual events in their books. In Old Bones, it is the ill fated 1847 Donner Party. Nora is approached by a historian who has found proof that there is a 'lost camp' in addition to the camps already documented. Further more, there may be a fortune waiting to be found at that lost camp. I am fascinated by archaeology and the idea that the past is just waiting to be uncovered. I wondered what Preston and Child had imagined for this latest.

The dig begins.....but so does trouble. Within a few days, one of the team is murdered. And Swanson joins the dig.

Settling in with Old Bones felt like rejoining old friends for their latest adventure. Preston and Child never disappoint. The plotting captured my interest, the action kept me turning pages and I liked the lead characters. And best of all, Pendergast made an appearance! But that's not to say that I didn't enjoy Kelly and Swanson. They play well off each other and make a good team - although they don't see themselves as such.

Another great easy read from Preston and Child - I always look forward to their books and will be eagerly awaiting the next in the Nora Kelly series. Read an excerpt of Old Bones.

Giveaway - Old Bones - Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

I've got a great giveaway for you today! Old Bones is new from Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child - and it's the first book in their new Nora Kelly series!

What's it about? From Grand Central Publishing:

"#1 bestselling authors Preston & Child bring the true story of the ill-fated Donner Party to new life in a thrilling blend of archaeology, history, murder, and suspense.

Nora Kelly, a young curator at the Santa Fe Institute of Archaeology, is approached by historian Clive Benton with a once-in-a-lifetime proposal: to lead a team in search of the so-called “Lost Camp” of the tragic Donner Party. This was a group of pioneers who earned a terrible place in American history when they became snow-bound in the California mountains in 1847, their fate unknown until the first skeletonized survivors stumbled out of the wilderness, raving about starvation, murder-and cannibalism.

Benton tells Kelly he has stumbled upon an amazing find: the long-sought diary of one of the victims, which has an enigmatic description of the Lost Camp. Nora agrees to lead an expedition to locate and excavate it-to reveal its long-buried secrets.

Once in the mountains, however, they learn that discovering the camp is only the first step in a mounting journey of fear. For as they uncover old bones, they expose the real truth of what happened, one that is far more shocking and bizarre than mere cannibalism. And when those ancient horrors lead to present-day violence on a grand scale, rookie FBI agent Corrie Swanson is assigned the case…only to find that her first investigation might very well be her last." Read an excerpt of Old Bones.

And if you'd like to read Old Bones, enter for a chance to win a copy using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada, ends Sept 14/19.

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Good Girl, Bad Girl - Michael Robotham

Michael Robotham is firmly on my 'must read' list. I've read all of the Joe O'Loughlin  series. I've got the feeling that this series might be winding down. But, I'm pretty happy with Good Girl, Bad Girl - the first in a new series featuring forensic psychologist Cyrus Haven.

Haven is a great lead character - intelligent, driven but wounded, with darkness in his own background. He works with the police department, but isn't fully accepted. I appreciate a flawed lead as I find I bond more with the character. I enjoyed his fractious relationship with  DCI Lenny Parvel. She's gruff and tough and is also part of Haven's past.

When a teen skating star is discovered murdered on a lonely footpath, Cyrus is called in to assist. His interviews and probing uncover a life that doesn't match her 'good girl' reputation. And there are more than a few suspects for whodunit.

He's also called in to assess a teen girl (the 'bad girl' of the title) who wants to be released from the group home setting she lives in as she says she is eighteen. Says? Uh, huh no one truly knows how old she is. Evie Cormac (a name given to her) was discovered in a hidden room at a violent crime scene. The man who was holding her is dead - unable to provide answers. And Evie herself - she either doesn't know or won't tell. As the book progressed there are small references that only begin to hint at her past. And Haven is the only person she seems to actually like. Why? Because he tells the truth. And Evie can uncannily tell when someone is lying. It's hard to read Evie's story and the reader will be firmly on her side, despite her attempts to alienate everyone who crosses her path. Who can blame her? This first book is the beginning of (hopefully) a firmer relationship between Cyrus and Evie.

So good on so many levels. Robotham's books are easy to get lost in for hours at a time - addictive listening/reading at its best. Getting to know these new players intrigued me as did the search for the murderer. The tension in Good Girl, Bad Girl just never lets up. The final whodunit wasn't who I expected and there's a nice little twist in the last few chapters. And those last chapters are action packed as well.  Kudos to Robotham for coming up with this premise and these two leads. I will be eagerly awaiting the next book in this series. Another excellent listen/read from Robotham - but hey, I knew it would be. An easy five star book.

I did choose to listen to Good Girl, Bad Girl. And that choice was made based on the reader - Joe Jameson. His voice is rich and full. His speaking voice is clear and easy to understand. He created distinctive voices for each character, making it easy to know who was speaking. And those unique voice created much clearer mental images for me. He interprets the book well and uses his voice effectively for the emotions and action as they play out. I've said it before and I'll say it again - I find myself more drawn into a book when I listen to it (and it's often harder leave)!

Here's an audio excerpt of Good Girl, Bad Girl. Or if you prefer, here's a written excerpt.

Girls With Sharp Sticks - Suzanne Young

I thought I would get my latest YA fix with the newly released Girls with Sharp Sticks, the first in a planned series from Suzanne Young. (And I did!)

I love the cover - take a second look at each side of the girl's face - it's in the eyes....

Welcome to Innovations Academy, where the girls are absolutely perfect. Literally. Beautiful, demure and obedient. Uh huh, here it comes......and being molded to be flawless in everything for the 'Investor' who will become their 'owner'. Until Mena begins to realize that the life they are leading is not normal and there is a world out there that they know little about. They've been manipulated and lied to......and....

I liked the premise. The publisher has described Girls With Sticks as "Westworld meets The Handmaid’s Tale" and I think that's a great comparison.

I chose to listen to Girls With Sharp Sticks. Caitlin Davies was the reader. I've enjoyed previous narrations from Davies and this was another excellent performance. She had just the right voice for Mena. Perfect you might say. It's young in tenor with an innocent feel. It's somewhat robotic in the beginning and then grows in strength and tone as the girls' "awakening" progresses. She provides perfectly despicable voices for the male leaders of the Academy.

Young's plot will initially provoke a visceral reaction in the listener. And I found myself railing out loud at the arrogance and actions of the men. But even louder for Mena and her friends, urging them on as they begin to imagine escaping this life.

This first book was a fun listen. Young has prepared the way for the second book - and I'll be listening to see what's in store for Mena and her friends. Here's an audio clip excerpt of Girls With Sharp Sticks.

Long Road to Mercy - David Baldacci

David Baldacci's newest book, Long Road to Mercy, introduces us to a new protagonist - Atlee Pine. (love the name!)

Pine is a kick butt female FBI agent - the sole operative in the remote Shattered Rock office near the Grand Canyon. The past is what has driven Atlee to the career she has today. Pine had a twin sister. When they were six years old, Mercy was kidnapped from their bedroom. She's never been found and no one has been arrested. Atlee is determined to find answers. But, right now she has a crime at the Canyon to attend to. A slaughtered mule and a missing rider. But what seems to be one thing is quite different from what Atlee finds as she investigates.

I like this new character a lot! Baldacci has crafted strong female characters in other series, but I like that this time she's the lead. The sidekick in this series is also female, but older. She too is appealing.

Baldacci is an inventive plotter. I did find some of the developments to be a bit over the top. But, hey, whose to say this isn't or couldn't happen. I'm being a bit obtuse so as not to provide spoilers, but national security often figures into the series that he writes. The other thing that you can count on is that justice will prevail. Good and evil are clearly defined and you'll find yourself rooting for Atlee Pine. This and more are wrapped up in a healthy dose of action making for an entertaining read. The search for Mercy is going to be an ongoing thread in this series, woven through the main plot. I am quite intrigued by this plot line.

Baldacci has found a formula that works for him and he's good at it. Read an excerpt of Long Road to Mercy.

Giveaway - A Knife in the Fog - Bradley Harper

Calling all mystery lovers! I've got a wonderful giveway for you today!

A Knife in the Fog: A Mystery Featuring Margaret Harkness and Arthur Conan Doyle by Bradley Harper releases October 2/18 and I have a copy to give away to one lucky reader.

What's it about? From Seventh Street Books:

"Physician Arthur Conan Doyle takes a break from his practice to assist London police in tracking down Jack the Ripper in this debut novel and series starter.

September 1888. A twenty-nine-year-old Arthur Conan Doyle practices medicine by day and writes at night. His first Sherlock Holmes story, A Study in Scarlet, although gaining critical and popular success, has only netted him twenty-five pounds. Embittered by the experience, he vows never to write another “crime story.” Then a messenger arrives with a mysterious summons from former Prime Minister William Gladstone, asking him to come to London immediately.

Once there, he is offered one month’s employment to assist the Metropolitan Police as a “consultant” in their hunt for the serial killer soon to be known as Jack the Ripper. Doyle agrees on the stipulation his old professor of surgery, Professor Joseph Bell–Doyle’s inspiration for Sherlock Holmes–agrees to work with him. Bell agrees, and soon the two are joined by Miss Margaret Harkness, an author residing in the East End who knows how to use a Derringer and serves as their guide and companion.

Pursuing leads through the dank alleys and courtyards of Whitechapel, they come upon the body of a savagely murdered fifth victim. Soon it becomes clear that the hunters have become the hunted when a knife-wielding figure approaches." Read an excerpt of A Knife in the Fog.

"Bradley Harper is a retired US Army Colonel and pathologist with a great deal of experience in autopsies and forensic investigation. A life-long fan of Sherlock Holmes, he did intensive research for this debut novel, including a trip to London's East End with noted Jack the Ripper historian Richard Jones. This is his first novel." You can connect with Bradley Harper on his website, like him on Facebook and follow him on Twitter.

And if you'd like to read A Knife in the Fog, enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. Open to US and Canada. Ends Oct 6/18. Good luck!

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Earthly Joys - Philippa Gregory

While mysteries and suspense are my favourite genres, I do enjoy historical fiction as well. I've often had patrons at the library recommend Philippa Gregory to me. Earthly Joys is the first book I've read by Gregory.

Earthly Joys opens in 1603 with the death of Queen Elizabeth and the succession of  her cousin King James VI of Scotland - the beginning the Stuart reign of England. Earthly Joys is written through the eyes of and life of gardener John Tradescant. It was only on further investigation that I learned that Tradescant is an actual historical figure. He was gardener to the aristocracy , a traveler, a collector and much, much more.

Gregory's research is detailed and her fictionalization of Tradescant's life is fascinating. He is a strong personality, but loyalty, honour and duty drive the decisions in his life. I quite liked him to begin with, but found my opinion often changed as his life progressed. And that was true of many of the characters, including his wife Elizabeth and son John. They are not as mercurial as John the Elder, but I applauded their views, beliefs and hopes for a different society. There are some particularly vile characters - notably the Duke of Buckingham.

Tradescant's love of plants and trees and his skills are so vividly depicted that I felt I could 'see' his garden. Rich detail is woven throughout Gregory's narrative clearly illustrating both time and place.

Now, this isn't a time period I would normally gravitate to, but I chose to listen to Earthly Joys, which made a huge difference. I felt drawn into the story, could make sense of what political machinations were afoot and the characters sprang to life for me.

The reader was David Rintoul and he was absolutely wonderful. He has a powerful voice and uses it well. He captured the character of John the Elder perfectly, using his voice to interpret Gregory's work and bring it life. His tones are rich and sonorous with a lovely gravelly undertone. He uses a softer tone for the female players that works just as well. His voice is pleasant to listen to and easy to understand. He matches his voice to the tenor of the tale. Listen to an excerpt of Earthly Joys.

Earthly Joys covers the whole of John the Elder's life. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the Tradescant story continues in a sequel titled Virgin Earth with John the Younger taking the lead role.

Two Nights - Kathy Reichs

I'm always up for a new read from Kathy Reichs. Her newest book, Two Nights, is a stand alone that introduces us to a great female lead named Sunday Night.

Sunday is ex-military and a former cop turned walking wounded private investigator in South Carolina. She's carrying a lot of baggage from her own past, both psychological and physical. She's smart, tough and tenacious with the attitude to match.

When she's asked to look for a young girl who has been missing for more than a year, she takes the job - there are aspects to the case that strike a personal chord.

Two Nights? Sunny has a brother named August - Gus for short. And he too has a wide and varied skill set. I enjoyed his laid back, smooth style. The two have worked together before and team up again for this latest. The banter between the two is quick and the dialogue is staccato and sharp. This is true of the whole book.

The plot borrows from current news headlines, but Reichs puts an inventive spin on her plotting. She keeps us guessing about Sunnie's past with memories and asides. As the book progresses, more and more is revealed until we discover the truth in the last few chapters. (And she caught me off guard....) Cut between chapters are italicized chapters from a woman being held in captivity that count down from two weeks ago to the present. Time seems to be of the essence in both plot lines.

Yes, Two Nights is a departure from the tone and tenor of the Tempe Brennan novels. It's definitely action oriented and almost read like movie. And yes, some of the plotting is a bit far fetched. But you know - I enjoyed seeing something new and different from an author I follow. I thought Sunday was a great new lead character - and you can never have enough female kick butt leads. I found Two Nights to be an entertaining read. I wonder if there will be another Night novel? If so, this reader would pick it up. Read an excerpt of Two Nights.

You can connect with Kathy Reichs on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.

The Dime - Kathleen Kent

Kathleen Kent has just released her new novel The Dime. I've read and really liked her historical novels and was looking forward to this newest book.

Wow. This latest was a complete departure from her previous work - and I loved it!

The Dime introduces us to Betty Rhyzyk - a Brooklyn cop from a long line of law enforcement. She and her girlfriend have relocated to Dallas. Now working as a Narcotics Detective, Riz has no lack of cases. The Mexican drug cartels are making sure of that. But when her latest case results in disaster, Riz is determined to avenge her colleagues and her reputation. Drug dealers, stalkers, white supremacists, the rich, the poor, a cult and more populate the pages of The Dime.

I loved this character! I could absolutely picture her physically and her personality comes through in her thoughts, dialogue and actions. There are two sides to Riz - the tough cop she needs to be at work and the softer personal side at home with Julie. The supporting cast is just as well drawn. There's a wide variety of personalities on the squad. I really liked Riz's partner Seth. And of course, there are those that don't want a lesbian leader. Kent handles these conflicts and attitudes with a deft hand in both Betty's personal and work lives.

Extremely well plotted, great police procedural work and the action will keep you turning pages. The ground has been laid - and this reader will be waiting for the next in the series. More please. Read an excerpt of The Dime.

"Kathleen Kent is the author of three bestselling historical novels, The Heretic's Daughter, The Traitor's Wife, and The Outcasts. She is also the author of the short story "Coincidences Can Kill You," published in Dallas Noir, which was the inspiration for The Dime, her first work of crime fiction. Kent lives in Dallas, TX." You can connect with Kathleen on her website, like her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.