A Step Past Darkness - Vera Kurian

I liked the title and cover of Vera Kuria's new novel - A Step Past Darkness. I had also enjoyed her debut novel - Never Saw Me Coming. And at last but not least - I liked the premise!

1995. Six high school students who live in the perfect little town of Wesley Falls head down to an abandoned mine for a big party. Uh huh, you're getting the idea right? The six see something unbelievable down in the mine. They swear to each that they'll never speak about it again, to be careful, and to get out of the town as soon as they graduate. Gotcha yet? I was - I needed to know more about the mine and what they saw.

2025. Five of the six return to Wesley Falls - and I'll leave it there for you to discover what happens next...

A Step Past Darkness is told in a now and then style. I always like this style of storytelling. Just when we're on the cusp of something, we're taken back to the teen years. It makes for addictive reading.

All six characters are given a voice, so we see what's going on from very different views and timelines. Each one has a unique personality. I quite liked them all, but especially Jia. Her view is not quite like the others. Kurian has fleshed out each protagonist with a rich personal story that enhances the story being told. 

The suspense action and danger and action is palpable. (There's a bit of a Stranger Things feel to this tale.) And the final aha is was spot on for this reader. See for yourself. Read an excerpt of A Step Past Darkness. I'll be watching for Kurian's third book!

Off the Air - Christine Estes

Off the Air is Christine Estes's debut novel from St. Martin's Press.

The cover images seem to promise a light-hearted murder mystery.The body belongs to a controversial shock jock named Larry Lemmon at Station KFRK in Phoenix, Arizona. And although the police are involved in the case, it is the view from the newshounds we are following. One in particular - Jolene Garcia.

Estes herself is a reporter in Phoenix. She brings a behind the scenes perspective to Off the Air. There's lots of detail about the battle for a story within one office, as well as between stations/outlets. It's frenetic and more than a little dodgy. The reporters and photographers walk a thin line using questionable tactics and judgement. It certainly made me think about the news I watch and read every day. How was it obtained? Is it the truth? And yes, news reporting has certainly changed over the years.

Jolene is intent to be the one to crack the murder. I applauded her determination, but I have to say I didn't like her.

To me the murder itself is not really the focus of Off the Air. Instead it's the hunt for the next sound bite. Somewhere around page 100, I started to skim some of the details of diving into a van and racing to a site or knocking on a door repeatedly after someone saying no to her. There is, of course, a final whodunit, but it felt like an add on, too little, too late.

There's also some warning re: triggers. I feel this should have been in the first few pages and not at the end. 

Just okay for this reader. Estes does indeed knows what she writes. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Off the Air.

Still See You Everywhere - Lisa Gardner

Lisa Gardner has a new book out - Still See You Everywhere. Suspense readers - you'll want to this add this title to your TBR list!

This is the third entry in the Frankie Elkin series, but a first read of this character for me. I thought this latest was a great read!

Frankie is the lead character - and I was very intrigued by her. She calls nowhere home, she's an alcoholic, and she finds people. She herself is one of the walking wounded. "Searching for the missing everyone else has forgotten." She takes no money for her searching and uses nothing but asking questions and reading people. And wonders how much longer she can to this.

The case? Frankie meets with with a woman who is scheduled for the electric chair in three weeks. The one thing she wants is to see her little sister before that day arrives. Frankie agrees and ...

I loved the setting - a private island accessed only by plane. Gardner's descriptions are detailed and I could easily imagine the jungle, the creatures that were there first and the current residents. And this is the part where I tell you that you need to read the author's notes! I'll let you discover why.

There are quite a few characters, but it's easy to remember who's who. You'll have your favorites - but can you put your finger on one who's not so nice....

The plotting? Absolutely fabulous. Gardner kept me on the edge of my chair for the whole 416 pages. Suspense, action, a touch of romance and twists. I love twists! Wonderful read!

See for yourself - read an excerpt of Still See You Everywhere.

Death and Fromage - Ian Moore

Death and Fromage by Ian Moore is the second book of four, set in the imaginary Follet Valley in France.

I hadn't read the first book, but easily caught up as to who was who. Brit Richard Ainsworth runs a B and B in Follet Valley and likes his routines. He also likes his customers - especially Valérie. They have 'worked' together on a previous 'case'. And it looks like they've got another whodunit to look into.

 

It starts with a food critic and 'a bland imposter' - vegan goat cheese! The nerve. Then comes the death by suicide of the goat cheese supplier.  And that sets the tone for the rest of the book. Moore skewers Michelin ratings, foodies, chefs and more in Death and Fromage - especially cheese. 

Moore's dialogue is full of gems. Mostly from Richard. Veronica as well, but her's is a little sharper. The two of them make for wonderful amateur detectives. Veronica has an edge as she is also bounty hunter. Of course! The town is full with wonderfully quirky supporting characters. Again - lots of comedic situations and dialogue. 

I adore cosy mysteries and this is a perfect choice. I'd be happy to read the other books in this series.

Good Half Gone - Tarryn Fisher

Good Half Gone is Tarryn Fisher's latest release.

Iris was sixteen years old when her twin sister Piper was kidnapped. Iris witnessed the crime, but the police say Piper is a runaway. That was years ago, but Iris has never stopped looking for her. But, there's one name that keeps showing up in her searches ...

I liked the premise of the book and was looking forward to her investigation. The tale is told and a then and now style.

Once Iris got to the location, (I don't want to give that away), my spidey senses perked up. Things at this locale are just not quite right. Iris gets offtrack and I wanted to shout at her! Remember why you're here! The romantic line just didn't work for me. I had started out liking Iris and her determination. But it was like a different character as the book progressed. 

The pace picks up and there are some great action and suspense bits in this part of the plot. Fisher introduces more than a few twists and turns on the way to the final pages. Some of these twists ask the reader to suspend belief. And I just couldn't -  there was too much that was too far fetched. And just in case, the ending of the book is explained by Iris. And finally - the kidnapping was also detailed.

Sadly this was not a great book for me. There were many readers who quite enjoyed Good Half Gone. I encourage you to read other reviews on Goodreads.

Good Half Gone - Tarryn Fisher

Good Half Gone is Tarryn Fisher's latest release.

Iris was sixteen years old when her twin sister Piper was kidnapped. Iris witnessed the crime, but the police say Piper is a runaway. That was years ago, but Iris has never stopped looking for her. But, there's one name that keeps showing up in her searches ...

I liked the premise of the book and was looking forward to her investigation. The tale is told and a then and now style.

Once Iris got to the location, (I don't want to give that away), my spidey senses perked up. Things at this locale are just not quite right. Iris gets offtrack and I wanted to shout at her! Remember why you're here! The romantic line just didn't work for me. I had started out liking Iris and her determination. But it was like a different character as the book progressed. 

The pace picks up and there are some great action and suspense bits in this part of the plot. Fisher introduces more than a few twists and turns on the way to the final pages. Some of these twists ask the reader to suspend belief. And I just couldn't -  there was too much that was too far fetched. And just in case, the ending of the book is explained by Iris. And finally - the kidnapping was also detailed.

The audio edition was read by Tara Sands. Her voice is clear and easy understand. She has a voice that has lots of motion in it. She uses that vibrato to great effect. (Although I admit that it started to annoy me a little bit as the book continues.) She creates voices that suit the characters. She interprets Fisher's work very well.

Sadly this was not a great book for me. There were many readers who quite enjoyed Good Half Gone. I encourage you to read other reviews on Goodreads.

A Midnight Puzzle - Gigi Pandian

The cover of Gigi Pandian's new book - A Midnight Puzzle - was what first caught my eye. And the description sounded good. 

"Multiple award-winning author Gigi Pandian and her sleuth Tempest Raj return in A Midnight Puzzle, where an old theater reveals a deadly booby trap, secrets, and one puzzle of a mystery."

Midnight Puzzle is the third book in the Secret Staircase series. I really liked the descriptions of the "illusion architecture" that the Secret Staircase Construction Company builds. 

Illusion is a large part of the series. Many members of the Raj family and their circle are professional illusionists and magicians. I thought this was a novel idea. Between that and the building company there are many opportunities for trouble.

Tempest Raj is the main character. She drives the storyline forward and has her hand in everything that's going on. There is a really large group of supporting players. A lot. I admit to having a hard time to keep track of who was who and how they fit in to the list of players.

The plot is a busy one as well. Pandian includes many twists and turns on the way to the final 'ta da". I initially appreciated the ups, downs and turnarounds of the narrative, but I started to tire as the book progressed. For this listener, it was overkill in the end.

The narrator for A Midnight Puzzle was award winner Soneela Nankani. She did a really great job of bringing Pandian's work to the audio format. She enunciates well. She has come up with a voice for every single cast member. Quite commendable - accents, age and more. Nankani also captures the action and emotion of the book with her voice. Again, really well done - I could hear every exclamation mark. 

A Midnight Puzzle was an good listen for me, but not a stand out. Listen to an excerpt. 

Cape Rage - Ron Corbett

Cape Rage is Ron Corbett's just released, second book that features Danny Barrett.

Barrett is an undercover FBI agent that's been called on to infiltrate a crime family. They make their home on a treacherous island with only one way off... 

   

Danny is a great lead character. I expected he would prove to be canny and whip smart - and he was. As readers we are privy to his inner dialogue. I can't even imagine the inner tension of pretending to being someone else. Especially when the head of the crime family is trigger happy. The chapters where I thought he was going to be outed as a cop had me sitting on the edge of my chair. The crime family is a ruthless bunch. I'll let you meet them for yourself. There's another man on his way back to Cape Rage - along with a girl with no name.

Now, there's danger and lot of suspense in this tale. But...there are also some great descriptions of the land and the setting. The relationship between the man and the girl was unusual and I read over their bits more than once. 

The plot is inventive and ended with some unexpected twists that I didn't see coming. I have to admit to feeling a bit of rage myself with one of those twists. But it fits.

This is my first read of Corbett's - and it won't be the last. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Cape Rage.

The #1 Lawyer - James Patterson and Nancy Allen

New from James Patterson and Nancy Allen - The #1 Lawyer -  releases today! 

Patterson and Allen take us down to Biloxi, Mississippi and to the law office of Stafford Lee Penney. Stafford Lee hasn't lost a case yet - hence the #1. But you know what they say - what goes up, has to come down....

I have always enjoyed legal thrillers. The machinations behind closed doors, the hunt for a clue, a witness, that 'thing' that will turn the tables and secure a favorable win. In this case Stafford Lee is a defense lawyer. I enjoy the theatrics of the courtroom, the keen eyes that 'read' the jurors and the abilty to turn tactics on the spot. 

Patterson and Allen give us a great case in the first few chapters of the book. And it was everything I detailed above. There's a great surprise at the end of that case that caught me off guard. And the book took a different direction. One I was happy to follow! The direction the plot took kept me engaged.

Now, the characters. Stafford Lee is a good lead and embodies what you would expect in a lawyer as a lead. He thinks quick on his feet, but again - that up has to come down. I really liked Jenny, the firm's private eye. She's tough, thinks for herself and is driven.

The novel is told in short chapters and succinct sentences - classic Patterson style. Nancy Allen is a lawyer herself and the book benefits from that inside knowledge. Patters and Allen have co-written two previous legal tales together. I wonder if there will be a second book with Stafford Lee and company? I would happily pick it up.

See for yourself - read an excerpt of The #1 Lawyer. 

Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice - Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan is back! Elle Cosimano has just released the fourth book in this series - Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.  

This latest picks up exactly where number three left off - with our lead characters Finlay and Vero in the middle of another crazy situation. This time they're in a rundown hotel in Atlantic City. With Finlay's mother, her kids, her ex, her sister, four policemen, a mob boss, Vero's beau, a bookie, a teen computer wiz and...so much more. Whew! 

The two leads bounce off each other and complement each other with different outlooks, strengths and weaknesses. Their dialogue is short and snappy. And I really like Finlay's inner thoughts.

Is this a dark murder mystery series? Well, no, it's not dark, despite the trail of dead bodies that seem to follow the pair. Also woven into the novel is a romance for Finlay. Did I mention she's a romance author as well.

Yes, the plot is over the top and there's a wealth of characters, but that's the fun with a read like this. Just go with it and see where Cosimano takes you. Keep your eyes for Kevin Bacon!

Many loose threads are tied up in the final chapters ... except that one... I look forward to the next book!

It was easy for me to jump back into the ongoing plot as I've read the previous three entries. I do think that a new reader would enjoy the series more if they started with book number one.

Fans of Janet Evanovich would enjoy this series. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice.

Women of Good Fortune - Sophie Wan

Sophie Wan's debut novel - Women of Good Fortune - is newly released.

The cover and description of the book caught my eye  - but it was the characters that kept me turning pages.

Shanghai, China is the setting.  Rian, Lulu and Jane are the best of friends. They get together regularly to commiserate about their lives. Customs, societal expectations, family pressure, women's hopes versus what will happen and more. But what if...

Oh, I quite liked all three of the women. They're three very different personalities. Each of them is given a voice with their own chapters and we come to know them better. Wan has does a great job creating the women. 

Now...what about that 'what if'. I'm just going to put this out there - heist! I am a sucker for a good heist. I'll leave you to discover the details of this one.

As the book progresses, the outlooks of the three change. And its not quite what the women expected. Me either. But it's absolutely a perfect ending.

What a great debut novel! I would happily pick up Wan's next title!

Read an excerpt of Women of Good Fortune. 

A Man Downstairs - Nicole Lundrigan

If you enjoy suspense novels, you're going to want to pick up Nicole Lundrigan's latest - A Man Downstairs.

Molly Wynters returns home to her small town as her father isn't well. And her mother? She was murdered when Molly was very young. Being back in town raises all kinds of questions for not just Molly - but for all of those who remember...

Lundrigan tells The Man Downstairs in a now and then timeline. I've always enjoyed this style. With each new chapter, a clue, a memory, an action is revealed, making it very hard to put the book down for the night.

There's a large number of characters, most of them aware of the death of Molly's mother. But as an adult now, Molly questions the past and the part that she and others played in her demise. We, as readers, are privy to chapters from other players. Molly's father has lost his speech with his stroke, but he is given a voice with a 'past' chapter. I have to say that the chapters attributed to 'Him' were so very creepy! 

Lundrigan has woven her suspense tale with an exploration of marriage, trust, love, family and loss. This is most definitely a character driven book. 

I was so very sure that I had the right character for the final whodunit. And I was happily wrong! I really appreciate not seeing a twist or turning coming.  

An excellent suspense tale. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for Lundrigan's next book! Read an excerpt of A Man Downstairs. 

A Man Downstairs - Nicole Lundrigan

If you enjoy suspense novels, you're going to want to pick up Nicole Lundrigan's latest - A Man Downstairs.

Molly Wynters returns home to her small town as her father isn't well. And her mother? She was murdered when Molly was very young. Being back in town raises all kinds of questions for not just Molly - but for all of those who remember...

Lundrigan tells The Man Downstairs in a now and then timeline. I've always enjoyed this style. With each new chapter, a clue, a memory, an action is revealed, making it very hard to put the book down for the night.

There's a large number of characters, most of them aware of the death of Molly's mother. But as an adult now, Molly questions the past and the part that she and others played in her demise. We, as readers, are privy to chapters from other players. Molly's father has lost his speech with his stroke, but he is given a voice with a 'past' chapter. I have to say that the chapters attributed to 'Him' were so very creepy! 

Lundrigan has woven her suspense tale with an exploration of marriage, trust, love, family and loss. This is most definitely a character driven book. 

I was so very sure that I had the right character for the final whodunit. And I was happily wrong! I really appreciate not seeing a twist or turning coming.  

The audio of A Man Downstairs is presented by three narrators - Tyrone Savage, Amy Matysio and Wesley French. I really enjoy an audiobook presented by more than one person. Having three readers allows for very (and many) definite voices - it's easy to know who is talking. The voices used in this book matched the mental images I had created for the characters. The voice for 'Him' had my skin crawling! Everyone spoke clearly and at a good pace. The three readers bring Lundergan's work alive, catching the actions and emotions of the narrative.  Hear for yourself - listen to an audio excerpt. 

 

An excellent suspense tale. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for Lundrigan's next book!

The New Couple in 5B - Lisa Unger

The New Couple in 5B is Lisa Unger's latest (and much awaited) book.

Rosie and Chad are fortunate enough to inherit a beautiful apartment in a historic building in New York City, complete with a doorman. The other owners are quite welcoming to the young couple. Almost a little too much really. And the doorman seems be there 24/7. And what about that... And we'll stop there. It's much better to discover the rest yourself. 

Unger brings the tension in and ramps it up, over and over again. I had my suspicions about what might happen. I was partially right, but there were twists and turns I couldn't predict. 

Just as twisty turny was Rosie and Chad's marriage. I wanted to shout out loud at Rosie! She seems to have blinders on when it comes to Chad. I must admit to getting frustrated with her. The inclusion of an 'entity' caught me off guard. I quite liked the two timelines that gives us a look at the history of residents of 5B.

This book kept me engrossed from first chapter to last. My only quibble was Rosie. She was just so willing to forgive and forget ever thing Chad does. I didn't see her as the strong woman she purported to be.   

I chose to listen to the audio of The New Couple in 5B. The narrator was Vivienne Leheny

She's such a wonderful reader. Her voice has so movement to it - up, down, and she easily captures the tones, emotion and so much more. Perfect for what's happening in the plot. The voices she employed all matched the mental images that I had created for the characters. Her voices for male players were believable. A great performance of a really good tale.

Listen for the Lie - Amy Tintera

Listen for the Lie is Amy Tintera's adult debut novel. 

I was drawn to the red cover, the sinuous tape and the blurbs from some of my favorite authors.

It's no secret that I absolutely adore epistolary storytelling. Much of Listen for the Lie book is told as chapters and interviews of a true crime podcast.

And now you're wondering what that crime might be, aren't you?

Five years ago Lucy fled her small town. Why? Pretty much all of the residents believe she had murdered her best friend. She was never prosecuted for the killing -  and she never went back home. Until now. 

Lucy is completely different than I had expected. I appreciated something different and unexpected to catch my attention. she's got a dark sense of humor and she freely jokes that she just might be the killer. Is she a killer? Innocent? Her inner voice is loud - and very dark. It's more than a little concerning. Her behaviour just seems to purposely rile up those who loved the victim.

There is a wealth of supporting characters who provide their thoughts, memories and actions to the host of the podcast. I have to say that my favorite character was Beverly -  Lucy's Grandmother. You'll see why. 

Now, I mentioned the epistolary style. It's absolutely the perfect way to hide the clues. Who is lying? Who changes their narrative? Will you put the pieces together before the last page? I'm happy to say that I didn't! And again, it's nice to not know the ending.

This was a fun read and I hope that Tintera tackles another adult book. See for yourself - read an excerpt of Listen for the Lie.