REVIEW: Dead Silence

 Dead Silence
Author: S.A. Barnes

The front cover of this book is what grabbed me and reeled me in....I had to read this story! I love Sci-Fi horror. Space is mesmerizing, exciting.....and scary. Beautiful and completely inhospitable for human life. Great set up for horror! 

Clarie is the lead technician for a Salvage Crew. But won't be for long....they are being replaced by machines. Made redundant. The last beacon. The last mission. Then...the crew picks up a strange signal and finds a ghost ship. This discovery might just be the last everything for her crew....

I started out reading a digital arc of this book....and loving every word of it! I became engaged with the characters and the story immediately.  Work and adulting kept me from finishing before release day, so I snatched up the audio book and started the story over again. There's just something about having a horror story read to me that makes the tale even more suspenseful! 

The audio is narrated by Lauren Ezzo and runs nearly 13 hours. Ezzo reads at a nice pace and does a superb job of voice acting. She really brought the story to life!

This is the first book by S.A. Barnes that I've read. She also publishes under the name Stacey Kade (YA and romance genres). I can't wait to read the next horror novel she publishes! 

**I voluntarily read a digital arc of this book from Macmillan/Tor-Forge, and also purchased the audio book (Macmillan Audio) because I loved the story! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Circus of Wonders

 Circus of Wonders
Author: Elizabeth Macneal

I enjoyed Elizabeth Macneal's debut novel, The Doll Factory. When I read the blurb for this new book, I knew immediately that I just had to read it!  

Nell is 19. She's different...birthmarks cover her body, making her a focal point for local villagers' jeers and superstitions. Then the Circus of Wonders comes to town and Nell is sold by her father to the circus. As her fame grows, her life takes a path she never could have imagined.

This story is just a whirlwind of emotion -- both sadness and elation. At times it was hard to keep reading because Nell went through so much....but I just couldn't put the book down. The story is engaging and very emotional. Loved it! 

I can't wait to see what this talented author comes up with next! I'm definitely eagerly awaiting her next book!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Atria books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: The Deepest of Secrets

 The Deepest of Secrets
Author: Kelley Armstrong

The Rockton series is one of my favorites! I love the setting, the characters and just the premise itself....a town hidden in the Canadian wilderness where people in trouble go to disappear for awhile. It makes for great suspense novels! 

The Deepest of Secrets is the 7th book in the series. This time, the residents of Rockton are on edge. Every one of them came to the hidden town to hide out and keep their past secrets private But someone is revealing information and the threat of exposure causes the residents to start turning on each other. Soon the situation escalates from gossip to violence. Can Detective Casey Duncan find out who is behind it all before things spiral completely out of control?

This story starts off at a slow burn....with the plot developing over the first half of the book. And then it just really takes off. I was hooked on each word. After 7 books I'm invested in these characters and what happens to them.....so I totally binge read this one! I enjoy Casey and her lover Eric Dalton (Rockton's sheriff) as main characters. They work well together to keep things safe in Rockton, and I just like the characters in general. They've been through a lot in seven books! 

I read somewhere that this might be the last book....I hope not! I'm definitely in line for the next book if there is one...love this series! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martins Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library

 Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library
Author: Holly Danvers

Rain Wilmot just wants to coast through winter in Wisconsin working at the Lofty Pines library. Local winter festivities like the annual ice fishing tourney and chili cookoff are ruined though when a local is found dead in his ice shanty. Rain goes fishing for clues to catch a killer and prevent the wrong man from being arrested.

I loved this winter themed cozy! I wish the Lofty Pines library was a real place -- the idea of a log cabin library just sounds so cozy, relaxing and inviting!!! I grew up in the Midwest, but have lived in NC for 20 years, so the winter theme was enjoyable as well. Haven't gone through a "real'' winter in a long, long time. Here in NC they call off school for any amount of snow -- two flakes....no school. It snows once or twice per season and then only a small amount. And it hardly ever gets below 20 degrees. I kinda miss those "real'' winters sometimes....this book made me feel nostalgic for snow measured in feet, ice creeping in the back door, and being snowed in. :) 

I enjoy this series. The setting is fun. The characters are hometown-y and engaging. And, there is plenty of amateur sleuthing....plus....log cabin library! :) 

I'm definitely onboard for the next book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: Caramel Pecan Roll Murder

 Caramel Pecan Roll Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke

I've been reading the Hannah Swenson mystery series for more than 20 years now. I eagerly look forward to each new book! And I will continue reading this series until it ends. :) Caramel Pecan Roll Murder is the 29th book in the series...so I'm nothing if not a loyal reader!

This time around Lake Eden is hosting a fishing contest at the lake, sponsored by the owner of chain of famous sportsman's shops. A well-known television personality is there to host the event. Sonny is a looker, but pretty much a jerk...and a fake. Hannah takes a bit of a break from The Cookie Jar to help the local Inn during the competition. Things are going swimmingly at the event until Hannah and Norman spot a dead body. Suddenly Hannah is not just cooking desserts for the Inn.....she's also fishing for clues! 

Another great story in this long-running series. I always look forward to revisiting my favorite characters from Lake Eden, MN! Loved every word of this new book! And, as always, I'm looking forward to the next book! 

Yummy recipes in this newest book! The recipes are a varied mix of sweet and savory dishes. There are definitely a few I'm going to try! Yum! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this new book from Kensington Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: A Plus One for Murder

 A Plus One For Murder
Author: Laura Bradford

A promising start to a new cozy mystery series! I enjoyed this book because the plot was a bit different than other cozies I've read recently and the characters were fun! The basics: Emma Westlake has hit a bit of a bump in her life plan and decides to regroup. She starts a new career as a paid companion. If someone needs a Plus-One, Emma's right there to help out. She starts being called on do a bit of everything....from work out partner to enthusiastic friend at an open mic night. Everything is going great....until one of her clients drops dead. Suddenly Emma has to add amateur detective to her growing list of skills.  Can she find the killer before she's the number one suspect?

I definitely enjoyed this book. The mystery moved along at a nice pace with plenty of sleuthing and suspects. Laura Bradford's books are always well-written and enjoyable. I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this new series!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own**

REVIEW: Honey Roasted

 Honey Roasted
Author: Cleo Coyle

Honey Roasted is the 19th book in the Coffeehouse Mystery series. There are about 3 cozy mystery series that are long-time favorites of mine. And this is one of them. I grab each book as soon as it comes out and savor each one....just like a steaming hot cup of a favorite coffee. 

In this newest book in the series. Clare is planning her honeymoon and cooking up a new drink for the shop -- Honey Cinnamon Latte -- made with prize-winning top notch honey. Things become a bit less sweet when the beekeeper is found dead. Clare is on the case to catch a killer once again! 

Loved this newest book. It's always so nice to revisit Village Blend and the characters I have come to know well over the years. I enjoyed Honey Roasted and sipped some lovely Honey Tipica coffee while reading. The mystery moved along at a nice pace....there were plenty of suspects and interesting twists/turns. Loved it! (As usual....no surprise that I loved this book) :) 

Great new story! And I'm definitely eagerly awaiting the next book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Berkley Publishing. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** 

REVIEW: Totally Pawstruck

 Totally Pawstruck
Author: Sofie Ryan

Totally Pawstruck is the 9th book in the Second Chance Cat cozy mystery series. I love the characters in this series...especially Elvis the Cat. :) Sarah is a great main character. She's intelligent and makes a great amateur sleuth! Her grandma and her group of feisty older ladies make for excellent side kicks as well!

This time around a member of the North Harbor library board is killed. Another member of the board is found standing over the body, blood on her hands, seemingly in shock. Of course, Stella is immediately suspect number one. Sarah knows the evidence against Stella is circumstantial and that she wouldn't murder anybody. Sarah and the older ladies (known as Charlotte's Angels) are on the case to catch a killer before Stella is framed for a killing she didn't commit. 

I would have liked a bit more Elvis antics in this newest book just 'cause I like the kitty, but all in all, a nice new story in this series. The mystery started quickly....no reading half the book before something happened. The story moved along at a nice pace. There was plenty of suspects and sleuthing. Enjoyed every word! 

I read both this series and the Magical Cats series she writes under another penname. Always up for a new book by Sofie Ryan! 

REVIEW: Desolation Canyon

 Desolation Canyon
Author: P.J. Tracy

I am a huge fan of the Monkeewrench books so when I saw this new series starting I was ecstatic! Somehow amid the pandemic and a new job, I totally missed book 1, Deep Into the Dark, when it came out in early 2021. Book 2 caught my eye when I was offered a review copy -- and I jumped right on it! Backed up and read book 1 first....then jumped into my early copy of Desolation Canyon.  About halfway through my digital ARC, I snagged a review copy of the audio book and started the story over. 

Loved it! This book keeps the action, suspense and gritty characters from the first book....and even bumps things up a notch. I like Margaret Nolan and Sam Easton as the main characters. Both have their flaws and issues from their past, but they are also both intelligent, driven and talented investigators. The only part of the plot that gave me pause was the Russian mafia angle. "The Russians are behind it'' angle has been used too much....for me, it always comes off as a bit melodramatic just because it's overused. BUT....saying that....I have to add that I still got sucked into the story and enjoyed this book immensely! 

I can't wait for the next book! Definitely a fan! 

The audio book version of this story is just shy of 8 hours long and is narrated by Abby Craden. She reads at a good pace, has a nice voice and does a great job of voice acting. Very enjoyable listen! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy from St Martins Press and listened to a review audio book from Macmillan Audio. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

REVIEW: The Plane that Wasn't There

 The Plane that Wasn't There
Author: Jeff Wise

MH370. I remember the day they announced the plane had disappeared. I figured they would find wreckage quickly and the news would switch from calling it a mystery to an accident quickly. But, it didn't happen. Very little wreckage was found and experts still don't know what happened. I know very little about commercial airliners, flight paths, sonar, and the science involved in finding something underneath miles of ocean water.  But I'm fascinated by it and try to learn as much as I can. A plane seems large and basically "unloseable" until the reality sinks in that it's lost amid hundreds of miles of ocean.....and most likely seven miles underwater. The plane really isn't that big when thought of in those terms. 

I found this book on Audible Plus and wanted to learn more about the search for the plane and the science behind it. I didn't know who Jeff Wise is until I started listening. Wise is a science journalist and was an expert hired by a media outlet to give reports when the plane went missing. So, he knows the case and has opinions. Better informed opinions than me. 

So I listened. 

Wise presents the facts and the science in an interesting way. He explains how they used sonar pings and satellite communication to find a way to trace the plane. I kept stopping the audio to look things up when I needed more information on the plane, people he mentions, the situation, the Malaysian government, etc

I enjoyed the science, Wise's explanations of how the search progressed and the information about the plane and its inner workings. But, Wise also interjected an idea of what might have happened to the plane and why.  I found his musings about hijacking a bit far fetched because I couldn't find a motive behind it. Why would anyone -- even a terrorist or government group -- go through such an intricate plan to take an airplane? I could follow his ideas through the reasons why it could have happened that way.....but his explanations of WHY it would have been done just didn't seem credible to me. In a James Bond movie where everything has to be grandiose and overdone....yes.  In real life world politics, no. The answer to every unexplained tragedy that causes multiple deaths is not:  The Russians. 

But, I'm not an expert.

The only way we will ever know is if they find the plane. 

Interesting listen. The audio runs 2 hrs 22 minutes, and is read by the author. I'm glad I took the time to listen to this audio book. The science and background information is fascinating. But, Wise's conspiracy theory falls a bit flat IMHO. 

This is the first book by Jeff Wise that I've read. I will definitely read more! 

REVIEW: Haunted - Perron Manor

 Haunted: Perron Manor
Author: Lee Mountford

When two sisters inherit a huge house, they are ecstatic. Sarah and Chloe see Perron Manor as an opportunity to improve their lives. They move in....and quickly find out that the old house is a very scary place.  Things start out small...odd smells, weird sounds, cold spots. But things quickly escalate and become much more dangerous. 

I listened to the audio book version of this story. Narrated by Hannibal Hills, the audio is just over 8 hours long. Hills does a great job of voice acting. I enjoyed his reading of the prequel, Inside: Perron Manor, and his performance was just as scary this time! As for the story, I enjoyed it from start to finish. The characters were a bit annoying at times and their decisions were total crap....but I don't think I would make great choices in a similar situation either! 

Haunted house stories are favorites for me, so I loved this book. Definitely reading more of Lee Mountford's books. There are five books in the Haunted series so far...so I can't wait to read the rest! 

REVIEW - Inside: Perron Manor

 Inside: Perron Manor
Author: Lee Mountford

Inside: Perron Manor is a prequel to Lee Mountford's book Haunted: Perron Manor. I absolutely love, love, love haunted house stories. I came across the Haunted series online and jumped right in. Glad I did! 

I listened to the audio book version of this prequel. Narrated by Hannibal Hills, the audio is about 3.5 hours long. Hills has a pleasant voice, reads at a nice pace and does an excellent job of voice acting! I enjoyed his performance from beginning to end. 

This prequel delves into the history of the fictional Perron Manor, the horrific occurrences at the house on Halloween 1982 and describes a 2014 weekend investigation of the home by a team of paranormal researchers. I listen to a lot of podcasts, and this story had the tone of a paranormal podcast with the added horror aspects that fiction can add. Loved it! 

This is the first book I have read by Lee Mountford, and I will definitely be reading the rest of his writing! I enjoyed this prequel and Haunted: Perron Manor. Great spooky tale about a evil house! 

Can't wait to read more by this author! 

REVIEW: Bright Ruined Things

 Bright Ruined Things
Author: Samantha Cohoe

A magical island. A storm that strands a ship's crew. A sorcerer who controls the magic. This YA fantasy novel is based thinly on Shakespeare's play The Tempest -- mostly just with names and a few setting and plot elements. 

A mix of magic and drama, the story unfolds as Mae is turning 18. She's an orphan, but her father before his death served the Prospero family. Mae longs to belong and to find her place in the world, but.....it's complicated. It's like a teenage soap opera set on a fantastical, magic island. The drama did get a bit overpowering at times, but overall I enjoyed this book. 

The intended audience for this book is definitely YA. It was an enjoyable read for me as well....just a bit heavy on the drama at times. 

This is the first book I've read by this author. I look forward to more! The coverart is awesome! Very attractive book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from St Martin's Press. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**