REVIEW: Dead of Winter

 Dead of Winter
Author: Darcy Coates

Can you imagine being stranded in a tiny isolated cabin with 8 other people. Strangers. A heavy blizzard. You can't leave. No way to escape. And then someone begins killing people. One by one. Gruesomely. And, you have no idea who the murderer is, or why they are doing it. 

Yikes! 

This book kept my full attention from start to finish. Great suspense and several twists definitely kept me at the edge of my seat. 

I love scary stories that involve stranded travelers hunkering down during a blizzard or bad storm. This book was just perfect! I kept trying to imagine what I would do in the same situation. Death if you try to run through the snow to safety somewhere else -- too cold, too far. And, death if you stay where you are. Not good odds! I decided in the end that I would barricade myself into a separate room (if there was one!) with whatever heavy furniture I could move against the door and just wait it out. LOL And, yep, I know in every horror movie the "hide'' defense ploy never works. 

Very enjoyable book. This would make a great movie!! 

I'm definitely in line for whatever Darcy Coates writes next!!

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

REVIEW: An Evil Heart

 An Evil Heart
Author: Linda Castillo

I've been reading this series for a very long time. I read book one shortly after it came out in 2009, and I've read each new book since then with the same enjoyment each time. An Evil Heart is the 15th book in the Kate Burkholder series. And, I will keep reading each new book, novella and short story in this series until the very final word. #hooked. Totally.

I like Kate Burkholder as a character. She's not only an excellent cop, but also a very strong person. She had the strength to overcome a horrific childhood trauma and to walk away from the Amish lifestyle when it wasn't right for her. She had the strength to bear the consequences of her decisions. 

The plots in this series are always good. She interacts with the Amish as a county law enforcement officer and as a former community member - mixing those two portions of her personality in just the right way to get the job done without being biased or ever misled. The books also give a glimpse into what it is like to live where modern society bumps up against the Amish Community. Some Amish don't like "Englishers'' and some non-Amish don't like having to slow down for buggies/horses. But most are willing to co-exist peacefully.

This time around Kate investigates the case of a murdered young Amish man. Aden was young, gregarious and just starting his adult life. Who ended his life so cruelly and violently, leaving his body abandoned on a dirt road?

 Turns out.....everyone has secrets.  

Another great book in this series! The plot moves at a perfect pace. There is a lot of investigation, suspects and twists, as usual. The suspense kept me totally engaged in the story from start to finish. This series never disappoints! 

I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book in this series!

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

REVIEW: Scaredy Cat

 Scaredy Cat
Author: Sofie Ryan

Scaredy Cat is the 10th book in the Second Chance Cat mystery series. I've been reading about the adventures of Sarah Greyson and her cat Elvis for a long time! This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! 

This time around Sarah discovers the body of a deceased ghost hunter while enjoying the spring house tour in town. The Bed & Breakfast is supposedly haunted, but ghosts didn't commit this murder. Sarah is on the case with her sidekicks, the senior sleuths affectionately called Charlotte's Angels. 

I love the mix of mystery, humor and interesting side characters in this series. The combo of all those things is why I keep reading this series! The mystery moved along at a nice pace, there was plenty of sleuthing and cute moments with these characters, and there were plenty of suspects and surprises to keep me engaged from start to finish. I love ghost stories and I enjoy watching ghost hunter shows (despite the fact I'm a complete skeptic), so the plot of this newest book was perfect for me. Love the cover art, too!

I'm definitely going to keep reading this series until the very last book. Always an enjoyable read!! 

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

 

REVIEW: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth 1

 Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I
Author: Tracy Borman

I am a complete Tudor history junkie. Having read two prior books by Tracy Borman about the Tudors, I knew I had to read this one. I love reading about both of these incredibly strong women whose history still resonates even after nearly 500 years. 

I enjoy Borman's writing. I've read and studied so much on the Tudor era, but I always manage to find something new. And, her books always keep my attention from start to finish. This book doesn't just touch on the major life points for these two women, but brings out details about how their lives and legacies intertwine despite the fact that Anne was executed when Elizabeth was only 2-years old. 

So glad I read this book. I learned a few new things about both these royal women, and the Tudor era. And, I enjoyed Borman's take on the historical drama so many have written about. Anne's life, marriage and execution. Elizabeth's reign as the Virgin Queen. So much history, political drama and power struggles!

I'm definitely going to keep reading books by Tracy Borman. I am never disappointed!

REVIEW: Honey, Hairballs and Murder

 Honey, Hairballs and Murder
Author: Leanne Leeds

I absolutely love the premise of this new series by Leanna Leeds. A Cat Rescue and Cafe located in a refurbished mansion. A magical silver platter that somehow allows cats to speak with humans. Not to mention murder mysteries to solve! 

Honey, Hairballs and Murder is the second book in the Silver Circle Cat Mysteries series. Ellie Rockwell along with her daughter Evie have opened their cat rescue and cafe inside a mansion they inherited in Tablerock, TX. As they navigate through their grand opening, things seem to be going really well.....until they discover a local shopkeeper dead, leaving his cat as the only witness to his murder. 

I enjoyed this second book in the series. There is some excellent character development for both Ellie and Evie in this story, as well as fleshing out of the side characters.  I love the background plot of the cat rescue and cafe. The mystery moved along at a steady pace, with plenty of investigation, suspects and surprises. All in all, an excellent cozy mystery. I love the front cover art for this series! 

I am definitely eagerly awaiting the next book! 

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book provided by the author. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**