Land Rites (Detective Ford thriller #2) by Andy Maslen

 

Land Rites

(Detective Ford thriller #2)

by Andy Maslen 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: April 8th 2021

Synopsis: 

A country manor. Two murders. Multiple suspects. Can DI Ford solve the case before his own dark past is exposed?

After a dog walker discovers human remains in a badger sett in the idyllic Salisbury countryside, DI Ford is called in to lead the ensuing murder investigation. When a second victim turns up in a nearby pond, Ford is determined to find the connection.

Both victims met their fate near the sprawling Alverchalke Estate, ancestral home of a decorated war hero and his family. One was a dogged eco-activist and vocal critic of Lord Baverstock. The other was a petty criminal and poacher, youngest brother of a notorious local crime family. Certain that there’s more to this case than trespassing, Ford and Dr Hannah Fellowes race to find the hidden link. But when one victim’s family threatens to expose Ford’s own dark secret, the ticking clock becomes a time bomb.

Still consumed by guilt over his part in his wife’s tragic accident and struggling to raise the teenage son he lied to, Ford now finds himself losing control of the investigation. Can he work with Hannah to solve the case while privately fighting off the attempted blackmail? Or have his demons finally caught up with him?

***

4.5 stars

This is the second book in the Detective Ford thriller series by Andy Maslen.

This book features Detective Inspector Ford, nicknamed Henry. He has a sixteen year old son named Sam and he is a single parent after the death of his wife in book one.

This was a compelling read. I was sucked into the action almost immediately. Just loving the angst that just seems to billow off of DI Ford. I am not sure what to think about Hannah “Wix”. One one point she is a good brain to have on your team but her psychological make-up might be a bit on the sketchy side. I kept thinking something untoward was going to happen with her as we neared the conclusion of the book. I think I was just overthinking the entire thing but I will keep my eye on her in future books. She could be one of those characters who start out being a good guy and then at the drop of a hat turn out to have a black heart.

I think the scariest part of this was when they started threatening Ford’s son just to get him to solve the murder faster. I was like… really?

Overall it was a great read and I look forward to other books by this author.

If you love a good detective fiction mystery, police-procedural, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Three Missing Days (Pelican Harbor #3) by Colleen Coble

 

Three Missing Days

(Pelican Harbor #3)

by Colleen Coble 

Paperback, 352 pages

Expected publication: April 6th 2021 by Thomas Nelson

Synopsis: 

The third book in a riveting new series from USA TODAY bestselling romantic suspense author Colleen Coble.

A shocking murder.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a tragic local murder, but everything in her personal life is unraveling.

Her son’s arrest.

Jane’s son is accused of manslaughter, and she has to decide whether or not she can trust her ex, Reid, in the attempt to prove Will’s innocence—and whether she’s going to trust Reid with her heart.   

Three missing days.

With the recent discovery of her mother’s whereabouts, Jane learns not only that her mother stole something vital all those years ago but that she drugged Jane so she wouldn’t be able to remember. What happened in those three days could change everything.

It all started with one little lie. But the truth is finally coming out.

***

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the Pelican Harbor series by Colleen Coble. 

I really came into this book with no expectations. This was a new author for me. And I found it cleverly written with a lot of heart.

This focuses mostly on the Chief of Police Jane Hardy and her family. A local murder comes to their doorstep putting a lot of pressure on everyone. There are secrets revealed and a lot of suspects and avenues to wander down. This mad the book quite a compelling read.

If you would have asked me if I thought this was a Christian book, I would have said no. About halfway through, Jane’s 15-year-old son is put in jail for murder and then you could truly tell this was a Christian book. For some reason this didn’t really seem like a series finale. I thought it was a standalone. It can totally be read as one. I didn’t have trouble figuring out what was going on and I didn’t wonder about the backstory since it all seemed to be explained as I read along.

The cast stood out to me. This could be any family. It just grips you and holds you hostage until the conclusion. This is quite a page turner so you might not want to start it before you go to bed. You will stay up all night for sure with this unputdownable read.

If you love a good Christian suspense contemporary mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

No Darkness as like Death (Mystery of Old San Francisco #4) by Nancy Herriman

 

No Darkness as like Death

(Mystery of Old San Francisco #4)

by Nancy Herriman

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: April 6th 2021

Synopsis: 

In a new Mystery of Old San Francisco, when a controversial politician is found dead of natural causes, Celia and Nick must prove that his death came about in a most unnatural way . . .

Few in San Francisco were troubled by the news that Ambrose Shaw had been found dead at a local health institute—the prominent banker had recently turned to politics and was reviled by many for his incendiary views. But when Celia Davies learns that his death is considered suspicious by the police and that a damning piece of evidence points to a patient of hers as the culprit, she feels compelled to prove the woman’s innocence.

Teaming up with Detective Nick Greaves, Celia soon discovers there’s no shortage of suspects, including the victim’s many political enemies, his disaffected stepson, who may have been too eager to receive his inheritance, and even the dead man’s fellow patients at the institute, whose founder promises miracle water cures but has been covering up numerous burglaries of his well-to-do clients.

As Celia and Nick struggle with their feelings for each other as well as the many murky aspects of the case, they’ll have to navigate an endless trail of false clues and dead ends to reach the cruel truth behind a perplexing murder . . .

***

4.5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Mystery of Old San Francisco by Nancy Herriman.

This is the third book I have read in this series and I have to admit that it just keeps getting better and better. Celia Davis is a nurse who is very good at solving crimes. Detective Nick Greaves doesn’t keep Celia from her mysterious hunt but he uses her expertise to aid his own investigation. They make a very good team and round out each other nicely.

There has been a hit of interest in a romantic relationship between the two of them but I am not sure if such a thing will ever happen, especially considering the big shock to Celia at the end of this. That makes me a bit sad since I think the two of them together would be great.

The mystery here was quite complex and I like how Nick sometimes marvels at Celia’s insights. Lots of suspects to consider and with the hinderance of the setting of the 1860’s, I think the author does a great job of making us believe the time frame we are in.

This is a series I greatly recommend. This book really kept me guessing up until the end. I look forward to other books by this author.

If you love a good historical cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Jessie’s Point (Dungeness Hollow: Book 1) by Tess Shepherd

 

Jessie’s Point 

(Dungeness Hollow: Book 1)

by Tess Shepherd 

Paperback, 278 pages

Expected publication: April 3rd 2021 by Independent

Goodreads synopsis: 

When Casey Carpenter receives a call to go back to her small hometown to be with her dying father, the last thing she’s expecting is that he’s hired a contractor to work on the family marina—she handles her father’s expenses, and Nathanial Kipling doesn’t show up in them. The situation is fishy. It’s only once she’s back home, only once she meets Nate and discovers he’s struck a deal with her father to renovate and sell Jessie’s Point, that she realizes the decision has already been made without her. All that’s left to do is help them—at least then she’ll feel like she had a say in the matter.

To Nate, her helping out is about the worst outcome he could have expected. Casey—with her big, sad eyes, whiplash smile, and piss-poor attitude—is too much of a distraction. Somehow, he knows that becoming entangled with her isn’t going to work out for him, for either of them. Still, how could he say

no? If Jessie’s Point is going to sell, shouldn’t she have a chance to say goodbye?

But as Casey’s father slowly fades, and as she and Nate work together to repair Jessie’s Point, it becomes painstakingly clear that the marina isn’t the only thing she doesn’t know how to say goodbye to. Will Casey be able to let go of the past and forgive her father? Will she be able to stay in Dungeness Hollow through to the end?

And what happens after? Can new beginnings survive the worst possible endings?

***

4.5 stars

This is the first book in the Dungeness Hollow series by Tess Shepherd.

I think the community stood out here a little more than her other series. I can see myself diving into another book in this series easily and know who I’m talking about. The first book in her other series, City of Dreams, Lola and Jacob were the only ones I really resonated with.

In this story we have a gal named Casey who is called back to her hometown due to her father being on deaths door.  Their relationship is pretty complicated. When her mother died when she was eight, her dad kind of mentally checked out and she had to be taken care of my neighbors.

She comes home to find a man named Nate fixing up the area called Jessie’s Point which has become very unkempt and desolate over the years. 

The story really sucks you in and makes you want to find out how they solve all these problems they are dealing with. The cast is great in this one and I look forward to any new books that come out by this author.

If you love a good romance with a tinge of mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Laid Out in Lavender (A Garlic Farm Mystery #3) by Gin Jones

 

Laid Out in Lavender

(A Garlic Farm Mystery #3)

by Gin Jones 

Kindle Edition

Expected publication: April 6th 2021 by Lyrical Press

Goodreads synopsis: 

Mabel Skinner still hasn’t acquired a taste for growing garlic, but the app developer-turned farmer does have a nose for rooting out killers . . .

Dreaming she’ll someday return to her less pungent life of computer coding, Mabel continues to honor her deceased aunt’s legacy by running Skinner Farm. To make ends meet between harvests, she’s renting out the property’s mercifully downwind lavender field for summer weddings.

Mabel’s first clients are a retirement age couple celebrating their second chance at love in their later years. Hosting a rehearsal dinner with fresh foods seemed like a good idea to promote the farm—until the dead body of one of the wedding guests is discovered. The suddenly departed was the soon-to-be-ex-business partner of the groom, supposedly poisoned by goat cheese hors d’oeuvres provided by Mabel’s neighbor.

Despite the tragedy and the scandal, the groom insists on keeping his wedding date. But with the adult children from the couple’s previous marriages scheming to stop the new union, Mabel’s farm is reeking with suspects. And if she doesn’t uncover the murderer, her goat farming neighbor will get sent to the pen for life . . .

“Growing garlic might be my newest obsession thanks to Six Cloves Under!”

—Lynn Cahoon, New York Times bestselling author of the Farm-to-Fork mystery series

***

4.5 stars

This is the third book in the A Garlic Farm Mystery series by Gin Jones.

This is one of those series that sneaks up and grabs you. I feel bad for Mabel Skinner. First she loses her aunt and then later loses her long time lawyer who was like a father to her. She seems so focused on getting back to her old life and I wonder what life she has back there to get back to? All her friends are there and even a possible love interest. Sometimes she seems a bit on autopilot. 

Lots of interesting angles in this story. She is trying to find a farm manager but the only prospect is a big headed butt head and then the wedding they are throwing at the lavender farm gets a murder investigation thrown into the middle of it. Add in that pesky reporter guy looking for a big story and you have a recipe for drama, drama, drama.

Definitely a series I will continue to follow. Great mystery and character base. Love it so much!

If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Public Trust (The City of Dreams: Book 1) by Tess Shepherd

 

Public Trust 

(The City of Dreams: Book 1)

by Tess Shepherd 

Kindle Edition, 260 pages

Published January 15th 2021 by Independent

Goodreads synopsis: 

When Lola Michaels wakes up to a strange man in her apartment, his hands touching her throat, she’s petrified. And, although one scream sends her nighttime visitor running, she can’t shake the feeling that next time she might not be so lucky.

LAPD Lieutenant Jacob Simmone isn’t entirely sure what to make of the situation either. Lola is a gorgeous, single woman, living in an eight-hundred-square foot artist’s studio. Why would a man break in while she was home? Why would he leave without taking a single item? It’s only when the bodies of similar female victims start surfacing in the same neighborhood, that he realizes there may be something more to Lola’s midnight encounter. And, as Jacob and Lola are thrown into a situation that neither of them could have expected,—or wanted—Jacob can’t help but wonder if he’s making a mistake, if he’d be more effective at tracking a killer without Lola always nearby, clouding his brain. Little does he realize that, maybe, he can’t catch a break because someone else, someone with real power, is holding all the cards…

***

4.5 stars

This is the first book in the City of Dreams series by Tess Shepherd.

I thought this was a great romance with touches of mystery. I was fascinated by the budding relationship between Lola and Lieutenant Jacob Simmone. She is just another victim in a case of a serial killer. But they were so attracted to each other that they couldn’t help but fall in love. All the people around them were all rooting for them. In real life, this wouldn’t be the case since it is not right for a police officer to date the victim until the case is solved. That is the one thing that bothered me about this story. I don’t think Jacob would have bent the rules like that seeing what a decent guy he was.

Overall great romance story. I look forward to other books in this series. I would definitely love to see Lola and Jacob in another story.

If you like romance with a dash of mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.

Lowcountry Boondoggle (Liz Talbot Mystery #9) by Susan M. Boyer

 

Lowcountry Boondoggle

(Liz Talbot Mystery #9)

by Susan M. Boyer

Paperback, 285 pages

Published June 30th 2020 by Henery Press

Goodreads synopsis: 

Private investigators Liz Talbot and Nate Andrews thought they’d put Darius Baker’s troubles to rest—then his recently discovered son ropes him into a hemp farm investment with his college buddies. When a beloved Charleston professor—and potential investor—is murdered, Liz and Nate discover Darius keeps the PIs on speed dial.

A shocking number of people had reasons to want the genteel, bowtie wearing, tea-drinking professor dead. Was it one of his many girlfriends or a disgruntled student? Or perhaps Murray was killed because his failure to invest meant the hemp farm trio’s dreams were going up in smoke?

Though Liz’s long-dead best friend, Colleen, warns her the stakes are far higher than Liz imagines, she is hellbent on finding the no-good killer among the bevy of suspects. But will the price of justice be more than Liz can bear?

***

4.5 stars

This is the ninth book in the Liz Talbot mystery series by Susan Boyer.

I think this series has advanced so much that just calling it a Liz Talbot mystery doesn’t really do it justice. I really think Lowcountry Mystery might be a better moniker.

Maybe this is just me but this almost felt like a series finale. Lots of stuff happens at the end that I wonder if the author had thought to end the series right here. I know that isn’t true since there is a book that came out around Christmas in this series. But this would have made an awesome finale, if that had been its original intention.

You can’t go wrong when you have Nate and Liz on the case. Liz thinks back to Colleen’s prediction about Nate having a horrible accident that is caused because he is trying to keep her safe. Liz laments about this a lot in the book.

The mystery was quite clever and really kept me guessing. There were definitely enough suspects to keep this whodunit interesting. And you have got to love the resident ghost but there wasn’t enough of her in this title to suit my taste.

I wish the community were a bit more on stage. I feel like we are doing these stories in a bit of a vacuum. That sense of community is missing here, in my opinion. Would love to see more of that.

Overall great story and a series worth following!

If you like cozy mysteries, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank Edelweiss+Plus, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.