Ice Cold Heart (Monkeewrench #10) by P.J. Tracy

Ice Cold Heart

(Monkeewrench #10)

by P.J. Tracy

Kindle Edition, 144 pages

Published September 24th 2019 by Zebra

Goodreads synopsis:

Minneapolis detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth join Grace MacBride and Monkeewrench to uncover a dark and ugly conspiracy that reaches deep into the safety of homes in this latest electrifying thriller from New York Times bestselling author P. J. Tracy.

It's a bitter winter in Minnesota--too cold to kill. There hasn't been a murder for a month, but the lull quickly comes to an end for Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth, when they're called to the gruesome homicide of Kelly Ramage. Found in a friend's vacant house, this was no random attack, and clues reveal that she was living a very dangerous secret life.

Magozzi and Gino trace her steps back to an art gallery where she was last seen alive. The gallery seems like a dead end, but the art is disturbing and exploitative. It may very well be inspiring a sadistic killer, because in this instance, art doesn't imitate life, it imitates death.

Tipped off about a year-old murder that is a mirror-image of Kelly's crime scene, Gino and Magozzi enlist the aid of Grace MacBride and her eccentric, tech genius partners in Monkeewrench Software to help them decipher the digital trail that might connect the cases.

As coincidences emerge, Magozzi, Gino, and the team have to work around the clock at breakneck pace to unravel a series of clues that form the framework of a larger, more sweeping, and insidious conspiracy than any of them could have imagined. Is Kelly the last person to die or just the most recent? And is there any way to stop it?

***

4.5 Stars

This is the tenth book in the Monkeewrench series by P.J. Tracy.

I thought this was quite an interesting story and am glad I picked this up to dive into.

In this police procedural mystery we find a trophy wife, who is leading a double life, murdered in her best friend’s house. I have not read the other books in this series so I am not sure if the villain is new every time or moves from book to book. 

I wasn’t familiar with the detectives either and they didn’t stand out to me in any way. It was the plot that shined in this novel. I would have liked to have more personal details about the detectives in order to make me want to follow them from book to book. 

The Monkeewrench concept wasn’t defined here and I think it was assumed that by book ten we would know what that entity was. No one expects you to dive into the series on book ten. This tale was quite a twisty-turney one, but in the end it makes total sense.

Even though the detectives weren’t memorable, the story definitely was. The plot was a masterful piece of work and I will definitely be picking up more by P.J. Tracy!

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.

Lavender & Mistletoe (Blue Hollow Falls #3.5) by Donna Kauffman

Lavender & Mistletoe

(Blue Hollow Falls #3.5)

by Donna Kauffman

Kindle Edition, 144 pages

Published September 24th 2019 by Zebra

Goodreads synopsis:

This Christmas, small-town Blue Hollow Falls will work big holiday magic for two people who have researched everything but love . . .

Avery Kent needs a project. The busy brain that earned her two PhDs before the age of eighteen is fascinated by the home she’s created with her three friends in Blue Hollow Falls, but the farm and the tearoom are running like clockwork now. As the holiday season approaches, it’s time for Avery to dive into one of her last uncharted research topics: love. Not for herself, of course; for her friend, Chey! But a closer look at the handsome young veterinarian Avery has chosen for this romantic equation has her wishing for gifts she never thought she wanted . . .

Another former child prodigy, Ben Chandler is more like Avery than she ever imagined. His intellect is a perfect match for hers—and everything else about him attracts her in ways that send delicious tingles down her spine. But a relationship? That’s something Avery will need to analyze—unless her friends can help Ben convince her that romance is more magic than science, and that a good old-fashioned kiss under the mistletoe is the perfect way to open her heart to the possibility of the greatest gift of all . . .

***

4.5 Stars

This is a novella in the Blue Hollow Falls series by Donna Kauffman.

I think I thought going into this that it was a full length novel. It is only 144 pages. I have not read any other books in this series so I am not certain why these two got set aside for their own novella.

Avery is not your usual heroine. She is a bit ADD and has to have something going to keep her mind engaged at all times. So, after sex  she thinks dissecting it is the normal thing to do. She goes into the whys it worked with her partner and the whys it did not to make the experience better for both of them. She is not much along the lines of a go with the flow gal. And this kind of puts off most guys from coming into her zone.

A vet has come to town to fill in for the normal guy, and Ben seems to think Ava’s type of weird is the most wonderful type of weird in the world. They are matched in many ways. Together they discover love and a true purpose in life.

Just a lovely little story with two unusual protagonists.

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.

The Shape of Night by Tess Gerritsen

The Shape of Night

by Tess Gerritsen

Hardcover, 288 pages

Published October 1st 2019 by Ballantine Books

Goodreads synopsis:

A woman trying to outrun her past is drawn to a quiet coastal town in Maine–and to a string of unsolved murders–in this haunting tale of romantic suspense from New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen.

Ava Collette is punishing herself for an unspeakable tragedy. So she flees Boston and rents an old home named Brodie’s Watch on a remote coastal peninsula of Maine, hoping to work on a cookbook inspired by New England cuisine that she’s been trying to finish for months. She immediately feels at peace in the isolated house–until she starts to hear strange noises.

Rumor has it that a sea captain named Brodie has haunted the house for decades. Then, one night, Ava is awakened to find herself face to face with an apparition who looks–and feels–all too real. Meanwhile, there’s been a series of accidental deaths nearby that don’t add up. And as Ava starts to check into the previous renter’s mysterious disappearance, she starts to realize that there’s a disturbing secret some in town are desperate to keep hidden.

Soon all of Ava’s waking hours are consumed by her investigation, and her nights are ignited by Captain Brodie’s ghostly visits. But even as she questions her own sanity, she knows she must uncover the truth before a killer strikes again.

***

4.5 Stars

I really didn’t know what to expect going into this book. It was part murder mystery, part paranormal romance and part horror novel all rolled up in one book.

Ava is trying to finish writing a cookbook that is one year overdue to her publisher. Good thing her agent is her best friend and has her back or that contract would have gone bye bye a month after she missed her first deadline.

This character can’t move on from a bad choice she made one night when she was drunk. Now she has holed herself away in a small town staying in a seaside mansion of a hundred year old sea captain who is haunting the place. Of course, he is not scary old and crotchety. He is handsome, thrilling and scary. He wants to give Ava what she wants. And what she wants is to be punished.

There are two mysteries happening at the same time in this book but they initially look like one villain has done multiple crimes. You really need to pay attention to the clues here.

While Ava is staying at this awesome seaside kingdom, she meets the local vet, Ben, who is the most eligible bachelor in town. For some reason he only has eyes for Ava and no one in the local community will do. Thus, we have two men vying for Ava’s affections: one is a ghost and one is flesh and blood. Could they both be killers?

I am going to leave this pretty vague since the unfolding of the plot is the most exciting thing in this story. I really enjoyed this concept and hope to read more of Tess Gerritsen’s writing in the future.

If you love to be scared and have a thing for paranormal romance, check this 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.

Elevator Pitch by Linwood Barclay

Elevator Pitch

by Linwood Barclay

ebook, 464 pages

Published September 17th 2019 by William Morrow

Goodreads synopsis:

It all begins on a Monday, when four people board an elevator in a Manhattan office tower. Each presses a button for their floor, but the elevator proceeds, non-stop, to the top. Once there, it stops for a few seconds, and then plummets.

Right to the bottom of the shaft.

It appears to be a horrific, random tragedy. But then, on Tuesday, it happens again, in a different Manhattan skyscraper. And when Wednesday brings yet another high-rise catastrophe, one of the most vertical cities in the world—and the nation’s capital of media, finance, and entertainment—is plunged into chaos.

Clearly, this is anything but random. This is a cold, calculated bid to terrorize the city. And it’s working. Fearing for their lives, thousands of men in women working in offices across the city refuse leave their homes. Commerce has slowed to a trickle. Emergency calls to the top floors of apartment buildings go unanswered.

Who is behind this? Why are they doing it? What do these deadly acts of sabotage have to do with the fingerless body found on the High Line? Two seasoned New York detectives and a straight-shooting journalist must race against time to find the answers before the city’s newest, and tallest, residential tower has its Friday night ribbon-cutting.

***

5 Stars

This is my first foray into a world built by Linwood Barclay and I have to say that I was impressed. I didn’t know what to expect going into this and I am so glad I was clueless. That made the experience so much better!

This book centers around the elevators in New York. Someone is sabotaging them and causing a lot of needless death. You begin to wonder if this is just random or maybe there is an underlying plan in place. It does take awhile to discover the answer to this question.

The author does a great job with the quick introduction to so many characters only to kill them off or scar them for life. That is the mark of a true master of his craft. I cared for these people and what might or might not happen to them. That poor boy in the elevator with the scientist, dear me, that child will have nightmares for years.

I enjoyed this book and getting a glimpe into what makes Linwood Barclay tick. I am sure this won’t be the last book by him in my TBR pile. 

So good. If you like suspense, mystery and thriller aspects in your novels, definitely check out this guy and his books. 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.

Welcome to Spicetown (Spicetown Mysteries #1) by Sheri Richey

Welcome to Spicetown

(Spicetown Mysteries #1)

by Sheri Richey

Kindle Edition, 276 pages

Published February 12th 2019

Goodreads synopsis:

When a crime stopper senior citizen starts to act oddly, a new business sells fake products and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display disappears, Mayor Cora Mae Bingham and the Spicetown Police Chief Conrad Harris have to get involved.

Cora keeps an eye on her quaint small town nestled in the southern hills of Ohio. Although Spicetown is sprinkled with culinary street names, stores full of spices, and quaint life-long citizens, out-of-towners can bring in a dicey element.

***

3.5 Stars

This is the first book in the Spicetown Mysteries series by Sheri Richey.

I felt this was different than a normal cozy mystery for me since no one was murdered. It was all about a bunch of stolen fireworks stolen under the police chief’s nose on New Year’s Eve.

Basically, this book was doing a ton of world building in order to offer us a cast of characters and a setting we are comfortable with. I enjoyed the interplay between the lady mayor Cora Bingham and the police chief, Conrad Harris. I expect to see a bit of a romance sparking there in the future.

Since this is a small town cozy everyone knows everyone else’s business and that is what ends up helping the sleuthing team solve the crime in the end.

Not sure if Cora will get her wish to erect a statue of the town’s founder but I am sure this will be a sticking point for future chaos between the characters. The entire town is all spice related. All the streets and businesses are named after spices and that makes this book so fun to read. Looking forward to book two in the series.

#BuzzwordReadathon SPICE - Read along with me during the autumnal season!

Anyone up for a #BUZZWORD Readathon?

THIS MONTH'S BUZZWORD IS SPICE!

I am doing a #buzzword readathon using the word SPICE. If you find the word SPICE in any book title and plan to read it in the next month, please join us! I would love to have you read along with me or join me with your own title.

Here are the three books I am planning to read:

Welcome to Spicetown

(Spicetown Mysteries #1)

by 

Sheri Richey

When a crime stopper senior citizen starts to act oddly, a new business sells fake products and the New Year’s Eve fireworks display disappears, Mayor Cora Mae Bingham and the Spicetown Police Chief Conrad Harris have to get involved.

Cora keeps an eye on her quaint small town nestled in the southern hills of Ohio. Although Spicetown is sprinkled with culinary street names, stores full of spices, and quaint life-long citizens, out-of-towners can bring in a dicey element.

Of Spice and Men

(Pancake House Mystery #3)

by 

Sarah Fox 

Lights. Camera. Murder? Wildwood Cove’s star turn is soured by a sneaky killer in this delicious cozy mystery from the USA Today bestselling author of The Crêpes of Wrath.

Bonus content: includes original recipes inspired by the Flip Side Pancake House menu!

With a Hollywood film crew in town to shoot a remake of the horror classic The Perishing, the residents of Wildwood Cove are all abuzz. Even Marley McKinney, owner of The Flip Side Pancake House, can overlook the fact that the lead actress, Alyssa Jayde, happens to be an old flame of her boyfriend. After all, the crew loves Marley’s crêpes—so much so that Christine, the head makeup artist, invites her onset for a behind-the-scenes tour. But when Marley arrives, the special-effects trailer is on fire . . . with Christine inside.

The cops quickly rule Christine’s death a murder, and Alyssa a suspect. Marley’s boyfriend insists that the actress is innocent, but when Marley sticks her nose into the complicated lives of The Perishing’s cast and crew, she discovers more questions than answers. It seems that everyone has a hidden agenda—and a plausible motive. And as the horror spills over from the silver screen, Marley gets a funny feeling that she may be the killer’s next victim.

Pumpkin Spice Sacrifice

(Murder in the Mix #3)

by 

Addison Moore 

*A laugh out loud cozy mystery by New York Times Bestseller Addison Moore*

My name is Lottie Lemon, and I see dead pets. Okay, so on occasion I see a dearly departed human, too. And, unfortunately for me, that horrible scenario is playing out right this minute. Worse yet, that good-looking ghost just so happens to look just like my friend, Everett, and it refuses to leave his side. I’m petrified of losing Everett, so much so that I too refuse to leave his side, which of course doesn’t exactly bode well with my newly minted boyfriend, Noah Fox, who is just as comely as his surname suggests. After two horrific murders just took place in our small town of Honey Hollow, I’m ready to put the last few months behind me, but when I come across another gruesome discovery, my entire world comes crashing down on me once again. 

Lottie Lemon has a brand new bakery to tend to, a budding romance with perhaps one too many suitors, and she has the supernatural ability to see dead pets—which are always harbingers for ominous things to come. Throw in the occasional ghost of the human variety, a string of murders, and her insatiable thirst for justice, and you’ll have more chaos than you know what to do with. 

Living in the small town of Honey Hollow can be murder.

If you are so inclined, please join me in reading these three books or any book with "SPICE" in the title.

I am so excited to be hosting this readathon! There have been all sorts of #buzzword readathons on BookTube in the past few years. I find it fun to dig into my stash of unread titles and see what I can come up with. Tag me on Twitter under the name @Tonispywriter from Beauty Sleuth Book Diva. I will retweet anyone participating.

HAPPY READING!

Fallen (Deep Ops #2) by Rebecca Zanetti

Fallen

(Deep Ops #2)

by Rebecca Zanetti 

Kindle Edition, 368 pages

Published September 24th 2019 by Zebra Books

Goodreads synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Zanetti delivers a pulse-pounding new read filled with her trademark edge of your seat action in the latest book in her Deep Ops series…

Too quiet. A talented hacker who got caught, Brigid Banaghan is now forced to work with a secret Deep Ops unit. But she won’t reveal any more to these renegade Feds than she has to. Especially not to Raider Tanaka, her control freak of a bodyguard and handler. It’s enough that his body is tensed for action and his heated gaze is always on her . . .

Too sharp. Raider knows there’s more to his new assignment than he’s been told. Why send a deadly agent of his experience to guard a computer genius—even a gorgeous, unpredictable, undisciplined one? But when Brigid’s estranged father is named in an investigation into Boston’s organized crime, Raider’s mind switches onto high alert, just like his senses . . .

Too close. To clear her father’s name, Brigid needs Raider’s help. The Unit’s idea that she bring a straight-laced Fed in as her “fiancé” won’t fly, though—not unless Raider can release his inner bad boy and become the rebel Brigid can’t resist . . 

***

4.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Deep Ops series by Rebecca Zanetti. This book is super easy to read as a standalone. So don’t fear digging into book two if you haven’t read book one. The author does a great job of keeping us up on what has happened in the past that impacts the current storyline.

Brigid is forced to spy on a covert unit that the government is unhappy with. She manages to gain their trust with her outstanding hacker skills and while on the inside develops a relationship with her handler, Raider Tanaka. In a lot of books like this, the main lead woman would be worrying about how her spying would impact her down along the line but it doesn’t seem to be that way for Brigid. Her emotions aren’t so much on the forefront. This makes it a little of a challenge to connect to the more sexy scenes. They are a nice contrast of erotic wording and explanations. I just didn’t feel taken away by the moment when it came up here and there in the book. So if you are just reading it for the more sexy scenes, then just know that the romantic suspense moments in this are what really shine. The sex is secondary and is there to support the story and its outcome.

I enjoyed the give and take between Raider and Brigid. And the relationship with her father was strained and I felt needed to be more expanded for clarity. But you still understand the dynamic between them. Brigid’s initial kidnapping felt like it was something her father should have anticipated considering his past relations with the bad guys but sometimes we just need to let that sort of thing slide by and enjoy the ride.

Definitely a great romantic suspense title. I have a couple of other books by this author that I plan to move up on my TBR really soon. I totally enjoyed the characters and the team the author is creating here. Good stuff. Check this one out for sure, suspense/covert ops fans!

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.