Stray Moon by Kelly Meding (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Para-Marshal Shiloh Harrison has always been a great number two for the East Coast unit. But after her boss is found dead (having betrayed the paranormals he was sworn to protect), she’s suddenly thrust into a leadership role she isn’t prepared for. And it doesn’t help that she traded away memories of one of her most important team members to save another’s life during her last mission.

Too, she’s in charge of a unit that is mired in bureaucratic red tape, meaning she’s essentially under house arrest. But a West Coast Para-Marshal has astral-projected a warning: werewolves are going missing, and she needs Shiloh’s help. Last time it was vampires. This time it’s werewolves. Half-djinn herself, she knows she can’t just sit around and do nothing while paranormals are getting snatched. Her old boss may have broken his oath, but Shiloh will do anything to serve and protect."

My Thoughts:

I am well and truly hooked on this series now thanks to this latest book!  Urban fantasy has always held a special place in my readerly heart.  There just isn't enough new series coming out lately in my opinion which is a shame.  Happily enough I found this series right at the beginning with the first book Stray Magic.  Without sharing any spoilers, that first book left me very eager to get my hands on this newest book so I jumped at the chance to read it.  It was just as good as I had hoped that it would be I'm happy to report.  I picked this book up and jumped right back into where I had left off in book one it felt like.  Let me start off by saying though that I really do think that you need to read this series in order so start with book one.  It's not that the author didn't do a good job of catching the reader up on the action from that first book (she actually does a really great job of it) but there is just so much that carries over from that first book that I really do recommend reading them in order.  For me, the details she gave from that previous book were enough to help jog my memory so that I didn't feel lost when starting on this one which sometimes can happen when waiting to read books in series for periods of time.  I absolutely adore the characters in this series!  Shiloh is everything that I could want as a main character.  She is kick-ass when she needs to be but also both vulnerable and caring.  Her team and job as a para-marshal are two of the most important things to her and it shows throughout the book.  I love how this author has taken different types of paranormal characters and featured them as main characters rather than just your typical vampires and shifters.  Sure, this book has them too but it isn't often that you see a half genie as your main character!  This book was just as fast paced as the first book so I breezed through the pages of it.  I actually finished the last half of the book all in one chunk after work one evening because I just couldn't stop reading.  I'm so curious to see where this author is going to take us next after the way this book ended!  It is going to be a very long wait until book three - that's for sure!

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am so excited to have found this series!  I NEED more urban fantasy series like this in my life!  Books like this are just so fun to read.  I love how action packed this was, all of the different types of characters, and there is even a little bit of mystery behind who could be involved in it all.  All of this combines into a book that I just couldn't set down!  I would recommend this series to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal.  I stand by my recommendation of reading them in order.  There are only two books so far so it's not like there are ten books to catch up on (although at this rate I would still say they were worth taking the time to read).  Easily recommended!

Bottom Line:  A great addition to this series that has me wishing I had book three in my hands already!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss.  Thoughts are my own.

What Remains of Me by Alison Gaylin (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"On June 28, 1980, Kelly Michelle Lund shoots and kills Oscar-nominated director John McFadden at a party in his home . . . and instantly becomes a media sensation. For years, speculation swirls over the seventeen-year-old’s motives. Convicted of the murder, she loses her youth and her freedom—but keeps her secrets to herself.

Thirty years later—and five years after her release from prison—the past has come back to haunt Kelly. Her father-in-law, movie legend Sterling Marshall, is found in a pool of blood in his home in the Hollywood Hills—dead from a shot to the head, just like his old friend John McFadden.
Once again, Kelly is suspected of the high profile murder. But this time, she’s got some unexpected allies who believe she’s innocent—of both killings—and want to help clear her name. But is she?"

My Thoughts:

What Remains of Me was one of those mysteries that slowly swept me away as I tried to figure out exactly what had happened so many years ago.  It was a book that had layers to it - each layer needed to be peeled back so that we could see the full truth behind what happened so long ago and in the present.  I enjoyed the fact that there were two mysteries within this book: the first being the mystery of what really happened thirty some years ago and the second being if Kelly is involved in the murder of her father in law now.  The two questions are tied together so closely that I constantly felt that the answer to one should also end with the answer to the other.  It gave this book such a unique layer of tension and atmosphere as the reader doesn't know if they can fully trust Kelly or not.  Is she innocent of this new murder?  Did she actually murder John McFadden so many years ago and why?  There were just so many questions swirling around in my head while I read and it really added to my enjoyment of this book!  The only thing that that took away from my reading experience with this book is hard to put into words.  I enjoyed this book the entire time that I was reading it but I was never "wowed" by it.  I've heard such good things about this author and I obviously agree as I mostly enjoyed this book but it just didn't stand out for me like I had hoped that it would.  This book has such a unique and compelling premise but I'm not 100% that it lived up to it.  It was really good - don't get me wrong but I just wouldn't classify it as great.  I think it would be fair to rate it as a four star read overall so take my feelings with a grain of salt as that is still a really good rating!

Overall, I did enjoy my time with this book and am looking forward to reading more by this author.  I've actually got the first book in a series she has written on my own shelves so I'm really looking forward to giving that a try next.  I liked the way it was set up and also how the author tied everything together in the end.  Yes, I was able to predict parts of it but there were also some surprises thrown in there too.  I'm thinking that this may have slightly been a case of my expectations being a bit too high because when I think about the book as a whole and my reading experience with it....well I did have a lot more positives rather than negatives.  I'm going to recommend this book to fans of both suspense and mysteries.  

Bottom Line:  A suspenseful mystery!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss.  I actually purchased a copy of this book though from my local used bookstore which is what I read.

Stray Magic by Kelly Meding (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Shiloh Harrison was hoping for a few days off to recover from a particularly nasty assignment, preferably with the help of the talented hands (and, well, the rest of his body too) of her sexy boyfriend, Vincent. But when a group of vampires takes an entire trailer park hostage, there’s nothing to do but make her apologies and get to the scene.

Such is the life of a Federal Marshal in the Paranormal Investigators Unit.

Yet this isn’t like her typical track-and-nab case: something is going on that has vampires scared, and it takes all her strength not to imagine what could frighten such powerful creatures. Unfortunately, she doesn’t have that option. Her boss is MIA, someone is snatching vampires, and there’s a ticking clock that can only end one way: a bloodbath.

Unless she can stop it."

My Thoughts:

As soon as I saw that cover and read the above summary I just knew that I wanted to read this book!  There is not nearly enough new urban fantasy series coming out for my liking so I couldn't help but jump all over this one!  I may be a huge mystery/thriller fan but urban fantasy is a genre that holds a special place in my heart.  I've got to say that this was a really great beginning to this series and I just cannot wait for more!  One of my favorite things about this book was just how easily I was pulled into this world that the author has created.  I found myself reading late into the night because I was just so compelled by this book.  I couldn't stop reading as I had to see what was going to happen next.  I also really liked the cast of characters that Shiloh works with.  They were all characters that I enjoyed reading about and am looking forward to learning more about in future books!  The action was non-stop and one of the reasons that I just couldn't set this book down.  I also enjoyed the unique qualities of this book that made it stand out from others in this genre.  I don't want to give too many specifics as they could be considered spoilers but let me just say that the ending of this book had me crushed and needing more.  I need book two in my life as soon as possible!  But besides the ending - just Shiloh's unique heritage really made this book stand out for me.  I just found that this book really stood out for me in comparison to other books/series I've read in this genre.  I am seriously left so excited about this series and just wishing/pining for more books just like this!

Overall, I enjoyed my time with this book immensely and cannot wait for more!  Books like this are exactly why I can't get enough of urban fantasy.  It was such a fast paced and wild ride but I loved every minute of it!  I'm not going to lie - I ignored as much as my housework as I possibly could get away with while reading this book.  Ha!  Trying not to think about what that says about me - other than I sure do love my books!  It was a really great beginning to this series and I'm so excited about the characters as well as what may happen next.  The author did a really great job of tying everything up in this book while leaving me absolutely pining for the next book.  I would highly recommend this book to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal.  You certainly won't be disappointed in my opinion!  

Bottom Line:  A book and series that I'm so excited about now!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher. 

All The Beautiful Lies by Peter Swanson (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Harry Ackerson has always considered his step-mother Alice to be sexy and beautiful, in an “other worldly” way. She has always been kind and attentive, if a little aloof in the last few years.

Days before his college graduation, Alice calls with shocking news. His father is dead and the police think it’s suicide. Devastated, he returns to his father’s home in Maine. There, he and Alice will help one another pick up of the pieces of their lives and uncover what happened to his father.

Shortly after he arrives, Harry meets a mysterious young woman named Grace McGowan. Though she claims to be new to the area, Harry begins to suspect that Grace may not be a complete stranger to his family. But she isn’t the only attractive woman taking an interest in Harry. The sensual Alice is also growing closer, coming on to him in an enticing, clearly sexual way.

Mesmerized by these two women, Harry finds himself falling deeper under their spell. Yet the closer he gets to them, the more isolated he feels, disoriented by a growing fear that both women are hiding dangerous—even deadly—secrets . . . and that neither one is telling the truth."

My Thoughts:

I went into this book knowing next to nothing about it other than I had enjoyed another book by this author previously.  This book is completely different than The Girl With a Clock for a Heart (which is the 1st book that I read by this author) but just as good.  I actually got a vibe similar to My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier when I was reading this one although yet again two completely different books.  Maybe it was the haunting way that Alice is portrayed that reminded me of Rachel - that unreachable quality about both of them which had me as the reader questioning their intentions the entire time.  The main difference though is that in this book the story switches back and forth from the present day to when Alice was a young girl.  We may not know Alice's intentions in the current day but we do get the chance to learn more about her through reading about her experiences while growing up.  Trigger warning that some of those experiences are disturbing and may not be for all readers.  I felt like learning more about Alice explained so much but yet gave me so many questions as well.  What I kept trying to figure out was how everything from Alice's past tied into Harry's father's death.  I was so strangely compelled by this book even when I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters.  I liked Harry well enough but some of his choices had me wanting to pull my hair out.  This isn't your typical mystery or thriller - I felt like the focus was more on the characters and their intentions rather than on the actual mystery itself.  What I really enjoyed though was the ending which was completely unexpected but yet felt so right.  I won't say any more than that but if you've read this book - let me know so we can discuss!

Overall after enjoying both of the books that I've read by this author so much I plan on catching up with the other books of his that I haven't yet read.  I feel like this is a book that will stay with me for awhile just because it is so different from the other books that I've been reading.  I'm eager to see what other readers think of this one because I just feel like some of it begs to be discussed.  Like the ending for one!  I appreciated that with this book I was so immersed in it even when I wasn't as focused on the mystery portion.  Just the why's behind the characters and their actions had me hooked which is why I couldn't stop reading.  I would recommend this one to readers who enjoy suspenseful reads and mysteries.  A solid four out of five stars!

Bottom Line:  A book that lingered with me after I finished it!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss.  Honest thoughts are my own. 

Be A Good Girl by Tess Diamond (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"As the head of an elite FBI unit, Special Agent Paul Harrison seems to have everything figured out, but beneath the surface, an internal war is raging. When he returns to his rural hometown for the first time in a few years, he’s faced with the memories that led to his losing the love of his life.

Fifteen years ago, Abigail Winthrop’s best friend, and Paul’s girlfriend, was murdered by the infamous serial killer Doctor X. Now an investigative journalist, she’s determined to find the truth. But when Abigail discovers evidence that clears Doctor X, she realizes the real killer is still out there and is striking again when local young girls begin disappearing.

Turning to Paul for help, Abigail joins forces with him. As an undeniable attraction develops between them, they must heal deep wounds from their past—and find a relentless psychopath who could extinguish their hopes for a future together."

My Thoughts:

This is exactly the type of book I have been looking for when it comes to romantic suspense!  As a girl that enjoys a good mystery and also a good romance, romantic suspense should be the perfect blend of the two for me.  For whatever reason though, I have a hard time finding romantic suspense books that I really enjoy.  This author changed all of that for me now.  I enjoyed both parts of this book equally and felt that it was a good blend of the two genres.  In fact, I really couldn't stop reading this book once I got going.  It was just so good and so hard to put down!  In this book, Abigail is searching for the truth behind her best friend's death that happened many years ago.  The police believe that they found her killer and he is sitting in prison for his crimes.  When she comes across evidence that may prove otherwise, she is drawn into the hunt for the real truth behind her friend's death.  The mystery portion of this book was both suspenseful and very intense.  Like reading as fast as I possibly could intense to see how everything would turn out.  But what also drew me into this book was the history between Abigail and Paul.  There was this easy chemistry between them from the very beginning pages and I couldn't get enough of it.  I also think that their shared history helped to make the relationship developing between them feel more natural.  It wasn't one of those instal-loves that I despise so much.  Instead, it almost felt like the relationship that developing was like coming home after being gone for too long - that feeling is the best way to describe it!

Overall, I am so excited to have found this author's books because I enjoyed this one so much!  I actually already have another of her books on my shelves waiting to be read which pleases me to no end.  I need more romantic suspense reads just like this in my life!  I found this to be a heart-poundingly good read and one that I couldn't get enough of.  I think that fans of mysteries and thrillers would enjoy this book just as much as fans of romance would.  I'm planning on reading more by this author sooner rather than later.  I would highly recommend!

Bottom Line:  One of the best romantic suspense reads I've read in a long time!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher.

The Sunday Post #44 (Catching Up Edition)

"The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme"

Happy Sunday folks!  I took a blogging break last week which was much needed.  Sometimes you just need a quiet Sunday curled up with a book instead.  It was a normal busy week which is starting to become our routine at this point.  Spring is just around the corner and then things are really going to get crazy though.  I'm trying to just appreciate the quiet evenings when we have them because it isn't going to be long before we have practices and games most every night.  Not much else knew on that front though!


In between all of the hours that I've been working, I have been reading as much as possible.  Because I didn't post a reading update last week, I've finished four books since my last Sunday post.  Gotta love how that sounds!!!  It makes me feel so accomplished even if it just what is hopefully becoming my normal average of two books a week.  I've been having such a hard time though deciding what to read next.  Does anyone else have this issue?  I've got a huge stack of books checked out from the library, plenty on my own shelves and e-reader but yet I still struggle on picking that next book.  It's crazy!  I ended up using the random number generator to help me pick a couple of books out - one from my TBR challenge list and then one just from my TBR shelf on Goodreads (which is ridiculously huge).  I think having those two books picked out to be read will help me to know what to pick next - at least once they come in from the library that is.  Anywhoo - here is what I've finished since my last reading update:

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston - I picked this one up after hearing it mentioned on a podcast episode and it was a really great choice.  I just breezed through the pages of this book and couldn't get enough.  I heard the next book is even better which has me pretty excited!  I'm bummed that there only seems to be three books in this series so far - but at least Laurenston has other books that I can check out!


Be A Good Girl by Tess Diamond - I absolutely am so excited about this author after reading this book!  I feel like I'm constantly looking for good romantic suspense and this book delivered exactly that!  The mystery was both thrilling and tense and with a romance that I could actually get behind.  I'm excited to share my thoughts on this one soon.


Track of the Cat by Nevada Barr - This is my 2nd book finished for my personal TBR challenge and one off of my own shelves.  I enjoyed this quiet mystery - it reminded me a lot of Sue Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series but in a different way.  I'll explain it better (hopefully) when I write up my thoughts on it but I'm excited to have found yet another long standing series to read.

The Echo Killing by Christi Daugherty -  Oh my goodness!  I stayed up so late Friday night just so that I could finish this book.  It was such a great read (I feel like I'm on repeat here but boy have I been reading some great books) and I'm really excited to for the next book in this new series.  I will be writing up my thoughts on this one soon as well but will share them closer to its' release date.


I'm now currently reading the following:

I just started Unsub (my current print read) earlier this morning and I'm already seventy plus pages in.  I'm well and truly hooked and plan on reading this one more this evening.  Natural Thorn Killer will be my next read on my kindle.  I've enjoyed this author's books in a different series so I'm really looking forward to checking this new series out!  Let's all ignore the fact that I'm most definitely not caught up with the Pacific Northwest series of hers that is a favorite of mine. 


New Additions:

These are actually all courtesy of Edelweiss.  I don't even know which one I'm most excited about so let's go with all of them!  My TBR is out of control you guys!  And if you could see my library stack...well...it's a bit ridiculous but I don't mind.  I just need a month to read them all!


Plans for tomorrow (I'm writing this on Saturday night) include working for a few hours and lots of laundry.  The Walking Dead is back finally which I'm pretty pumped about!  I would love to gets lots of reading time in as well with my current books.  I also see a trip to the grocery store in my near future and maybe some meal prep.  I've been cooking a ton since my husband's surgery - I don't think I'll ever be the best cook out there but I'm improving which is always good.  I definitely plan on writing up a few reviews as well.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

The Sunday Post #43 (Snow Edition)

"The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme"

Good morning everyone!  It has been quite the hectic week here - and I'm currently savoring the quiet and my coffee this Sunday morning.  As the title suggests, we have been getting snow here like crazy.  It almost feels like we got some sort of accumulation every day this week (that's a slight exaggeration but we have gotten a lot).  My exercise time has been shoveling my driveway once or twice a day.  I may be weird in this but I actually enjoy shoveling.  The snow's falling again this morning so I'm sure I will be out there later this afternoon yet again.

I'm not really sure where my week went - it feels like it just flew by.  In reality I was busy cooking dinner, helping with homework, cleaning, working, and a million other things.  There is nothing that can show how much my husband helps around the house more than when he has only one good arm and can't assist with some of these things.  I'm spoiled to say the least!  It was a good week though so no more complaining.  I've managed to finish two books since my last reading post.  That sounds really impressive considering but really I just finished one late last night, and the other was finished last Saturday night but after my Sunday post had been written.  So kind of a slower reading week but I will take two books read any time!  I'm currently ahead on my Goodread's goal too which is a nice change of pace since last year.  Last week I finished the following books:

Look For Her by Emily Winslow is for an upcoming PICT Blog tour.  I really enjoyed this one despite not realizing that it was book four in the series when I started.  It's a unique mystery and I will be working on scheduling my thoughts on this one for February 21st.

Lost Girls by Angela Marsons is book three in one of my favorite mystery series.  I enjoyed this book immensely and was reminded why I love this series so much!  I need to move on the book four sooner rather than later because these books are so good.  I will also be writing up my thoughts on this one soon.

I'm now currently reading the following:

The Unleashing by Shelly Laurenston is my print read and one that I've only just begun.  Like I've literally only read the first couple of pages.  I've been meaning to try this author and series for awhile now.  I was listening to an older episode of the podcast Smart Podcast Trashy Books and they mentioned this series and how good it was.  It was enough of a push to make me want to start reading this one and check it out for myself.  Be A Good Girl by Tess Diamond will be my next read on my Kindle and is also one that I haven't yet begun.  I actually just settled on this one to read but I'm looking forward to it.  It's so hard sometimes to choose what you want to read next when there are so many great books waiting!

New Additions:

Sigh....I told you last week that I had more I needed to share about, didn't I?  On a positive note, I stayed completely away from both NetGalley and Edelweiss this week other than giving feedback on books finished.  I'm counting that as a win as my virtual bookshelves are absolutely groaning with all of these new books.  But the new Mary Torjussen and Peter Swanson!!  I'm excited for ALL of these so I'm not really complaining.  I just need to find the time to read them all!

Plans for today include laundry and shoveling and not much else.  I'll probably get things done around the house so that my week goes a bit more smoothly than last week (putting laundry away would definitely help).  I have at least two reviews that I would like to get written and scheduled.  Honestly, more than anything though I plan on watching the Olympics and curling up with a book.  It sounds heavenly!  I'm off to get that laundry started though before my piles topple over.

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

The Sunday Post #40 (All The Holds)

"The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme"

Happy Sunday!  It's a gloomy, cold winter morning here but I've got coffee and the 5th Harry Potter movie on which makes everything better.  It was a busy past week as we all returned to our normal routines.  Now having a three day weekend makes it all seem just a little bit better after returning to our normal full schedule.  I'm working tomorrow but only for as many hours as I feel like.  I'm really pushing to get the overtime hours in when and where I can.  I kind of slid off the exercising bandwagon last week.  I ran once (last Sunday) and then that was it.  It goes to show me that I will really need to focus on running/working out on the nights where the kids don't have practices even if those are the nights I usually work late.  I'm going to try and hit my three workouts this week by really buckling down and getting them in when I can.  Hold me accountable!

In reading news, I managed to finish two more books this week which means the Bout of Books read-a-thon was a success.  I didn't participate too much social media wise but I did read, read, read!  I could get behind reading two books every week if I could keep this up.  I went to the library yesterday and brought home five new library books thanks to all of my holds coming in at once.  This added to an already towering stack of books that I already had checked out.  I'm swimming in all of the books right now which makes it so hard to choose what to read next!  It's not a bad thing so I'm not complaining - I just haven't yet decided which one to start reading first as my new print read.  Last week though I finished the following books:

A Map of the Dark by Karen Ellis begins a new mystery series and I really loved it!  This was my 3rd book for #COYERWinterSwitch and it was such a great read.  I'm super excited that it is the first in what is planned to be a series as I really can't wait to read more!  I'll be writing up my thoughts on this one hopefully for this week since it just released this month.

Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell is the 8th book in this series which is an absolute favorite of mine.  I pulled this book off of my own shelves and it was a great choice as always.  This wasn't my favorite book in the series (I would probably only rate it 4 stars instead of 5) but it was still a really great read.  This series really has become a treat for me to read though!  I will also work on writing up my thoughts on this one soon.

I'm now currently reading the following:

A Whisper of Bones is my current Kindle read and one that I'm about 30% into so far.  As usual I'm starting smack dab in the middle of a series (apparently this is book #25) but that hasn't bothered me in the slightest.  I'm actually really intrigued already and excited to continue reading it later this afternoon.  No print read yet as I'm just not sure which library book to read next but I'm sure I will figure it out soon.

New Additions:

I'm most excited for It All Falls Down by Sheena Kamal as this is the sequel to a book that I loved last year.  I just cannot wait to begin reading it although it doesn't release until July so I'll try to wait awhile before I begin.  That review copy is courtesy of Edelweiss and the rest are from NetGalley.  See why I need the #COYER reading challenges so much?!? 

Plans for today include a basketball game for the youngest and not much else.  The usual everyday Sunday things including laundry and reading.  I'm hoping to do a little meal prep for the week as I'm also trying to eat healthier.  I need to work on writing up reviews so that I'm not just writing posts on Sundays for the rest of the week.  It would be really nice to get ahead and maybe even have the entire month prepped ahead of time.  A girl can certainly dream!  I would also like to fit a run in if I have the chance later on.  I'm off to go clean the kitchen up so.....

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!

The Body in the Casket by Katherine Hall Page (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"For most of her adult life, resourceful caterer Faith Fairchild has called the sleepy Massachusetts village of Aleford home. While the native New Yorker has come to know the region well, she isn’t familiar with Havencrest, a privileged enclave, until the owner of Rowan House, a secluded sprawling Arts & Crafts mansion, calls her about catering a weekend house party.

Producer/director of a string of hit musicals, Max Dane—a Broadway legend—is throwing a lavish party to celebrate his seventieth birthday. At the house as they discuss the event, Faith’s client makes a startling confession. “I didn’t hire you for your cooking skills, fine as they may be; but for your sleuthing ability. You see, one of the guests wants to kill me.”

Faith’s only clue is an ominous birthday gift the man received the week before—an empty casket sent anonymously containing a 20-year-old Playbill from Max’s last, and only failed, production—Heaven Or Hell. Consequently, Max has drawn his guest list for the party from the cast and crew. As the guests begin to arrive one by one, and an ice storm brews overhead, Faith must keep one eye on the menu and the other on her host to prevent his birthday bash from becoming his final curtain.

Full of delectable recipes, brooding atmosphere, and Faith’s signature biting wit, The Body in The Casket is a delightful thriller that echoes the beloved mysteries of Agatha Christie and classic films such as Murder by Death and Deathtrap."

My Thoughts:

This series is a favorite of mine even though I'm reading the books completely out of order at this point.  It's funny because I started with the first book like most readers would do and then jumped ahead to the 23rd book in the series.  Here I am now having finished the 24th book and even though I've read them out of order, this series has still become a personal favorite of mine.  What I love about these books is just the normal, every day feel to them (besides the fact that there is usually a murder or mystery involved).  I get so caught up with these characters and their lives - I find it just so fun to read about!  This book was different than the other two books that I've read in this series because a murder hasn't actually happened.  Instead Faith is asked to investigate and basically help prevent a murder from happening.  This book was really fun to read!  It had the feel of the game Clue - was it going to be Ms. Scarlett in the study with the candlestick?  I loved playing this game when I was younger so I was delighted that this book had that same kind of feel at times.  I do feel at times that I'm missing out a bit from not having read the previous books in this series.  The author throws out references here and there from those earlier books and it makes me want to have read them all.  It doesn't affect my enjoyment of the book overall, I just know that I'm missing things that I wouldn't if I had read those books as well.  It sure gives me a reason to work on catching up on this series in 2018!  

Overall, I found this book to be another enjoyable addition to this mystery series!  I really enjoyed the set up for this book and thought that it added a different level of tension compared to other more typical mysteries that I have read.  I will say that there were a lot of other different storylines with this book that at first I had a hard time following along with.  Halfway through though, I was fully invested in each and eager to see how everything was going to turn out.  I would be remiss if I also didn't mention how much I enjoy the references to Faith's cooking in these books.  Mysteries that include food seem to be a favorite of mine that I can't get enough of!  I wish that I was half as good of a cook as Faith is!  I can easily recommend both this series and this book though!  I don't plan on waiting too long before I move on to book two in this series!

Bottom Line:  A solid mystery that added to my love of this series!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss. 

Stolen by Carey Baldwin (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

Is she missing…or a murderer?

When Laura Chaucer, daughter of a U.S. senator, vanishes from her college campus, celebrated FBI profilers Special Agent Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy are called in. Thirteen years ago, Laura and her nanny disappeared from her family’s Denver home. Laura was found alive, but her nanny wasn’t so lucky… and the killer was never caught. Laura could identify him—if only she didn’t have a deep, dark hole in her memory.

Now she’s missing again. Did the troubled young woman run away or has the kidnapper returned? As women who look eerily similar to Laura’s nanny begin turning up dead, the Chaucer family psychiatrist renders a disturbing opinion: Laura is unstable, a danger to herself and others. Who knows what terrible secrets lurk in the shadowy recesses of her mind? Cassidy and Spenser must solve one of the most infamous cold cases ever to uncover the answer: Is Laura a killer, or is a monster still out there, waiting to claim another victim?

My Thoughts:

I am loving this series so much!!  I'm only two books in and it has already become a fast favorite of mine.  One of the reasons that I'm enjoying these books so much is because they are such page turners.  With both books that I've read, I'm just been able to sink into the mystery from the very first page.  These are books that I couldn't put down- and wouldn't want to even if I could.  LOL!  But seriously, I knew as soon as I read that description that I wanted to read this book.  The idea of Laura having holes in her memory on what happened to her so long ago combined with the possibility that she is dangerous herself was something that I just couldn't resist.  I'm such a sucker for books where you can't trust one of the characters.  It is one of those things that will make me want to read a book instantly.  I loved how the author used what happened so long ago and tied it into the present.  The mystery had me guessing from the very beginning which is always a good thing.  The best part though was even though I spent the majority of the book thinking that I had the killer figured out....I was completely wrong.  I've got to say how much I love when that happens.  

One of the other things that I really love about these books is the main characters of Caitlin Cassidy and Atticus Spenser.  I love that with each book (at least the ones that I've read) we get to see their relationship grow and develop.  They are a really great team and it is fun "watching" them work.  With each book I find that I'm more and more invested in their characters and their relationship.  I want to see everything work out the way that I want it too.  I like that the author isn't afraid to put their relationship to the test at times even if it makes me nervous while reading.  The ending of this book was really intense which is just the way I like it.  I found myself reading this book in a matter of days because I just didn't want to stop.  I loved the way that the story was set up from Laura's point of view at times and other times it was focused on Cassidy and Spencer's investigation.  It worked out really well and this seemed to add to the tension that was present throughout the book.  

Overall this was a really great read and I'm eager for more!  I really, really need to go back and read the first two books in this series since I've loved books three and four so much.  At least I have those two books to look forward to while I wait for the next book in this series to release.  This author and this series has definitely jumped on to my favorites list so I can't recommend them enough!  You obviously don't have to read the books in order because I sure haven't and I still love them.  I do think that parts from previous investigations and books are referred to at times but since I haven't read them yet it doesn't really affect my enjoyment.  I would recommend these books to both mystery and thriller fans alike.  Highly, highly recommended!

Bottom Line:  A great addition to one of my favorite mystery series!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher as part of a PICT book tour.

Book Details: Genre: Suspense, Thriller Published by: Witness Impulse Publication Date: February 14th 2017 Number of Pages: 352 ISBN: 0062495542 (ISBN13: 9780062495549) Series: Cassidy & Spenser #4 Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

Author Bio: Carey Baldwin is a mild-mannered doctor by day and an award-winning author of edgy suspense by night. She holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers. Catch Up With Ms. Baldwin On: Website 🔗, Goodreads, Twitter 🔗, & Facebook 🔗!

Troublemaker by Linda Howard (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"For Morgan Yancy, an operative and team leader in a paramilitary group, nothing comes before his job. But when he’s ambushed and almost killed, his supervisor is determined to find out who’s after the members of his elite squad—and why. Due to worries that this unknown enemy will strike again, Morgan is sent to a remote location and told to lay low and stay vigilant. But between a tempting housemate he’s determined to protect and a deadly threat waiting in the shadows, keeping under the radar is proving to be his most dangerous mission yet.

The part-time police chief of a small West Virginian mountain town, Isabeau “Bo” Maran finally has her life figured out. She’s got friends, a dog, and a little money in the bank. Then Morgan Yancy shows up on her doorstep. Bo doesn’t need a mysterious man in her life—especially a troublemaker as enticing and secretive as Morgan.

The harder they fight the intense heat between them, the closer Morgan and Bo become, even though she knows he’s hiding from something. But discovering the truth could cost Bo more than she’s willing to give. And when Morgan’s cover is blown, it might just cost her life."

My Thoughts:

I wanted to read this book mainly based off the fact that it was written by Linda Howard, and I've been meaning to read her books for some time now.  Also, I'm a sucker for the romantic suspense genre so that of course made me want to read this book more.  Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this book although I would classify it as more of a romance if I'm being honest.  There were some elements of suspense but really this book was more focused on the romance developing between Morgan and Bo.  And what a romance that was!  One of the things that I love for my romance books to have is a realistic feel to them.  I am not huge on when relationships happen overnight or when there is insta-love with no build up.  In this book, Bo takes Morgan into her home not because she wants to but because she can't turn him away in the shape that is in.  Their relationship develops over the course of the book (I don't really feel that this is a spoiler thanks to above summary) in a way that actually feels natural.  Also, their relationship didn't just solve all of their problems either- another pet peeve of mine in romances.  I just really loved the way the author set this book up in a way that you couldn't help but want to root for their happy ever after.

I also really, really loved how much of this book was focused on Bo's dog Tricks.  As my family just recently got a puppy, I adored how much of this book focused on Tricks and what an important part she played in Bo's life.  This is definitely a dog lover's type of book which I found to be just perfect.  There was never a time when Tricks didn't play an important part of the story which just really added to the story for me.  I also loved that the author really brought the small town that Bo lived in to life.  There were a bunch of secondary characters that I enjoyed reading about as well.  I found this book to be the perfect read during a stressful time of year.  I was able to just lose myself within this book's pages and the romance that was brewing between Bo and Morgan.  Sometimes that is exactly what you need especially when life is hectic and busy.  I liked that the ending tied everything up although I didn't find it to be as suspenseful as I expected.  Really by that time I was okay with the lack of suspense.  I was more focused on the romance and seeing how Morgan and Bo would work everything out.  

Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it to be a solid romance.  I'm planning on reading more by this author, and I believe that she has an extensive backlist so I have a lot to look forward to which makes me happy.  I'm glad that I finally took the plunge to give this author a try because it was a great reading experience.  I think that both dog lovers and romance fans will enjoy this book.  I can easily recommend this one!

Bottom Line:  A slow building romance that I really enjoyed!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss.

#COYER Blackout (Reading Fun Begins)

One of my favorite reading challenges is starting up again and I am pumped.  I know that I've been a bit absent (STILL) around the blogging world lately but that doesn't mean that I'm not going to participate in #COYER.  Heck no!  It just means that I need to work on changing the whole not blogging thing starting now.  Being realistic, I might still be on the quieter side until after the holidays are over....after that though, game on!  I'm getting a bit off topic though.  #COYER has new rules this time around and I'm pretty pumped about them:

"This time COYER is going to be a 12 week Blackout, where you have to dedicate yourself to reading the books YOU ALREADY  have acquired for less than $1.00.
That’s right,  you have between now and the start of COYER, December 17th, to acquire the books you’ll be reading during COYER. And they must be books you got for less than $1.00. The only exception is audio books, which you must have purchased for less than $5. They must either be eBooks or audio books."

I have a ridiculous number of books on my e-reader currently.  Seriously ridiculous.  I buy books like they are going out of style (and especially those $0.99 finds) but then never seem to read them.  And don't even get me started on my NetGalley/Edelweiss addictions.  I'm more than ready to focus on getting some of these books read thanks to this challenge.  My goal is to read 10 books during this challenge.  As always I will consider any more that I read a bonus but I would really, really like to get at least ten books knocked off my overloaded Kindle.  Here are some of the possibilities that I am considering:

 

 

 

It was so hard to even narrow down my list of possibilities to just these.  I have SO MANY books calling my name lately so anything else that is on my e-reader is also thrown into the pool of my potential reads.  I am so excited about this challenge and cannot wait to begin!  If you are interested in signing up yourself or want to know more go here.  Now I'm off to work on my endless laundry piles while watching the snow fall outside.  If your participating in this challenge, let me know so that I can cheer you on. 

Happy Sunday and Happy Reading!