Sunday 19 September 2021

Book Review: Innocent as Sin by C.A. Asbrey

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Innocent as Sin

Subtitle: (The Innocent Mystery Series #2)

Author: C.A. Asbrey

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Historic Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Yes, but can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40726638-innocent-as-sin

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay appears to be on the trail of The Innocents again when Nat and Jake find her at the scene of a bank they aim to rob and Jake fears she’s got a bounty hunter on their trail too. But is everything as it seems?

What I liked about the book:

The many twists and turns, action-packed, humorous, fast-paced.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The combination of mystery and care for each other.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The fact the book ended.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series and I just couldn’t stop myself and had to read them all. Loved the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great book and reminds me of stories from the Wild West.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like mysteries or historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy are just doing their job—robbing a bank! But when Nat sees Pinkerton agent Abigail MacKay is already there, he knows something isn’t right. Is she on the trail of The Innocents again, or has she turned up in Everlasting, Wyoming, by coincidence?

 

Abi can’t believe her bad luck! Nat and Jake are about to make her true identity known, and botch the undercover job she has carefully prepared for—a job she’s been working on for months. When Jake discovers she’s cooperating with a sadistic bounty hunter who never brings in his prisoners alive, he suspects Nat might be the next target. How could Abi would betray them like this?

 

On top of everything else, someone has dumped a frozen corpse after disguising it as a tramp. The town is snowed in and the killer isn’t going anywhere, but can Abigail’s forensic skills solve the murder before anyone else is killed? Abi and Nat manage to admit their feelings for one another, but will that be enough to overcome the fact that they’re on opposite sides of the law?

 

The Innocents and Abigail MacKay must work together to solve the murder case, but they’re still best enemies. It’s an emotional standoff, and they’re all INNOCENT AS SIN…

About the Author:

C.A. Asbrey is a writer of mysteries, and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure. A former member of law enforcement in Scotland, she developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods, particularly during the 19th Century, working in the field. This extensive research into early detectives and the tools available to them acted as the foundation for developing the characters in her The Innocents Mystery Series. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate; through a fog of history and a touch of light humor.

Book Review: Red Tide by Claudette Melanson

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Red Tide: Dangerous Waters

Subtitle: (The DeLuca Vampires Trilogy Book 1)

Author: Claudette Melanson

Genre: Paranormal

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series? Best read after the Maura DeLuca Trilogy

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49098699-red-tide

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

We continue to follow Maura in this series. In this book, she tries to free her aunt and uncle from the claws of Ron’s elven family. Things do not turn out as she expects and she may pay with her life. And will her aunt thank her for her sacrifice?

What I liked about the book:

This alternative vampire story kept me entertained throughout.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The closeness between Maura, her family and her friends.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the the next trilogy, the 4th in the series and I hope more in this trilogy will soon emerge.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is a completely alternative look on the vampire world.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like paranormal stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Nearly two years have passed since the events which took place in the first set of books, The Maura DeLuca Trilogy…

 

Maura has finally made peace with her transformation into a creature she never imagined could be real…much less one she might become. With her newfound existence comes the benefit of family, friends and allies who fill her life and heart with a love like she has never experienced during all the years she has lived with her melancholy, but loving, mother. But along with the most welcome comradery, all manner of new challenges arise—many of them deadly.

 

One of Maura’s new enemies, her auntie, Aldiva, cannot accept the young changeling as a member of her family. Aldiva’s treachery and murderous intent result not only in her own capture but that of her mate, Gregor—Maura’s beloved uncle and caregiver. Grown weary of waiting for her kin to concoct a plan of rescue, Maura plots a return to the Pacific Rainforest, accompanied solely by her blood-bonded mate, to face his elven kin and negotiate the vampire couple’s release.

 

But…as so often before in her past, events do not always play out the way Maura intends. She will soon discover that Ron’s elven kin pose an even greater threat than she dreamed possible. Presented with impossible choices, again and again, Maura will find herself placed at the most perilous collection of crossroads to ever mark her path. One careless misstep could draw her away, forever, from all she holds dear…or even snuff out her life, entirely.

 

 

˃˃˃ If you love books about vampires, elves, pixies, demons, angels and other fantastic creatures, Red Tide: Dangerous Waters is sure to keep you reading far into the night. This series isnt your typical YA tale of vampires. Full of mystery, suspense and danger, this urban fantasy thriller delivers just enough romance & humor to accompany the elements of dark fantasy, served with a side of the supernatural. Maura’s story are novels certain to become classic paranormal and fantasy tales. The first series is not only for teen & young adult readers but has been well-received by many adult readers, as well. Maura doesn't live in Castle Dracula in Transylvania, but readers will discover a strong female protagonist that readers have come to love. A preview will be available using the Look Inside feature for the eBook and print copies, above. Scroll up to read a sample once the book is published!

About the Author:

Claudette Melanson writes dark fantasy in Kitchener, Ontario with seven bun babies: Tegan, Pepper, Butters, Beckett, Sansa, Daenerys, & Caramel. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English, BS in English Education and an MA in Literature. Harboring a deep admiration of vampires since the age of five left her with the desire to eventually become one, and now fuels the creation of her favorite paranormal characters. She hopes to one day work full time as an author, since there are many, many stories playing out inside her head.

 

In her very scant spare time, she enjoys watching Japanese Anime and reading vampire stories...along with other genres of great fiction, as well as riding every roller coaster she encounters in both her hometown and away at signings. An advocate for good health and ketogenic eating, her favorite foods are bulletproof coffee, cashew-flour crust pizza and treats made with xylitol and almond, coconut or cashew flours.

 

Future dreams include a cabin boasting a roaring fire, isolated inside a snow-filled wood in the Yukon—the perfect writing spot—and the completion of dozens of future novels and stories. A Rabbit Rescue fanatic and loving bunmom, she also hopes to help rescues all over the world save many innocent lives.

 

In her spare time--what's that???--she loves to watch anime, game the XBox 360--especially Silent Hill Games, read great works of fiction & play with the bunnies. Coffee Lover, occasional blogger, Keto eater & movie watcher. Her first novel, Rising Tide, was the winner of the Gold Medal for YA Mystery in the 2015 Readers' Favorite Competition. Her second, Undertow, took Honorable Mention, for YA Horror the same year for Readers' Favorite. Rising Tide was also the medalist winner for New Apple's Summer Ebook competition.

Book Review: The Innocents by C A Asbrey

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: The Innocents

Subtitle: (The Innocent Mystery Series #1)

Author: C.A. Asbrey

Genre: Crime/Thriller/Mystery/Historic Fiction

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39694699-the-innocents

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

This is great book I fully enjoyed and couldn’t put down.

Meet Abigail MacKay, a young woman who lost her father and her husband and now wants to make a life for herself. This story plays in the mid-1800’s when women were not expected to have careers. However, Abi is a Pinkerton Detective and hunts for outlaws.

Enter Nat Quinn, leader of “The Innocents” and his uncle Jake Conroy. They are not the train robbers you expect. Instead, they treat the public with respect and kindness and only go after the money.

A lot happens within the book. Will Abi catch Nat and Jake or will they escape the detective?

What I liked about the book:

The many twists and turns, action-packed, humorous, fast-paced.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I loved the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The care Nat and Jake have for others, Abi included.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The fact the book ended.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series and I just couldn’t stop myself and had to read them all. Loved the entire series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great book and reminds me of stories from the Wild West.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like mysteries or historical fiction, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Pinkerton Detective Abigail MacKay is a master of disguises—and of new crime-solving technology! But she’ll have to move fast to stay a step ahead of Nat Quinn and Jake Conroy.

 

Nat and Jake are the ringleaders of The Innocents, a western gang that specializes in holding up trains carrying payrolls—and Nat is pretty savvy when it comes to using the new sciences of 1868 in committing his crimes.

 

Charismatic Nat and handsome Jake are on the run, and they’ve always gotten away before—before Abi. But when Abi is caught by another band of outlaws during the chase, there’s no other choice for Nat and Jake but to save her life. Abi owes them, and she agrees to help them bring in the murderer of a family friend.

 

The web of criminal activity grows more entangled with each passing day, but Nat, Jake, and Abi are united in their efforts to find the murderer. Once that happens, all bets are off, and Abi will be turning Nat and Jake over to the law. But can she do it? She finds herself falling for Nat, but is that growing attraction real? Or is he just using her to learn more about the Pinkertons’ methods? Abi always gets her man—but she may have met her match in her “best enemies”—THE INNOCENTS.

About the Author:

C.A. Asbrey is a writer of mysteries, and a fan of all things Victorian and obscure. A former member of law enforcement in Scotland, she developed a deep interest in early forensics and detection methods, particularly during the 19th Century, working in the field. This extensive research into early detectives and the tools available to them acted as the foundation for developing the characters in her The Innocents Mystery Series. She likes her mysteries twisty, complex, and intricate; through a fog of history and a touch of light humor.

Sunday 12 September 2021

Book Review: Riptide by Claudette Melanson

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Riptide: Betrayal of Blood

Subtitle: (The Maura DeLuca Trilogy #3)

Author: Claudette Melanson

Genre: Paranormal

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series? yes

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30630918-riptide

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

In this third book of the series, Maura still needs to come to terms with life on her own. Fortunately, her extended family decides to support her despite her father’s wishes. Her link to her boyfriend becomes more apparent and the detrimental effect his absence has on her wellbeing. Will everything turn out okay or will her jealous aunt cause her demise?

What I liked about the book:

This alternative vampire story kept me entertained throughout.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The closeness between Maura, her family and her friends.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the third book in the series and I couldn’t wait to read the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is a completely alternative look on the vampire world.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like paranormal stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Maura has never felt so alone in her life…nor has her existence ever been so overshadowed by peril …

Not only do both her parents—her distant but loving mother and recently- returned father—remain absent from her life, but due to the hideous error in judgement executed in collusion with her best friend, Valdamir, and adoptive sister, Susie, Maura has been cut off from the pair’s friendship and support, forbidden by both her father and the fallout from the dire outcome to see either of them. The heartbreak she suffers, brought on by the weight of these estrangements, is only intensified by the continued mysterious absence of her supernaturally-destined mate, Ron…whose disappearance delivers grave consequences Maura would have never dreamed possible…

Despised by her vampire cousin, Aldiva, for reasons Maura cannot yet comprehend, the young changeling will be forced to guard her back with every step, as she comes to realize this member of her vampire family would love nothing more than to bring about her demise. Aldiva’s wrath calls forth other members from both Vancouver covens, forcing them to rush to Maura’s aid—even though her father, their king, has expressly forbidden the other vampires to initiate contact with his daughter. Will her extended family on Vancouver Island obey, abandoning Maura to her doom, or will they instead rebel against Maxwell’s wishes in order to save her life?

In addition to the menace personified in her unsolicited enemy, the unlikely vampire princess will find herself drowning as she is pulled down into the depths of a far more devastating crisis…one which may condemn her to a fate she considers much more undesirable than death. But in order to tear herself free from the deadly pull which is drawing her under, Maura must enlist the help of her preternatural family, exposing her newfound friends to a danger none of them have ever had the misfortune to face before. Can she be saved or will the riptide drag Maura under…along with those she loves the most…

In this third and final book of The Maura DeLuca Trilogy, the reader will delve even deeper into the secrets guarded by Maura’s father, the mystery of Ron’s role in her life and the identities of the mysterious Vancouver Island Coven members who have, up until now, remained hidden in the shadows. This trilogy rounds out the segment of Maura’s life during which she discovers she is a member of The Born—a human destined to complete her transformation into a vampire! This series of young adult fantasy novels has been enjoyed by readers of nearly every age and are found by them to be dramatically different from any other vampire books they have read in the past. Discover a magical world filled with fae, angels, elves, pixies and other enchanting creatures in addition to two families made up of some of the most likeable vampires—for the most part—to ever exist.

About the Author:

Claudette Melanson writes dark fantasy in Kitchener, Ontario with seven bun babies: Tegan, Pepper, Butters, Beckett, Sansa, Daenerys, & Caramel. She graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a BA in English, BS in English Education and an MA in Literature. Harboring a deep admiration of vampires since the age of five left her with the desire to eventually become one, and now fuels the creation of her favorite paranormal characters. She hopes to one day work full time as an author, since there are many, many stories playing out inside her head.

 

In her very scant spare time, she enjoys watching Japanese Anime and reading vampire stories...along with other genres of great fiction, as well as riding every roller coaster she encounters in both her hometown and away at signings. An advocate for good health and ketogenic eating, her favorite foods are bulletproof coffee, cashew-flour crust pizza and treats made with xylitol and almond, coconut or cashew flours.

 

Future dreams include a cabin boasting a roaring fire, isolated inside a snow-filled wood in the Yukon—the perfect writing spot—and the completion of dozens of future novels and stories. A Rabbit Rescue fanatic and loving bunmom, she also hopes to help rescues all over the world save many innocent lives.

 

In her spare time--what's that???--she loves to watch anime, game the XBox 360--especially Silent Hill Games, read great works of fiction & play with the bunnies. Coffee Lover, occasional blogger, Keto eater & movie watcher. Her first novel, Rising Tide, was the winner of the Gold Medal for YA Mystery in the 2015 Readers' Favorite Competition. Her second, Undertow, took Honorable Mention, for YA Horror the same year for Readers' Favorite. Rising Tide was also the medalist winner for New Apple's Summer Ebook competition.

Book Review: Undertow by Claudette Melanson

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Undertow: Death's Twilight

Subtitle: (The Maura DeLuca Trilogy #2)

Author: Claudette Melanson

Genre: Paranormal

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23253933-undertow

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

In this second book of the series, we find out how Maura deals with the new truths she has learned at the end of the first book. She now has met her father, someone she has had to be without for her entire life until then. But will it be the happily ever after now he’s back? Think again. Maura’s mum is severely ill and collapses. So, what will happen next and will Maura be able to cope on her own?

What I liked about the book:

This alternative vampire story kept me entertained throughout.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The closeness between Maura, her family and her friends.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series and I couldn’t wait to read the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is a completely alternative look on the vampire world.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like paranormal stories, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Maura finally found the truth she was always seeking…or has she?

 

After being left in the dark for all of her life, Maura’s father, Maxwell, has finally returned to reveal sinister family secrets Maura could never have dreamed possible—including his revelation that she is one of The Born. But his daughter soon discovers both he and her mother are keeping pieces of her reality hidden, still. As Maura struggles to unravel the mysteries surrounding her new existence and discover every piece of the cryptic puzzle, life appears intent on casting stumbling blocks across her path with every step forward.

 

Tragedy seems to stalk Maura, and those around her, as she stumbles along, altering the young changeling’s family, just when they have all come back together. The changes left in its wake could be for the better, or may threaten their existence, entirely.

 

With the arrival of Christmas comes the opportunity for Maura to draw close to everyone she loves—and finally reunite with Ron, her long-distance boyfriend. But permanence has always eluded her, and in her current state of flux this pattern endures, as fate seems intent on snapping the threads that bind her to those she holds most dear. Maxwell’s good intentions pave a road for Maura, littered with misery, while her mother, Caelyn’s, desire to shield her family from pain may tear her away from them, altogether. The perfect happiness in the young vampire’s grasp is so easily swept away and dragged under, out of reach. Can Maura erupt from the darkness and confusion to break the surface and find the life she’s always dreamed of?

 

In the midst of chaos, assistance materializes in the form of another of her kind—ephemerally beautiful, yet explosively volatile, this new vampire may prove capable of unlocking the puzzle-box Maxwell seems intent on securing from her sight. Maura will discover the darkest parts of herself in her quest to understand the being she is destined to become. Her newfound friend has some shady intentions of his own—such as thwarting the love that has grown between Maura and Ron. Following in the wake of the impulsive vampire’s misguided instruction may further pull a naive Maura down into the depths of ultimate despair, heartbreak…and even destruction.

 

 

Undertow: Death’s Twilight is the second book in the Maura DeLuca trilogy and the sequel to Rising Tide: Dark Innocence. In this dark, urban fantasy, readers will discover a world full of uncommon vampires, troubled romance and a splash of blood—and uniquely devoid of werewolves. The rollercoaster that is Maura’s life continues in this YA, paranormal novel that fans of the Twilight series, Vampire Diaries, and Vampire Academy will love. Reminiscent of the classic Fairy Tale, the characters introduced in this series are at the other end of the spectrum from the vampire found in the age of Bram Stoker and his famous Dracula. Although there are ties to the myths created by Stoker and his timeless novel, the Maura DeLuca story possesses a sprinkle of magic, coupled with ‘monsters’ that—in most cases—retain the majority of their humanity.

About the Author:


Book Review: Spy in the Sky by Diane Henders

 Book Review



Basic Details:

Book Title: Spy In The Sky

Subtitle: (Never Say Spy #16)

Author: Diane Henders

Genre: Spy/Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 16

Best read after earlier books in series? Possibly as easier when you know the background story.

Available:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57810667-spy-in-the-sky

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

We meet up with Aydan again in this book. The middle-aged bookkeeper has to prove she’s fit for more action again and worries about the lie-detector test. Will she be able to pass this without putting her friend and lover Arnie at risk of jail and will she be able to escape without being locked up herself? She again has to escape attempts on her life and also unravels an unknown bank account in her name. Get ready for more mystery and intrigue.

What I liked about the book:

Just like the other books in this series, it kept me reading on. Impossible to put down.

What I didn’t like about the book:

There was nothing I didn’t like about the book.

My favourite bits in the book:

The entire book.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the 16th book in the series. Although they can be read as stand-alones, they’re better read in order.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a series that stands on its own. It’s a tongue-in-cheek spy novel full of action.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Possibly

Adult

Yes

 

If you like spy novels with humour and romance, this book may be the book for you.

I look forward to reading more books by this author. Can’t wait for the next in the series.

Book Description by Author:

…If a kickass middle-aged bookkeeper got sucked into a spy’s life…

When secret agent Aydan Kelly investigates a disgraced CIA agent, he insists he was only following orders. Four days later he mysteriously dies while in custody.

 

Aydan suspects that a CIA director killed him to hide a profitable connection with an international arms dealer. As she digs deeper, Aydan knows she’s on the right track when assassins start trying to kill her. But when the arms dealer deposits twenty million dollars in her bank account, suspicion veers toward Aydan.

 

With only three days left before she’s jailed for treason, Aydan fights to stay alive, capture the elusive arms dealer, and clear her name.

 

* * *

 

Contains coarse language, moderate violence, and sexuality. The story can stand alone but will be more enjoyable if the series is read in order.

About the Author:

By profession, I’m a technical writer, computer geek, and ex-interior designer. I’m good at two out of three of these things. I had the sense to quit the one I sucked at.

 

To deal with my mid-life crisis, I also write adventure novels featuring a middle-aged female protagonist, Aydan Kelly. And I kickbox.

 

This seemed more productive than indulging in more typical mid-life crisis activities like getting a divorce, buying a Harley Crossbones, and cruising across the country picking up men in sleazy bars. Especially since it’s winter most of the months of the year here.

 

It’s much more comfortable to sit at my computer. And hell, Harleys are expensive. Come to think of it, so are beer and gasoline.

 

Oh, and I still love my husband. There’s that. I’ll stick with the writing.

Wednesday 8 September 2021

Book Review: Dogs and More Dogs, Another Murder by Christa Nardi

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: Dogs and More Dogs, Another Murder

Subtitle: (A Sheridan Hendley Mystery #2)

Author: Christa Nardi

Genre: Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series? Can be read as stand-alone

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/44280575-dogs-and-more-dogs-another-murder

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

In this second book of the series, Sheridan Hendley continues her volunteering at a local dog rescue. At the start of the book, it is chaos at the shelter when dozens of dogs are found in an old abandoned house. It is now her task to help the owner of the shelter to look after and find a new forever home for the dogs. And then the owner of the house is found dead in one of the rooms in the house. What is Sheridan involved in now?

What I liked about the book:

This is a lovely mystery which is also suitable for young adults. There are no graphic details or bad language.

What I didn’t like about the book:

What’s not to like about a cozy mystery?

My favourite bits in the book:

The obvious friendship between Sheridan and her stepdaughter.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the second book in the series and I noticed the author has written several other mystery books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a book that is in its own category although it reminds you of Nancy Drew mysteries.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like cozy mysteries, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

An abandoned house, an abundance of dogs. And a dead body or two.

 

Sheridan Hendley’s volunteer position at Pets and Paws takes a new turn when more than twenty malnourished dogs are found at a rundown house on the outskirts of town. When the body of an elderly woman is found amidst mountains of clutter in the house, a search of the property leads to startling revelations. And another body. While Herman Stoneham’s death is deemed natural causes, his wife’s is not. Where did all the dogs come from and who’s responsible for Justine’s untimely death? Are the two connected? With dogs and murder at stake, Sheridan can't help but get involved in the investigation.

About the Author:

From childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.

Book Review: A New Place, Another Murder by Christa Nardi

 Book Review

 


Basic Details:

Book Title: A New Place, Another Murder

Subtitle: (A Sheridan Hendley Mystery #1)

Author: Christa Nardi

Genre: Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58317104-a-new-place-another-murder

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

Short Summary of the book:

In this first book of the series, we meet Sheridan Hendley, a psychology professor. She has recently moved in with her new husband and his daughter and is busy looking for a job in the area. However, things never turn out the way they are planned and her stepdaughter gets involved in a crime she didn’t commit. Will Sheridan be able to get to the bottom of the mystery?

What I liked about the book:

This is a lovely mystery which is also suitable for young adults. There are no graphic details or bad language.

What I didn’t like about the book:

What’s not to like about a cozy mystery?

My favourite bits in the book:

The obvious friendship between Sheridan and her stepdaughter.

My least favourite bits in the book:

I loved the entire book.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

This is the first book in the series and I noticed the author has written several other mystery books.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a book that is in its own category although it reminds you of Nancy Drew mysteries.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

 

Children

No

Young Adult

Yes

Adult

Yes

 

If you like cozy mysteries, this book may be the book for you.

I’m certainly looking forward to reading more by this author.

Book Description by Author:

Sheridan Hendley is starting her new life as wife and step-mom, but is not employed, and has too much time on her hands. That is, until her step-daughter and friend are framed for theft and murder. Sheridan discovers the powerful family in her small town. Only she asks too many questions, and now is a target.

 

Cozy mystery, clean listen. This is the first of the Sheridan Hendley Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Cold Creek Cozy Mysteries.

About the Author:

From childhood, as a fan of Nancy Drew, Dana Girls, Perry Mason, and the Hardy Boys, it was inevitable that Christa Nardi would continue her love of books and particularly mysteries. With a career in technical/nonfiction writing (under real name), it is not surprising that her love of mystery transformed into not only reading but writing mysteries. Christa combines her love for reading and writing on her blog.