Book Review: Against Blood by Jack King

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Against Blood

Subtitle: (A Detective Cliff Husto Thriller Book 2)

Author: Jack King

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

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/55043105-against-blood

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Some person or persons unknown have it in for the military. Several service men are killed in a similar manner. 2 Bombs are also directed to military targets. Will Cliff Husto be able to solve the crimes before more lives are taken and before someone is made a scapegoat?

What I liked about the book:

It was action-filled with twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed 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 author has written several books in this genre. It is the second in the series, and I enjoyed the first in te series too.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book is a thriller and quite enjoyable. It can benefit from some further editing as there are occasional typos.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like thrillers, this book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

Houston is falling apart. Gang violence in the streets, crazed neo-fascist cults, and violent mischief abound, steeping the Texas city in chaos and bedlam. And to make matters worse, twisted half-truths and mounting conspiracies behind closed doors threaten to set the worst of the worst against each other in an all-out city-wide war for power and vengeance. As tension mounts and deadly plans are made, HPD senior detective Cliff Husto is reluctantly drawn into the fray.

 

But when what he thinks are just minnows in a sea of crime devolve into a series of inexplicably clean murders of military personnel, Husto is faced with his most baffling case yet. The detective must now unravel the web of conspiracies and vendettas entangling Desert Storm veterans suffering from PTSD, a group of Islamic college students on the path to radicalization, and hard-line, racist American nationalists. Husto must extinguish the rapidly spreading criminal wildfire tearing through the streets of the city before it is too late.

About the Author:

Born in Tennessee to a military family, Jack King grew up crisscrossing the USA, twice living on the west and east coasts, and several states in between. Upon obtaining graduate degrees in both business and history, Mr. King began a successful sales and marketing career, working for Fortune 500, mid-sized, and start-up firms along the way.

 

After years of moving place to place, King settled in Plano, Texas where he lives with his wife and six dachshunds: parents Barney & Truffles, and their puppies Streak, Cherry, Princess, and Boy Dog.

 

King weaves common themes into his stories, using historical adventure and danger, exotic or unusual locales and time periods, seasoned with bits of stirring romance.

 

Mr. King writes novels for young adults as well as for grown-ups.

Book Review: Quickie by Penny Wylder

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Quickie

Subtitle: (Big Man’s Happily Ever After #2)

Author: Penny Wylder

Genre: Women’s Fiction

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/36194555-quickie

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

After her fiancée runs off with her younger sister, Sandy goes to Las Vegas with her friends for a quickie to forget her troubles. But everything turns out a little different than she expected. Meeting up with Wilcox for a one-night-stand looks different the next morning.

What I liked about the book:

It was action-filled with twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed 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 author has written several books in this genre. All steamy and filled with romance.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book fits in the category of steamy romance.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	No
Adult	Yes

 

If you like steamy romance stories, book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

It was supposed to be a quickie. Now there's a ring on my finger.

What do you get if you mix a night in Vegas with a dash of some self-hate because your fiance ran off with your sister? An excuse to make some bad decisions.

When my friends pulled me into the lap of a random guy at the club, I rolled with it. I played along because it felt good to let loose.

I was single... I was angry... didn't I deserve a hot quickie?

Then I woke up in the same bed as a sexy stranger—with a ring on my finger.

He tells me that we're married. That I'm his wife, and he has no intention of letting me walk away from him. My mystery man with smokey eyes and a sharp smirk is used to getting his way.

This was supposed to be some quick fun.

Could one tiny mistake last a life time?

 

This is a standalone novella with a HEA and NO cheating!

Penny Wylder writes just that-- wild romances. Happily Ever Afters are always better when they're a little dirty, so if you're looking for a page turner that will make you feel naughty in all the right places, jump right in and leave your panties at the door!

About the Author:

Book Review: The Single Dad Arrangement by Penny Wylder

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Single Dad Arrangement

Subtitle:

Author: Penny Wylder

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42142122-the-single-dad-arrangement

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Tilly has aspirations of becoming a children’s author. But before she can focus on this, she’ll need to ensure she has a nest egg. She really enjoys her job as children’s entertainer playing princesses at their birthday parties. And nothing will distract her from her goal.

When she meets Killian at his daughter Lina’s birthday party sparks fly.

What I liked about the book:

It was action-filled with twists and turns.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed 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 author has written several books in this genre. All steamy and filled with romance.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book fits in the category of steamy romance.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	No
Adult	Yes

 

If you like steamy romance stories, book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

A sizzling-hot Single Dad Standalone Romance Novel.

When I first met Tilly, she looked like a princess. Literally-- we're talking pink lace and a pound of glitter. I'd hired her for my daughter's birthday party.

But behind Tilly's cute exterior is a dirty woman who wants to be corrupted.

I'm eager to help.

There's just one problem.

She's working for my ex-wife, and that harpy is out to ruin me. But she promises to leave me alone... if I break up with Tilly. Walking away from this girl should be a no-brainer, right?

Well, it isn't. I can't keep my hands off of her.

I'm done trying to cooperate with my ex.

Even if it means risking everything...

I'm keeping my princess.

 

This full-length novel contains a stone-cold-fox single dad who's ready for a second chance at love, and the sassy but sweet woman who compliments him perfectly. NO cheating, lots of kindle-melting action, and always a happily ever after!

About the Author:

Book Review: The Mermaid From My Nightmare by Kristina Gallo

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: The Mermaid From My Nightmare

Subtitle:

Author: Kristina Gallo

Genre: Mystery/thriller

Part of a series?

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59060111-the-mermaid-from-my-nightmare

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

When Dijana visits her sister in Brazil looking for inspiration for a story, the journalist finds more than she was looking for. With an unsolved murder and more people at risk, what will happen to her?

What I liked about the book:

It was action-filled and fast-paced

What I didn’t like about the book:

I enjoyed the entire book, although it would benefit from some editing, the drawback of being an author writing in a second language.

My favourite bits in the book:

I enjoyed 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?

I understand this Croatian author has written several other books. This is the first I’ve read by her hand.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This book combines action, thriller and romance in one.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Probably not
Adult	Yes

 

If you like thrillers, book may be the book for you.

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

Book Description by Author:

Living in different parts of the world, Dijana and Antonio would never meet. Dijana is a journalist who is looking for inspiration for a story. Antonio is a family man, a workaholic. When Dijana comes to Brazil to visit her younger sister, their paths will cross.

The event from the past is hunting him. The act of burglary will wake up his fearful doubts and bitter memories.

A reminiscence on the affair with a woman called Mermaid damaged his reputation.

His family is in danger. Who is hating him so much to want him dead?

Another victim will pay for sins, and whose turn is next?

About the Author:

I am a Croatian indie author. My favorite genre is a suspense thriller. Starting with self-help, I was searching my niche and found myself in adrenaline stories. With time I developed a skill, how to write a story with a twist.

Adrenaline, mysterious places and rebellious characters are my favorite.

Check out my books if you need excitement.

Book Review: Antiques and Alibis by Wendy H. Jones

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Antiques and Alibis

Subtitle: (Cass Claymore Investigates Book 1)

Author: Wendy H. Jones

Genre: Murder Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40968364-antiques-and-alibis

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Cass Claymore inherits a detective agency and a Burnese mountain dog from her uncle. The former ballet dancer now needs to forge a career as a private investigator. Will she be up to the job?

What I liked about the book:

A detective story with a generous helping of humorous occurrences.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How her dog keeps making a mess of things.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

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

This was the second book I’ve read by this author and I would love to read some further books in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great humorous detective story.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Yes
Adult	Yes

 

If you like detective stories with some humour mixed in, this book may be the book for you

Book Description by Author:

Cass Claymore, a red headed, motorbike riding, ex-ballerina inherits a Detective Agency, and accidentally employs an ex-con dwarf and an octogenarian. Hired by a client who should know better, Cass has no leads, no clue and a complete inability to solve a case. Still a girl needs to eat and her highbred client’s offering good money. Join her as, with bungling incompetence, she follows a trail littered with missing antique teddies, hapless crooks, a misplaced Lord of the Realm and dead bodies. Will Cass, and Scotland, survive?

About the Author:

Wendy H. Jones lives in Scotland, and her police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie, is set in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland. Wendy has led a varied and adventurous life. Her love for adventure led to her joining the Royal Navy to undertake nurse training. After six years in the Navy she joined the Army where she served as an Officer for a further 17 years. This took her all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Much of her spare time is now spent travelling around the UK, and lands much further afield. As well as nursing Wendy also worked for many years in Academia. This led to publication in academic textbooks and journals. Killer's Countdown is her first novel and the first book in the Shona McKenzie Mystery series

Book Review: Killer's Countdown by Wendy H. Jones

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Killer's Countdown

Subtitle: (DI Shona McKenzie #1)

Author: Wendy H. Jones

Genre: Murder Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 1

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23785817-killer-s-countdown

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Shona’s husband left her for another after moving back to Dundee. As a newly promoted DI, she is tasked to find who is killing several women. Will she succeed to find the killer?

What I liked about the book:

This is a great murder mystery which gives us glimpses from the murderer’s perspective, too.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

How Rory keeps butting his little head in.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

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

This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I would love to read some further books in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great murder mystery.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Maybe
Adult	Yes

 

If you like murder mysteries, this book may be the book for you

Book Description by Author:

Amazon best selling novel.

 

Dead Women

 

A Ruthless Killer

 

A Detective with something to prove

 

Newly promoted DI Shona McKenzie struggles to cope with her new job, the respect of her colleagues, and the need to solve the hardest case of her life.

 

Will she succeed?

 

For lovers of books by Val McDermid, Ian Rankin, Alex Gray, Stuart MacBride, Lin Anderson

About the Author:

Wendy H. Jones lives in Scotland, and her police procedural series featuring Detective Inspector Shona McKenzie, is set in the beautiful city of Dundee, Scotland. Wendy has led a varied and adventurous life. Her love for adventure led to her joining the Royal Navy to undertake nurse training. After six years in the Navy she joined the Army where she served as an Officer for a further 17 years. This took her all over the world including Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. Much of her spare time is now spent travelling around the UK, and lands much further afield. As well as nursing Wendy also worked for many years in Academia. This led to publication in academic textbooks and journals. Killer's Countdown is her first novel and the first book in the Shona McKenzie Mystery series

Book Review: Murder of the Mayor by Jim Riley

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Murder Of The Mayor

Subtitle: (Wade Dalton & Sam Cates Short Stories #4)

Author: Jim Riley

Genre: Murder Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 4

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56671811-murder-of-the-mayor

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Another challenge for Wade comes along in the form of the murder of the Mayor. Can he see the wood for the trees amongst the affairs lining up?

What I liked about the book:

This is a quick read and highly enjoyable.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Things aren’t always as they seem.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

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

This was the fourth book I’ve read by this author and I am getting hooked on the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great murder mystery.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like murder mystery, this book may be the book for you

Book Description by Author:

Two alligator hunters never dreamed that their catch of the day would be the mayor. Soon after, Wade Dalton is called in to investigate.

 

After the mayor of Kiln is pulled from the Homochito River, Wade starts sifting through the long list of business associates and girlfriends of the now-deceased victim. The mayor's disgruntled wife also has a part to play in the investigation.

 

But even with his powerful deductive skills and keen questioning, can Wade sort through the steamy affairs and catch the killer?

About the Author:

J​​​​​​​​​​im Riley was born on the banks of the Cane River in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the heart of the southern cotton patch. Growing up in this rural setting developed the love and passion he has for the outdoors and for the wildlife he hunted.

 

After graduation from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jim worked in the oilfield for more than twenty years. Now he is happy at home with his wife.

Book Review: Murder for Lease by Jim Riley

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Murder For Lease

Subtitle: (Wade Dalton & Sam Cates Short Stories #3)

Author: Jim Riley

Genre: Murder Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 3

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56662688-murder-for-lease

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Wade is called in to help find the murderer of a farmer. When a second farmer dies, it’s up to him to find the link.

What I liked about the book:

This is a quick read and highly enjoyable.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Things aren’t always as they seem.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

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

This was the third book I’ve read by this author and I was keen to find out what happened in the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great murder mystery.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like murder mystery, this book may be the book for you

Book Description by Author:

Leasing is a cheap way to get the use of land... Until the checks get too high. Then, murder becomes a negotiating tactic.

 

When farmers get murdered, Wade looks at the money trail. One is the lease of the hunting rights to the farms soon after the murders. When he digs further, he finds another kind of lease: oil rights.

 

There is a connection between the deaths and the families who hold rights to the land. But can Wade find it?

About the Author:

J​​​​​​​​​​im Riley was born on the banks of the Cane River in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the heart of the southern cotton patch. Growing up in this rural setting developed the love and passion he has for the outdoors and for the wildlife he hunted.

 

After graduation from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jim worked in the oilfield for more than twenty years. Now he is happy at home with his wife.

Book Review: Murder and Rubber Chicken by Jim Riley

 Book Review

 

Basic Details:

Book Title: Murder And Rubber Chicken

Subtitle: (Wade Dalton & Sam Cates Short Stories #2)

Author: Jim Riley

Genre: Murder Mystery

Part of a series? Yes

Order in series: 2

Best read after earlier books in series?

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56662106-murder-and-rubber-chicken

Overall score:

I scored this book 4/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

While attending a social function with her boyfriend, Sam’s uncle keels over dead. Poisoned with arsenic. Why and who wanted him dead?

What I liked about the book:

This is a quick read and highly enjoyable.

What I didn’t like about the book:

I liked the entire book.

My favourite bits in the book:

Things aren’t always as they seem.

My least favourite bits in the book:

There were none.

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

This was the second book I’ve read by this author and I was keen to find out what happened in the next in the series.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is a great murder mystery.

Recommendation:

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

 

Children	No
Young Adult	Possibly
Adult	Yes

 

If you like murder mystery, this book may be the book for you

Book Description by Author:

While attending a social function at the local library, Sam Cates’s uncle keels over. Autopsy results confirm he was poisoned.

 

After looking into the man’s past for enemies, Sam receives a note that changes the direction of the investigation. But what connects the murder to the girl who served the dead uncle's table?

 

Sam has to use all her deductive skills to find out the identity of the murderer. And then, she has to figure out how to prove it.

About the Author:

J​​​​​​​​​​im Riley was born on the banks of the Cane River in Natchitoches, Louisiana, the heart of the southern cotton patch. Growing up in this rural setting developed the love and passion he has for the outdoors and for the wildlife he hunted.

 

After graduation from Louisiana State University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Jim worked in the oilfield for more than twenty years. Now he is happy at home with his wife.