Category: Mystery

Fiction, Mystery

Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Gone Without a Trace
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Title: Gone Without a Trace
Series: Maddie Baker Mystery #2
Location: Cockamamie, TN
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Neil, Bert, Mallory, Aunt Diedra, Amy, Jake, Barbara, Steve, Gil, Boomer
Rating: 5+

I literally could not put this book down. Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank had me thinking, “Okay, just one more chapter…” before I realized it was well past my bedtime.

This is a suspenseful mystery that centers around a sudden disappearance that leaves more questions than answers. As the story unfolds, secrets begin to surface and relationships are tested, revealing that not everything—and not everyone—is as it seems. As tension rises and emotions escalate, the quest for the truth draws readers deeper into a web of mystery, danger, and unexpected revelations. This fast-paced, character-driven story keeps you guessing until the very end.

This story captivated me from the very beginning. The mystery unfolds at an ideal pace, creating just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages, while also providing enough emotional depth to make you genuinely care about the characters. I loved how the author expertly balances suspense with heartfelt moments. It’s not just about what happened, but how it affects everyone involved, which makes the story feel authentic and personal. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story took another unexpected turn.

This was a such a cozy yet suspenseful read, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine later in the evening. If you appreciate emotional mysteries filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing, featuring strong characters and a protagonist you can’t help but love, along with a captivating storyline and a touch of romance, Gone Without a Trace definitely deserves a spot on your TBR list.

I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery with emotional depth.

Fiction, Mystery, Thriller, Women's Fiction

Shadow of the Past by Tammy L Grace

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Shadows of the Past
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Quinn Stone #1
Main Character: Quinn Stone
Other Characters: Daniel Stone, Ethan, Jane, Dominic, Victor, Walter, Tanner Chase, Eleanor, Ryan, Colton, Selene
Genre: Political thriller  & Women’s fiction (because Quinn’s emotional journey, relationships, and personal struggles give it more depth than a typical political/action thriller)
Pets: Zephyr, Quinn’s Golden Retriever and best friend
Rating: 4

“Evil wins is when good men do nothing”

Having read and enjoyed several of Tammy L. Grace’s books, I decided to give Shadows of the Past a try, despite political thrillers and spy stories not being my usual genre. Honestly, I’m glad I did!

The story follows ex-CIA operative Quinn Stone as she is pulled back into a complex web of espionage, political danger, and long-buried secrets. Grace expertly balances action with emotional depth; Quinn’s inner struggles and the suspense surrounding the presidential candidate she is tasked with protecting kept me turning the pages. That being said, I occasionally found the large cast of characters overwhelming. There were moments when the themes of secrecy, covert operations, and political maneuvering felt repetitive, particularly in the “protecting Chase” storyline. Nonetheless, the overall tension, atmosphere, and strong female lead made for a solid and engaging read. I especially loved Quinn’s relationship with her dog, Zephyr.

Although this genre isn’t typically my preference, I found myself enjoying the journey, thanks to Tammy L. Grace’s engaging writing. It’s a gripping story that fans of political thrillers will undoubtedly enjoy!

Fiction, Mystery

Take the Wheel by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Take the Wheel
Author:Denise Grover Swank
Series: Maddie Baker #1
Location: Cockamamie, Tennessee
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Mallory, Lance, Aunt Deidre, Margarete, Peter, Ernie, Martin, Dawn, Adam, Roscoe, Colleen
Rating: 4

Denise Grover Swank presents a charming, slow-burn mystery featuring a heroine who is both relatable and resilient.

Maddie is rebuilding her life in her quirky hometown of Cockamamie, Tennessee. She returned to care for her aunt, who raised her and now has dementia. To make ends meet, Maddie drives for Uber, but her life takes an unexpected turn when one of her passengers is found dead, drawing her into a murder investigation.

Detective Noah Langley, a former big-city cop from Memphis, has recently relocated to the small town of Cockamamie in search of a quieter life. He arrives to take on his first case, a murder with Maddie as the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets from the town’s past resurface, prompting Maddie to realize that this case may be more personal than she ever anticipated.

Maddie is a relatable and resourceful protagonist. Her challenge of balancing family obligations, financial pressures, and the suspicion cast upon her is convincingly portrayed. The plot offers a well-balanced mix of red herrings and surprises, although some twists are predictable. Some sections of the book felt a bit slow and seemed to drag on, particularly in the middle. I even found myself skipping a few pages to keep moving forward.

I recommend Take the Wheel to readers who enjoy a mystery infused with slow-burn romance and a strong female lead. Although some parts were predictable and there were a few slow sections in the middle, it serves as a well-crafted introduction to the Maddie Baker series, filled with enough intrigue to entice readers to pick up the next installment.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Luck of the Devil by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Luck of the Devil
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #3
Location: Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams & James Malcolm
Other Characters: Paul Adams, Hanna, Harper’s grandparents, Carter
Rating: 5

Luck of the Devil is the third installment in the Harper Adams Mystery series. Like the first two books, it offers a compelling mix of suspense and emotion, making it difficult to put down.

Despite her flaws, former detective Harper Adams is a protagonist readers can’t help but root for. In this installment, she struggles with her sobriety after her mother’s suspicious death. The reader embarks on a tense, thrilling journey filled with determination, grief, and danger. Harper’s relentless pursuit of the truth, regardless of the potential cost, adds depth and complexity to her character, making her journey both intriguing and engaging. The scene is shrouded in suspicion, featuring faded skid marks, a packed suitcase, and a toxicology report that doesn’t add up. This mystery series is truly addictive.

The chemistry between Harper and Malcolm, a crime boss turned tavern owner whom she reluctantly trusts, is magnetic. Their dynamic is electrifying and complex; he acts as her protector while also being a wildcard, and she confronts her inner turmoil with unwavering determination. I loved their dialogue and the interactions between these two characters, and I can’t wait to see where their story leads in future books in the series.

If you love a mystery with a flawed complicated but interesting protagonist, slow burn romance, with twists and turns to solve a mystery, you are going to fall in love with this series.

Reasons for my five-star rating of this book…

  • Harper experiences profound emotional depth and growth as she navigates her sobriety following the suspicious death of her mother.
  • The unforgettable slow-burn dynamic between Harper and Malcolm.
  • The characters are authentic; they are flawed yet very interesting, making it impossible for the reader not to root for them.
  • A true page-turner, this book was difficult to put down once I started reading it.
  • Harper and Malcolm navigate the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding Harper’s mother’s death, all while uncovering the true nature of their relationship.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Long Gone by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Long Gone
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #2
Location: Jackson Creek, Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams
Other Characters: James Malcolm, Clarice, Anton, Brett Colter, Skip Martin, Carter Hale, Paul Adams
Rating: 5

“I’m a daydream dressed as a nightmare.”

Long Gone, the second installment of the Harper Adams mystery series, draws readers back into Harper’s world, now filled with heightened emotion and expertly crafted pacing. Set in the small town of Jackson Creek, Arkansas, the story reveals its secrets in vivid detail, as Swank skillfully weaves tension into a mystery that’s impossible to put down.

Harper is a complex and determined protagonist, despite her flaws. Her journey from disgrace to the heart of investigative grit captivates readers. Harper’s internal struggles and relentless pursuit of truth make her a compelling character with grit and determination.

The plot draws you in from the very first page.. Five years ago, Hugo disappeared without a trace, and now his wife seeks to have him declared dead for closure and to collect his life insurance. She hires Harper to investigate her husband’s disappearance. What begins as a simple case quickly evolves into a complex and unexpected narrative. Swank skillfully reveals clues, introduces red herrings, and crafts an atmosphere of uncertainty, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The supporting characters are equally captivating. The return of James Malcolm, the reformed crime boss turned tavern owner, is a welcome addition. Harper struggles to trust Malcolm, yet something about him draws her in. The reader feels the same attraction and can’t help but root for both him and Harper. I’m anxious to see where this leads.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and her storytelling has already captivated me. She skillfully balances suspense, pacing, and character development in her writing. I can’t wait to dive into the third book in the series to discover what Harper and Malcolm will investigate next.

If you enjoy a small-town mystery featuring a flawed but captivating protagonist, an engaging plot, and emotional depth, you’ll love this series.

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Little Girl Vanished by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Little Girl Vanished
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #1
Location: Jackson Creek, Arkansas
Main Character: Harper
Other Characters: Louise, Malcome, Nate, Drew, Ava, Vanessa, T.J., Sarah Jane, Hale, David
Rating: 5

This is the first book in the Harper Adams Mystery series and my first read by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. This book has all the elements of a compelling mystery: it is beautifully written and expertly crafted, delivering an emotional punch. I was kept on the edge of my seat until the final word, thanks to its witty dialogue, well-developed characters, and engaging storyline. The narrative includes sweet moments, thrilling action, danger, family drama, painful pasts, mystery, plot twists, and imperfect characters filled with secrets and missteps, all interspersed with laughs and deep emotions.

Harper Adams has returned to her hometown of Jackson Creek and is currently living in her parents’ garage apartment. She is trying to determine her next steps after losing her job at the Little Rock Police Department. When the daughter of her sister’s childhood friend goes missing, it stirs up unpleasant memories from Harper’s past. The local police dismiss it as a runaway case, but Harper’s instincts tell her that this child has been kidnapped, and she is determined to find her.

Harper teams up with James Malcolm, the former crime boss who serves as the perfect foil—morally gray, resourceful, and unexpectedly sympathetic. Their reluctant alliance adds a captivating tension to the story.

If you love a captivating mystery filled with twists and turns that lead to a surprising conclusion, I highly recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed. It exemplifies how a great mystery should be crafted. I literally couldn’t put it down. With its twists and turns, it kept me guessing from start to finish. I have already downloaded the second book to find out what Harper’s next mystery will be.

Please share your thoughts in the comments if you’ve read this book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Now & Then by Kay Bratt

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Now & Then
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #13
Location: Indiana & Hart’s Ridge
Main Character: Taylor, Sam, Anna
Other Characters: Janelle, Clem, Ed, Julie, Shelly, Thatcher, Jack, Rosana, Vernelle, Kelsey, Pete
Rating: 5

I have loved this series and its characters since the very first book, and this episode is no exception. Now and Then is the 13th installment of the Hart’s Ridge series.

This book swept me back into the world of Hart’s Ridge with the emotional depth I’ve come to expect from Kay Bratt. Taylor’s transition into private investigations felt seamless, and her pursuit of justice in a long-buried case was compelling and intricately layered. The pacing kept me engaged without feeling rushed, and I appreciated the gradual unveiling of twists that were both surprising and well-earned.

Janelle is Sam’s aunt, and her husband was convicted of murder ten years ago. She is convinced of his innocence and believes he did not commit this heinous crime. Recently, Sam and his wife Taylor have launched their private investigation business, and Janelle seeks their help to prove her husband’s innocence and uncover the real killer. The story takes several twists and turns as they work to determine whether Clem truly committed the crime.

In a subplot, we revisit Taylor’s sister, Anna. Since her divorce, Anna has faced numerous challenges and has worked diligently to rebuild her life for herself and her children. Her storyline adds tension and emotional depth to the narrative. Her determination to clear her name amid complicated accusations—especially those tied to her ex-husband’s powerful family—is compelling. I admire her resilience and the quiet strength she consistently demonstrates.

Kay Bratt excels at creating compelling female leads who balance vulnerability with determination. I appreciate the recurring family themes, emphasizing that even in difficult times, family always comes first and stays united. I couldn’t put this book down and stayed up late to finish it.

This book reminded me why I keep returning to this series: its emotional depth, compelling storytelling, and unwavering sense of justice. I highly recommend this installment to anyone who enjoys a mystery with heart.

Although this series can be read in out of order, I highly recommend beginning with book one so you can get to know the characters and their backstories.

Anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery featuring a strong female lead, brimming with heart and determination, will love this series.

Most of Ms. Bratt’s stories are inspired by real-life events, so be sure to read the end to discover the true experiences that this book is based on.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Murder Served Cold by Daisy Belle

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Murder Served Cold
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Myster
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe Lane
Other Characters: Rosie, Aiden, Greg, Detective Daniels, Detective Owens, Officer Wu, Brooklyn, Miranda, Tessa, Leo, Dani, Nadia, Olivia, Chief Kim, Benji, Luisa
Pets: Peanut, Chloe’s faithful Labrador Retriever
Rating: 5

I have loved this series since the very first book, and “Murder Served Cold” is no exception. The mix of cooking competition drama and murder mystery creates a captivating blend of “Bake Off” and amateur sleuthing, drawing me in from the very first page.

Rosie is both excited and a bit nervous about entering the baking competition. Imagine her surprise when the judge tastes her dish and suddenly collapses dead! Naturally, Rosie becomes the main suspect. Will her boyfriend, Detective Daniels, along with the help of Chloe and her loyal Labrador, Peanut, be able to prove her innocence?

Chloe Lane is the perfect protagonist: intelligent, witty, and unafraid to plunge into trouble when her best friend is named the prime suspect in a suspicious death. And who doesn’t love a dog at the heart of a mystery? Peanut, her loyal Labrador, has more personality than most of the contestants in that kitchen!

I love the small-town vibe of Bramble Dale. The suspects were intriguing enough to keep me guessing, and I particularly enjoyed the friendships and the lengths to which the characters would go to protect one another. The pacing was steady, and I appreciated how all the elements came together seamlessly without feeling forced. The story delivers a well-balanced blend of mystery, friendship, and a dash of humor.

I recommend this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters and a dash of culinary chaos. I can’t wait to see what adventures Chloe and Peanut embark on next!

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery, Romance, Women's Fiction

The Unbound Bookshop by Rachael Bloome

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: The Unbound Bookshop
Author: Rachael Bllome
Series: Blessings Bay #3
Setting: Blessings Bay
Main Characters: Abby, Logan, Sage, Flynn
Other Characters: Max, Piper, Tyler, Edwin, Nadia, Verna
Stars: 5

“The Unbound Bookshop: Where Stories Set Sail”

Once again, Ms. Bloome has created a fantastic ‘can’t put down’ book with the third installment of the Blessings Bay Series. I always look forward to spending time at the Blessings Bay Inn with Abby and Logan. In this episode, Abby and Logan are content as ever, but as they prepare for their happily ever after, an unexpected guest at the inn has the potential to seriously interfere with their plans. This is a twist the reader won’t see coming.

As Abby and Logan are dealing with their unexpected Guest, Sage & Fynn are dealing with their own drama. Once in a relationship which ended badly years ago, they are thrown together and forced to stay on a sailboat for three days. Flynn’s twin brother died years ago & Flynn blames himself, so he has found it his mission to complete his brother’s bucket list. Sage is now unable to tolerate being in the same room as Flynn, much less spending three days in a space as small as a sailboat.

Every time I read one of Ms Bloome’s books, I say this may be my favorite. Actually, I don’t know which one is my favorite because they are all so good. I guess which one I am currently reading is my favorite. The author just has a way of bringing the reader into her story so they can feel every emotion that the character is going through. You don’t just read one of her books, you feel it.

Any novel written by Rachael Bloome will appeal to readers who enjoy clean romances with intriguing characters, surprising turns, and gripping resolutions. I’ve read every book she’s written, and I plan to keep reading anything she writes. Although you can read this series out of order, I strongly advise starting from the beginning to fully get to know the characters. Every character in these stories is so endearing that it’s impossible not to fall in love.

“You don’t throw dirt on a diamond”

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

The Kidnapping of Lacy Peters by Marie Wilkins

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: The Kidnapping of Lacy Peters
Authur: Marie Wilkins
Series: A Riveting Kidnapping Mystery Series #75
Main Characters: Heather, William, Lacy, Blakely
Supporting Characters: Grace, Officer Russell
Stars: 4

I adore a well-crafted mystery with unexpected turns, and this one fulfills all my requirements. This author’s books have always been enjoyable to read, and this one did not dissapoint.

Heather & William took Lacy in as a foster child and later adopted her. Following the death of Blakely’s mother, they took her in and raised her as their own daughter. Lacy is just 7 years old when she goes missing along with her 16 year old cousin, Blakely. All evidence points to it being a kidnapping. The incompetent police force continues pursuing the incorrect path in an attempt to resolve this case. Heather and William, are certain they know who kidnapped the girls, but the police won’t listen and believe they know better. They are completely off course. It takes Heather and her best friend, Grace, who happens to be an ex New York police officer, to follow the trail that leads them to the kidnapper. As they get closer to the identity of the kidnapper, it leads them to secrets they didn’t see coming.

This book is intense and definitly a page turner. Since both of the girls are gone, their anxiety is unbearable, and their resentment of the incompetent police force is making things worse.

My only issue was with the grammar. Yes, the editing could have been better. There were numerous typos and poor grammar usage. While I did overlook it, I’m calling it out for anyone who might be interested in reading this book. The grammar is the reason I gave it a 4 instead of a 5.

Happy Reading!