Tag: Hart's Ridge

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Tell Me Why by Kay Bratt

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Title: Tell Me Why
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #14
Location: Hart’s Ridge, GA
Main Character: Taylor, Shane, Tula
Other Characters: Anna, Jo, Cate, Lucy, Deputy Penner, Cecil, Earl, Sheriff Dawkins, Lana, Helene, Waylon, Lorine, Dixie, Curtis
Rating: 5

This is the 14th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. You might expect the story to become stale after so many installments, but Kay Bratt has a remarkable talent for introducing new ideas that keep the narrative fresh and engaging. Tell Me Why is a story that lingers in your mind long after you finish reading. From the very first chapter, I was immersed in a world of resilience, love, and the quiet strength of women who refuse to be defined by their hardships.

A burned car with a body inside is discovered on the outskirts of town, prompting former cop turned private investigator Taylor Gray to investigation. When it becomes clear that the victim is a close family friend, Taylor is determined to uncover the truth and identify those responsible. As she joins forces with her former partner Shane, their investigation leads them through a thrilling series of twists and turns, culminating in a surprise ending that ties all the pieces together.

Tell Me Why is a rare story that resonates deeply and stays with you. Kay Bratt portrays emotions with remarkable honesty, allowing readers to connect with the characters almost instantly. I embraced their flaws and became fully invested in their journeys.

If you enjoy a story featuring a strong female lead, a complicated family dynamic where members prioritize each other, and an engaging mystery filled with twists and turns leading up to a thrilling climax, you will love this series. I recommend reading the series in order so you can really get to know the Gray family with the other recurring characters.

If you have read any of the books in this series, please share your thoughts.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Now & Then by Kay Bratt

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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

Every Little Thing by Kay Bratt

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Title: Every Little Thing
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #12
Location: Cabo San Luca, Mexico & Hart’s Ridge
Main Character: Taylor, Lucy
Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Ellis, Gia, Madison, Brady
Rating: 4 stars

Every Little Thing is the twelfth installment in the Hart’s Ridge Series, which I have thoroughly enjoyed since the first book. This episode offers a captivating mix of suspense and emotional drama, making it an engaging read. However, although it contains strong moments, some elements could have been even more impactful.

In this book, we alternate between Taylor’s story of a kidnapping in Mexico and Lucy’s journey of self-discovery.

Taylor’s investigation in Mexico stands out as one of the book’s highlights, filled with intrigue and tension as she seeks to unravel the mystery of the missing bride and her friend. However, the resolution of the kidnapping storyline lacks impact. A more intense climax, featuring unexpected twists—such as a shocking revelation or a high-stakes rescue—could have heightened the suspense and provided a more gripping conclusion.

Lucy’s personal journey, while meaningful, did not engage me as much as the rest of the book. At times, her storyline felt disconnected, and its pacing didn’t align with the urgency of the central plot. A stronger link between her narrative and the primary mystery could have made her arc more compelling, but as it stood, I found myself less interested in Lucy’s story.

Despite these elements, Bratt’s storytelling and character development remain strong, making the novel a valuable addition to the Hart’s Ridge series. It is an engaging read with emotional depth. While some moments could have been more impactful, it still earns a solid four.

Buy on Amazon!

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Romance

Starting Over by Kay Bratt

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  • Starting Over
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #8
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery, Romance
  • Takes Place: Hart’s Ridge GA
  • Main Character: Taylor
  • Other Characters: Sam, Cate, Sutton, Alice, Shane, Caleb, Corbin
  • Pets: Diesel along with several rescue animals
  • Stars: 5

This is another great read by Kay Bratt and the 8th book in her Hart’s Ridge Series.

We return to visit the Gray’s once more in this story about family dynamics, romance, secrets, helping where needed, balancing a busy life with family and of course, Mysteries.

A kidnapping rocks the town of Hart’s Ridge when Lydia, the wife of a local sheriff deputy, goes missing from the local Walmart. Deputy Taylor Gray along with the local Sheriffs Department and the FBI are on the case to find this missing woman. This takes Taylor away from her fiance, Sam, as he is dealing with some family struggles of his own.

Cate is struggling with her romantic life and recovering from a gunshot wound she received at the end of book #7. We meet a new character, Sutton, who has been accused of embezzlement. She moves in with Cate to help with her recovery and has secrets of her own.

Most of the book revolves around the search for Lydia and Sutton’s secret. Two great mysteries that will keep you guessing throughout the book.

I love this series. It pulls the reader in and it is a ‘can’t put down’ read. The characters are all 3-dimensional with distinct personalities. I love their strength and no matter their struggles, they always have each others backs. I recommend reading the books in order so you can get to know the Gray family fall in love with them as I have.

Be sure to read the Author’s note at the end of the book. The kidnapping in the book was based on a real life kidnapping. Parts of it were altered a bit but her inspiration came from an actual event.

Although I enjoyed this book immensely, I did have one issue with the ending. I felt like there was no closure. I don’t want to spoil it so I won’t say more. This was supposed to be the last book in the Hart’s Ridge series but due to popular demand, there will be a 9th book. I am so glad we get to visit with the Gray’s one more time. I am looking forward to book 9.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Hello Goodbye by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Hello Goodbye
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #7
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Taylor, Sam, Shane
  • Other Characters: Larson, Marc, Abby, Jo, Lucy, Anna, Alice, Judith, Cecil, Jackson, Fair, Blanche, Abby, Larson
  • Pets: Diesel
  • Stars: 5

This is book 7 of the Hart’s Ridge series and I loved it, just the others. This is a great series.

The protagonist of the story is Deputy Taylor Gray. Taylor and her sisters went through foster care most of their lives. Taylor basically raised her sisters after her mother supposedly burned to death in a fire with her baby brother.In this installment there is a double homicide. The Swansons who have 3 adopted kids kids, are discovered brutally murdered. We first met this family when we Taylor called to Their home after Marc’s parents refused to let him in due to missed curfew. While Marc is the prime suspect in the homicide, he is currently in a behavior health facility. Is it possible that he may have broken out and gone and killed his parents? There are several suspects but who could have done this heinous crime? Taylor and Shane are on the case to find out who could have brutally murdered this couple and left their kids without parents.

As Taylor is dealing with a double homicide her relationship with fiance Sam could be rocky due to them finding out he may have a 12 year old daughter that he didn’t know about (we found that out at the end of the last book).

Sam is also trying help Taylor close a case that is very personal to her. She has a lead but will she finally be able to put an end to this case so she can move on with the rest of her life . And as if this isn’t enough, there is another tragedy to the story that you won’t see coming.

There are several stories going on so Taylor has her hands full. This is definitely a page turner that you will have trouble putting it down. Be ready to curl up and engross yourself in this well written mystery with twists and turns until the surprise ending.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Nobody Told Me by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Nobody Told Me
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #6
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Taylor, Lucy
  • Other Characters: Jarret, Shane, Sam, Anna, Cate
  • Pets: Dogs Diesel & Ginger along with some other Rescues at the farm
  • Stars: 5

This is book six in Kay Bratt’s Hart’s Ridge series. I have loved this series from the very beginning. I just love the Gray sisters and their family dynamic. Even though they have their problems, they are always going to stand up for each other.

In this installment, the focus is more on Taylor & Lucy. We find out more about Lucy’s troubled past which she is trying to escape. Some things are happening that Lucy is blamed for, but Shane believes something else is going on, so he investigates. Is Lucy’s past about to catch up with her!!

The small town in rocked by the news of a local teen’s disappearance, who was later found dead. It is assumed he was drinking and wandered into the lake and drowned, but could there have been foul play!! Deputy Taylor Gray is determined to find out. Lucy’s dog, Ginger, also has a bit of a starring role.

As usual, the author takes us on a fast-paced roller coaster ride to solve these mysteries with an ending I didn’t see coming. And who doesn’t love a book with dogs!! I definitely recommend this series. Even though you can read these books as a standalone, it’s better to read them in order, as the series mentions many characters, and you get to know the Gray girls. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

The author usually takes her stories from real life. She explains in a note at the end of the book about the real life Jarrett and how he was the inspiration for this story in the book.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Instant Karma by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Instant Karma
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge, GA
  • Genre: Small town mystery
  • Takes Place:  Hart’s Ridge
  • Main Character: Faire, Brian, Taylor, Jo, Corbin, Della Ray
  • Other Characters: Cate, Anna, Eldon
  • Pets: Dog named Diesel and a bird named Baby
  • Stars: 5

This is the 5th book in the Hart’s Ridge Series and it does not disappoint. I loved this book from beginning to end. It kept me engaged and I just had to know how it all turned out.

Faire, a widow in the community, decides to take in a boarder because she is having financial difficulties. Brian, her new border, at first seemed like a really nice guy. Do things really look as they do? How is Faire going to handle this border? What mysteries does he possess? Will Faire lose her home?

Meanwhile, we learn more about Jo’s story. Struggling to be a single mom, Jo just wants what is best for her son. Kyle has some behavior issues, so Jo signs him up for theater. He is not thrilled, to say the least. He ends up doing the best he can and wows everyone, especially Jo. A couple of guys from Jo’s past show up in her life, so she has some decisions to make

Taylor’s family has established an animal rescue, under Cate’s leadership. Even though Taylor is less involved than the others because she is a local police deputy, the entire family is involved.

Taylor stopped seeing Sam until she could deal with some demons from her past that she is battling.

This is a story of family, love, forgiveness, community, and supporting others. It is heartwarming and there is a mystery to solve. I think you will love this book as much as I did.

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Women's Fiction

Borrowed Time by Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Borrowed Time
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge #4
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge in the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray, Anna
  • Pets: Diesel who is shared by Taylor and Sam
  • Stars: 5

This is the 4th book in the Hart’s Ridge series. Once again, we visit Taylor Gray’s dysfunctional family. This time the focus is on Anna, whose husband has left her and has secrets of his own that will begin to unfold. We see a different side of Anna who is becoming a bit more human and relatable. She is learning how to get out from underneath a controlling husband and finding out that she really didn’t know the man she was married too.

While we are visiting Anna, Taylor has a new mystery of her own. Her friend Sissy has disappeared, and no one seems to know what happened to her. I have loved Taylor since book one of this series. She is strong and independent and when she is working on a case, she is determined to solve it. This story is no different except that it involves a close friend so it hits a little to close to home. It has become personal. This story takes a few twist and turns before we reach the climax. I did find the mystery a little too predictable, I kept waiting for another solution but it didn’t happen. Other than this I found the book to be very good.

The ending might have you a bit teary eyed. It is very emotional so have your tissues ready. If you like a whodunit and a family who, through everything, are closer than ever, then you will love this book. I recommend this entire series and I can’t wait until book #5.

Happy reading,

Mystery

Hart’s Ridge – Kay Bratt

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  • Title: Hart’s Ridge
  • Author: Kay Bratt
  • Series: Hart’s Ridge Mystery #1
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Takes Place: The small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge In the Blue Ridge mountains
  • Main Character: Taylor Gray
  • Other Characters: Molly, Shane, Clin
  • Pets: Taylors dog named Bernard
  • Stars: 5

A young 4 year old girl walks into a gas station alone. She is dirty, her hair is a mess and she is afraid. Why is this girl alone and where is her mother? Sheriff’s deputy Taylor Gray makes it her mission to find out where this little girl came from and why is she alone. She tries to get her to talk but the only thing she says is that her name is Molly.

Hart’s Ridge is the first book in the Hart’s Ridge series and just like the author’s other books, this one does not disappoint. It takes place in a small quaint town of Hart’s Ridge, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia. It is about a strong woman working in a man’s world and working hard just to get them to take her seriously. Taylor is from a dysfunctional home and spent her life in and out of foster care. She is also the oldest of 4 girls and practically raised her sisters. When she aged out of the foster care system, she went to the police academy and now she is the only woman at the sheriff’s department among chauvinistic, misogynistic men. She has to fight tooth and nail just to get the men in the department to take her serious.

Taylor takes Molly to a foster home where she lived at one time. It is run by Della Ray and she knows Molly will be safe and loved there. Della Ray agrees to let the little girl stay with her. In the mean time Taylor goes on the hunt for Molly’s family.

Things really get complicated when the Sheriff brings someone from Taylor’s past to head up the case. What is there past and will they be able to work together to solve this mystery?

So between dealing with her dad, her sisters, especially the youngest one, the new guy heading up the case, and fighting to be a part of this case to find out what happened to Molly’s family, this story takes a lot of twists and turns. I really thought I had it figured out and I didn’t. I was surprised at the outcome of this story.

This author has done it again by giving us an emotional story with lots of twists and turns. And there is a dog. Taylor’s dog, Bernard, has a history all of his own which is very touching and may bring a tear or two. I have a soft spot for dogs so they always touch my heart. I think you will really enjoy Bernard’s backstory as Taylor unravels his mystery.

If you love really good stories in a beautiful setting like the Blue ridge mountains, a good mystery with lots of twists and turns and dogs, you will love this book. I recommend this book and I hope you will give it a try. Let me know in the comments if you read it and what you think.

Quote:
“Some people are so broken that they get mad at you for being whole”

Happy Reading!