Tag: Mystery

Fiction, Mystery

Little Girl Vanished by Denise Grover Swank

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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

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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

The Jail Cell Murder by Daisy Belle

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Title: The Jail Cell Murder
Author: Daisy Belle
Series: Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery #3
Location: Bramble Dale
Main Character: Chloe
Other Characters: Officer Daniel, Dani, Rosie, Kieran, Aiden, Dana, Ramiera, Pearl, Astrid, Levy, Jose, Alison, Raye, Billie Jean, Aunt Rene
Pets: Golden Retriever named Peanut
Rating: 5

“The Jail Cell Murder” by Daisy Belle is a fantastic addition to the Chloe Lane Cozy Mystery Series! This book expertly blends suspense, humor, and heart, making it a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts.

In this installment, a prisoner is murdered in jail, and Officer Daniels is injured in the process. With numerous suspects to consider, could a pair of boots and a cryptic message written in lipstick on the cell wall by the deceased lead to the murderer? Chloe, along with her loyal golden retriever, Peanut, and her friends Aiden and Rosie, is determined to follow the clues to find the killer. However, could their involvement in the investigation put their lives in jeopardy?

I am thoroughly enjoying this series. All the characters are well-developed and have distinct personalities, and the plot is captivating. I find that once I start reading, I can’t seem to put it down. The author has a remarkable ability to take the reader on a rollercoaster ride with unexpected twists and turns as the puzzle unfolds.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries featuring a compelling cast of characters and a murder that keeps you guessing about the suspect’s identity, you’ll love this book.

I received this book as part of the ARC team and this review is my own opinion.

Happy Reading?

Fiction, Mystery

The Kidnapping of Lacy Peters by Marie Wilkins

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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!

Mystery, Thriller

The Verdicts Secret by Freya Atwood

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Title: The Verdicts Secret
Author: Freya Atwood
Series: Charles Lawson Legal Thriller #1
Takes Place: Harborwood
Main Character: Charles Lawson
Other Characters: Ava, Michael, Eleanore, Lydia, Alex, Sam, Officer Peters
Stars: 5

I had a great time reading this book by a new to me author. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Attorney Charles Lawson is a bit estranged from his family and hasn’t been back home in years. His mother has asked him to defend her best friend because she has been accused of killing her husband. Charles decides to take on the case despite his genuine reluctance, even though all the evidence points to her doing it. Charles fears that if he stays in town, people will find out about some secrets he really doesn’t want to share. He’s struggling with a few things from his past,

I love a good legal thriller, and this one is excellent in every way. The three-dimensional characters are easily likable and engaging. There are twists to help identify the killer in this well-written, fast-paced storyline. Everything suggests that the wife did it, but is she concealing anything from Charles, or will he be able to get her off?

If you love a well-written legal thriller with compelling characters and an intriguing mystery this book is for you.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Hello Little Girl by Kay Bratt

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Title: Hello Little Girl
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #10
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Main Character: Taylor, Lydia
Other Characters: Sam, Caleb, Mira Jill, Dom, Martha
Stars: 5

Another great book by Kay Bratt, the 10th edition of Hart’s Ridge does not disappoint.

The protagonist of the book, Taylor, has a loving family and a loving partner in life—everything she could ever want. She struggles to maintain a healthy balance between her personal life and her work as a sheriff’s deputy. She has dealt with an alcoholic father and a mother she believed to be dead, so her family means the world to her. She has taken on the roles of both mother and father for her sisters. She is passionate about her profession as a sheriff deputy and aspires to advance in her position. Is she putting herself in danger while doing this?

We also take a closer look at an earlier case involving a missing person whose disappearance remains unresolved. While her husband, Caleb, makes frantic efforts to locate his wife, Lydia remains in captivity and struggles to survive. She also needs to think about someone else. Is it possible for her to save herself without endangering everyone else? Taylor, who has been leading this case, has been taken off of it since she has been assigned an undercover case. Two additional characters, Jill & Martha, who are crucial to the plot, are also introduced to us.

Since the first book in the series, I have adored it. This is a compelling tale of strong women who will stop at nothing to survive. It’s about defending others while they attempt to preserve themselves, as well as hope, survival, and tenacity. This book captured my attention from the first page on. It’s a page-turner that was difficult for me to put down. The suspenseful tale of confinement, captivity, survival, and doing whatever it takes keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

Even though these books are fiction, the author draws inspiration from actual events, which she discusses at the conclusion of the book. Check out her note at the end for information on the actual life events that inspired her.

This series is best read in order as each book builds on the previous one.

Happy Reading!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Deadly Deception by Tammy L. Grace

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  • Title: Deadly Deception
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Cooper Harrington Detective #5
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper Harrington
  • Other Characters: Annabelle, Ben, Camille, Charley, Michelle, Victoria, Author, Bridget, Joe, Randy
  • Pets: Coops loyal Golden Retriever Gus
  • Stars: 5

“I’m not always right, but I am never wrong”

Book 5 in the Cooper Harrington Series does not disappoint. I am really enjoying this series. The reason I began reading it in the first place was that it is set in Nashville, TN. It references places I am familiar with, so it’s easy to visualize being there. That’s not far from me, and I visit there often, so I was intrigued.

Cooper and AB are at a secluded estate for a fundraiser gala that features a staged murder mystery. While looking for clues to the staged murder, Coop and AB stumble upon a real murder. The victim is a prominent politician who is currently running for office. The event organizers are concerned that this may damage the gala’s reputation, so they hire Coop to investigate and find the person who could have committed this crime. With the attendants of this gala being politicians and the rich and famous this will not be an easy task.

Until the murderer is found, this book immerses the reader in the political realm and the private lives of the elite through deceit and intrigue. If you are a fan of a great mystery with a lot of suspects, twists & turns and a surprise ending, you will love this series.

Since the first book, I have adored Coop. The reader is captivated by the eccentric characters’ unique characteristics and is eager to learn more about them. And then there’s Coop’s faithful friend Gus! It’s impossible to resist falling in love with the golden retriever.

“IT WAS ME. I LET THE DOGS OUT.”

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Cold Killer by Tammy L. Grace

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  • Title: Cold Killer
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Cooper Harrington Detective Series #4
  • Genre: Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper Harrington
  • Other Characters: Dax, Ben, AB, Frank, Lindsay Adele, Gavin, Aunt Camille, Charley
  • Pets: Coop’s Dog Gus
  • Stars: 5

“In my defense, I was left unsupervised”

Just when I think I couldn’t enjoy this series more, Ms. Grace writes another great mystery. This one just may be my favorite in this series so far. That could be, in part, that I love a good cold case.

I always love to catch up with Coop, AB, Aunt Camille and of course, Coop’s furry faithful companion Gus. Coop is a lawyer turned Private Investigator who took over his uncle’s practice when he passed away. Coop is fun with all of his sarcastic t-shirts that he wears. When he has to be professional, he will just through a jacket over them. He gets really involved with his clients and won’t quit until he solves the case. Just a warning, I think I gain 10 pounds with every book just reading about all the food they eat. lol

In this episode, Coop’s client, Dax, was killed 25 years ago. The problem is that he’s back; he believes he knows who attempted to murder him and he wants Coop to confirm his identity and identify the person who tried to kill him 25 years ago. This is a fantastic narrative in which Coop tries to piece together the mystery surrounding a man who is thought to be dead while also reuniting a family that has been split up for 25 years. This book takes you in several directions to solve a crime. As Coop and AB search for persons who were around 25 years ago and probe their memory of possible events, they uncover a number of suspects.

While trying to prove Dax is who he claims to be and figuring out who wanted him dead, they also need to identify the person who is buried beneath Dax’s headstone. There is a family out there who is missing a loved one and they need to know what happened.

If you love a good mystery with a great cast of characters and a dog, you are going to love this series. If I ever need a private investigator, I want one like Coop. He doesn’t stop until he solves his case. He is loyal, honest and a great friend who also adores his famliy. Well maybe except for his mom. That’s another story you encounter while reading this series.

This book will keep the reader on the edge of their seat as the mystery is unraveled & secrets are divulged while a killer is finally discovered.

“Before coffee: judgmental & sarcastic after coffee: judgmental & sarcastic, but faster.”

Happy Reading,

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Dead Wrong by Tammy L . Grace

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  • Title: Dead Wrong
  • Author: Tammy L. Grace
  • Series: Cooper Harrington Detective #3
  • Genre: Cozy Mystery
  • Location: Nashville, TN
  • Main Character: Cooper
  • Other Characters: AB, Ben, Chandler
  • Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
  • Stars: 5

“Don’t blame yourself, let me do it,”

This is the 3rd book in the Cooper Harrington Detective series. I am enjoying this series. I did like the book prior better, but this one is good. I really like Coop and all the T-shirts he wears with funny sayings. It really brings some comic relief. Gus is my favorite, but I am a sucker for a story with a dog.

Coop is contacted by Chandler, a college acquaintance. Chandler’s business partner has been killed under mysterious circumstances and he is the prime suspect. He swears he didn’t do it and he wants Cooper to prove his innocence and find the really killer. With all the evidence pointing to Chandler, this may be a tough one for Coop. Coop wants to believe his friend but as he keeps investigating even he may doubt his innocence.

Turns out there are quite a few suspects but no proof as to who could have done it. It is looking like Chandler has motive and opportunity which doesn’t look good for him. As Coop keeps digging, he undercovers some secrets which leads him in the direction of the killer. This one takes some twists and turns with plenty of surprises to find a killer. Could Coop find out that Chandler really is a killer or does the evidence send him a different direction?

Even though this series could be read out of order, I strongly recommend reading them on order so the reader can really get to know Cooper and the other characters. In each book we are learning more and more about Coop and his family. I really love learning more about the characters and Cooper’s relationship with his aunt. I keep thinking the author is going to write a romance with Coop and AB but there is still a part of me that really likes their friendship and could a romance ruin that. I guess time will tell. I am looking forward to the next book.

“When I die, the dog gets everything”

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Blackbird by Kay Bratt

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Title: Blackbird
Author: Kay Bratt
Series: Hart’s Ridge #9
Location: Hart’s Ridge, Georgia
Genre: Mystery
Main Character: Taylor
Other Characters: Caleb, Allison
Stars: 5

Kay Bratt is a master storyteller; she never lets you down. I have loved this series from the very first book and Blackbird is no exception. To fully understand the characters in this series, it is recommended that you read them in order.

In the small town of Hart’s Ridge, Taylor Gray serves as the deputy sheriff. She leads a hectic life juggling her family and her career. She has a strong work ethic and doesn’t give up until she obtains the information she needs. There are moments when her personal life and her work as a deputy can get blurred. She is kind-hearted and eager to assist when she can.

In the ninth episode of the Hart’s Ridge Series, Taylor is trying to help Allison, an abused mother, and her two children escape her abusive husband. What makes this so challenging is her mother’s constant interference. A mother’s job is to protect her children and instead Allison’s mom is hindering her escape. Will Allison be able to escape her abusive ex and her mom to find the family she has always wanted?

This book continues with a story that was introduced in book eight of the series. As you may recall, Caleb works as a deputy and is a collegue of Taylors. His wife Lydia was kidnapped from a local Walmart and presumed dead even though they never found her body. After talking to a local psychic, he just feels like something is off so he continues to search for answers in his wife’s disappearance. He needs to find her one way or another even if it confirms she is really dead.

This is a very dramatic and gut-wrenching book. The reader is drawn in by the author’s ability to make the characters appear incredibly genuine and like they are a part of the narrative. I was completely engrossed by the story and was able to imagine what each character must be going through. There wasn’t as much family involvement in this book as the others, which I missed, but I was utterly captivated by both of the stories. The plot was left open for the story to continue in book ten, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2024.

The author draws inspiration for her writings from actual events, which is one of my favorite things about her. Even though it is fictionalized in the book, the author’s note at the conclusion tells you where she found inspiration for this story, so make sure to read it.

Happy Reading!