Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce is criminal fiction at its best. Roberts Bergs is a cop in 1990s Latvia, struggling to make ends meet. He’s cold, tired, hungry, and just trying to survive each day. Despite his struggles, he has a dream – he wants to be a lawyer. But Latvia has only recently been freed from Soviet rule and the system is still run by the ex-Soviet militia. It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Roberts won’t allow himself to be pushed down, and he continues working toward his aims. But things are heating up between those who bow down to ex-Soviet corruption and those who want more. Roberts is stuck between a rock and a hard place – does he stick to his principles or fold? It’s getting harder for him to stay true to himself. Can he fight the system, or is he doomed to fall in line like everyone else?

The Accidental Cop by Eve Koguce is a wonderful police crime thriller, very dark and gritty, and with plenty of tension. This is quite a relevant story in today’s world, given its setting in post-Soviet-era Latvia in the 1990s. The author has clearly done much research and gives us a real depiction of what life was like after the fall of the USSR; the descriptive writing makes you feel you are there. This is a compelling read with some wonderfully developed and very realistic characters. You’ll feel for the main character, Roberts, all the way through, rooting for him to beat the system and achieve his aims. This is an amazing read, and it will anchor you firmly in the real world, perhaps opening your eyes to what really goes on. This may be fiction, but it’s as real as it gets.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Death in a Gilded Frame by Cecelia Tichi is a continuation of the amateur detective series featuring Roddy DeVere, a true former Bostonian blue-blood, and his beautiful but not quite so socially adept wife, Val. It is the summer of 1899 and the DeVeres have, like almost all the society folk of New York, repaired to their country estate in Newport to escape the stifling heat. Set for a summer full of ladies' get-togethers, garden parties, and outdoor pursuits, Val is determined to learn to sail. However, Roddy has a special project he wants her to complete first. He wants a portrait of his wife to grace the walls of his study office back in New York. Reluctantly Val agrees and prepares to sit for the talented new artist André Cole. When Val and Roddy inadvertently stumble upon the grisly murder of the art studio’s manager, Warren Eccles, gossip quickly circulates among the ladies of Newport that somehow Val is involved in this horrific homicide. With the local constabulary seemingly unable to make much progress, it will be up to Roddy and Val to unmask the true killer and clear their names in high society.

Death in a Gilded Frame is a joyous journey back to a very different time when society’s structure was almost completely delineated by birth rather than wealth. The society families of Newport usually had both but Val, as an outsider, struggled to find acceptance among the true blue-bloods. Author Cecelia Tichi has created a wonderful character in Val and also in her husband Roddy who was prepared to buck tradition and expectations to marry a silver miner’s daughter from Colorado. I appreciated how hard it was for Val to find acceptance in Newport society, especially given her background and upbringing. This is not the first Roddy and Val mystery but each story has its conclusion and it is not necessary to have read the previous books. The author also does an excellent job of dropping tidbits of information about past stories and the circumstances of Roddy and Val’s courtship into the narrative to keep readers informed. The mystery of “whodunnit” is concealed well and the plotting is meticulous. The author’s clear fascination and love of this “gilded age” shines through on every page and I particularly enjoyed her meticulous descriptions of the superb residences and their owners that made up the summer “queens” of Newport. If you are a fan of murder mysteries and historical fiction of the period, you will find this story extremely satisfying. With the twentieth century about to begin and Val being a strident fighter for women’s rights, I can only imagine what the future might hold for Roddy and Val. I thoroughly enjoyed this read and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

In Peace River Village, a psychological thriller by Christopher Amato, four detectives, all retired from the force, live in Peace River Village in Florida. It should have been a relaxing time for them, but when a 17-year-old girl goes missing from their street, the police close the case quickly, convinced she left of her own accord. Not happy, the girl’s grandmother seeks help from the detectives and they decide to investigate, not convinced she ran away. The deeper they dig, the more evil they stumble over, eventually uncovering an underground sex-trafficking ring. Can they find the girl before it’s too late?

Peace River Village by Christopher Amato is anything but the quiet backwater the name implies. This is more of a crime thriller than a psychological thriller, but it is a great story with a very tight plot that deals sensitively with tough subjects. Despite the nature of the story, some humor is thrown in to lighten things just a little, but there are also scenes of violence aimed at a more mature audience. It is an entertaining story, with plenty of twists and turns and no end of action that will keep you reading from the very first page. The characters are written as real people you can relate to, the good guys are thoroughly likable, and you’ll be rooting for them to the end – the baddies, not so much. If you like police procedurals and thrillers, this is one book you won’t want to miss out on, and the author’s experience working for the FBI shines through on every page.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

All the Natural Beauties is a work of fiction in the crime, thriller, and psychological drama genres, and is the opening novel of the CJ O'Hara Thrillers series. Penned by author John Deal, the plot follows Detective CJ O'Hara as she navigates guilt over her family's deaths and her past actions while hunting down the serial killer known as The Lowcountry Killer. Moving to Charleston to start anew, CJ faces mounting bodies, FBI intervention, and suspicion falling on her new partner. As the stakes rise and her instincts are tested, CJ must confront her demons and the possibility of deadly consequences. Deal demonstrates a fantastic flair for suspense and action in this intense and riveting read, immersing readers deeply in the world of Detective CJ O'Hara and the exciting hunt for a ruthless serial killer.

John Deal's dark and suspenseful narrative moves through many twists naturally and stealthily, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as each twist and turn creeps up on them from the next set of dire circumstances. CJ's complex character is developed well through confident narration that lets readers into her unique point of view. I was impressed with the way dialogue was used to offer natural plot exposition that never sacrificed the pace of the action but also allowed one to read between the lines as CJ continued to develop through her trials. The atmospheric setting of Charleston and the chilling portrayal of the killer's crimes were handled well to offer just the right level of spine-chilling detail without overdoing it. Overall, All the Natural Beauties is a must-read for fans of crime and psychological thrillers, offering a captivating blend of suspense, mystery, and unexpected revelations.

Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite

The Bone Scraper Legacy by Gabriel Farago tells the tale of Jack Rogan, an esteemed Australian author, who is pulled into a figurative rabbit hole shrouded in suspense, adventure, and danger. Jack is dining with his friend, Tristian, one night when Tristian is asked to speak with his dying uncle, a Maori, who lives in New Zealand. Both Jack and Tristian go to see the dying man. Tristian learns about an ancient Maori chief, the Bone Scraper, who was defeated in battle. Tristian has to retrieve Bone Scraper's lost skull and return it to his family for a proper burial so his soul can rest in peace. Jack decides to help his friend locate the missing skull. They are aided by their associates Claude, Isis, and Mademoiselle Darrieux. Jack and Tristian's adventures pit them head-to-head against the deadly world of murder and the occult. Will they achieve their mission and live to tell the tale?

The settings, locations, and cultures mentioned will carry you into a world full of color, cuisine, and style. In my mind, I went for the adventure and ended up staying for the culture. I learned a lot about the Maori culture from this book. Overall, I found The Bone Scraper Legacy to be fascinating, informative, and rewarding. Gabriel Farago's bold writing makes this a hypnotic tale that will keep you occupied and turning the pages late into the night. Jack is a character I can root for any day. He's courageous, loyal, and intelligent. He's the modern version of Sherlock Holmes. This winning combination of action, adventure, danger, and suspense will keep readers wanting more. Since this is novella five in the Jack Rogan series, I'm immediately inspired to read the other books. I'm sure I won't be disappointed. I recommend this sensational read to fans of historical mystery novels.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

Stumble and Fall (A Legacy of Silence Book 2) is a thriller by Amy Rivers. Kate discovered a sex trafficking ring in her hometown of Alamogordo. She had lost her position as a school psychologist and opened a private practice. Kate picks up clues from her clients about who the leaders in the trafficking might be. After her father’s death, Kate remodeled her home and turned it into a fortress as a security measure because she was afraid that the sex traffickers would want to silence her. Some people did not want the truth to come out and the knowledge Kate obtained about sex trafficking put her life in danger. Kate planned to open a haven for victims of abuse. These victims deserved justice after everything they had been through. But how far will Kate go to find justice for these women?

The plot in Stumble and Fall is fast-paced and jam-packed with action. Amy Rivers created a dark world of crime, abuse, and sex trafficking. Amy paid attention to detail, and the events were descriptive. It was easy to be drawn into that world and I was hooked from the first page. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. There was always a surprise waiting around the corner. The characters were authentic and compelling. Each character had their unique strengths and quirks. Their background contributed to the success of the story. The book was excellently written and can be read as a standalone. It was nothing like what I expected and exceeded my expectations by far.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Millen is a work of fiction in the thriller subgenre. It is aimed at mature readers and was penned by author Chris Nyst. In the aftermath of a violent murder in the remote town of Millengarra, veteran Brisbane detective Dave Hocking is sent to lead the investigation. Hocking is already fighting off corruption charges that could end his career and put him in prison, but now he must navigate a damaged community filled with lies. As his investigation peels back the layers of deceit between himself and the truth, Hocking hopes that any success in Millengarra will earn him redemption, but the truth will be hard to accept.

Straight out of the gate, this book sets an unforgettable tone of unsettling discomfort that only grows more sinister as the central web of lies is pulled away. Author Chris Nyst showcases an incredible gift for not just devising a complex and nuanced mystery but also for the gorgeous prose used to realize that mystery page after page. This book is a journey into darkness that delivers on its promise of exploring the darkest side of humanity, not just in the town of Millengarra and the secrets within it but also in protagonist Dave Hocking, whose personal demons add a stunning extra layer of nuance to an already dynamic narrative. Overall, if you love your mysteries to be deep and elaborate, making a disturbing commentary on the ugly side of human nature, and being investigated by a nuanced detective with baggage of their own, then Millen is the next read you’re looking for.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

Hide Her by Chris Patchell is a work of fiction in the crime genre. Officer Lacy James is late dropping off her children at her ex-husband’s for a camping weekend. She suddenly sees a figure in the road and slams on the brakes when she realizes it's a child standing in front of her. The child is very scared and traumatized and does not speak. Lacy can't get any information out of the child that could help in their search for her parents. Special Agent Alton Franklin is called in to help with the investigation. While watching television, the child points to a woman and speaks for the first time. This clue leads the investigation team to an unsolved case from six years ago.

Chris Patchell planned and executed an excellent plot in Hide Her. The story is fast-paced and moves forward quickly. All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down, not even for a minute. The mystery and suspense kept me glued, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The characters were brilliantly developed. My favorite characters were Lacey and Eli. Their relationship gradually shifts from being that of partners to something more. I originally didn't like Caleb at all, but as the story progressed, his attitude toward Lacey gradually changed. This unique story is excellently written. I liked that the circumstances surrounding Joy were not discussed in detail. The major twist made for an excellent ending.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Dark Hollow Road is the second installment of the Possum Gap Novel series by Karen Ann Hopkins. When the body of a teenage boy is found by the river, Sheriff Sadie Mills is determined to solve the mystery. However, as she delves deeper into the investigation, she stumbles upon a four-year-old case of another boy who drowned in the Puissant River. Meanwhile, Possum Gap's new coroner Raymond Russo returns from his home in New Jersey, unknowingly bringing two of his family members on his trail. While Sadie moves forward from one clue to the other, Russo and his friend Darcy brave an interview with the Dover matriarch. Soon, Sadie and her friends unwittingly embroil themselves in a conspiracy involving drugs, murder, and betrayal that will have all of their lives in mortal danger.

Karen Ann Hopkins weaves a gripping murder mystery yarn with twists and turns galore. Every time you feel you've figured out the plot, Hopkins pulls the rug from under your feet over and over again. All the main characters have well-thought-out backstories and their own plot threads that make them seem like real people with real emotions, motives, and inner conflicts. The town of Possum Gap feels lived-in, with the members of the Dover clan bringing a colorful dynamic to the proceedings, especially the scenes involving Grandma Dover. Hopkins keeps her cards close to her chest as the complete mystery only gets revealed in the last few pages. I thoroughly enjoyed Dark Hollow Road and am looking forward to reading other books from the series.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Throughout the DI Amy Winter thriller series by Caroline Mitchell, Amy has had to build her life around the knowledge of her family history, and a career of relentless criminal investigations. In book one, Truth and Lies, Amy must confront her psychopathic serial killer mother, Lillian Grimes, who offers victim locations in exchange for Amy's involvement. The Secret Child follows the kidnapping of a four-year-old whose mother is being forced into a modified Russian Roulette to save her. In book three, Amy investigates a Valentine's Day murder involving online daters. Left for Dead sees Amy tackling coastal suicides, uncovering community secrets, and continuing to face her past. In this book, In Cold Blood, a pregnant Amy confronts a serial killer duo abducting and harming victims, relying on her partner Donovan to intervene and, eventually, relying on her own mother for survival after being kidnapped.

In what is the most suspenseful book in the series yet, Caroline Mitchell goes all out on a reader and their anxiety levels with the fifth novel, In Cold Blood. The premise of an entrenched Detective Inspector with a serial killer mother is fascinating, but what elevates Amy's plight is that she is often forced to revisit that past in order to save others in her here and now. From my perspective, I genuinely feel like Amy has major issues with Imposter Syndrome. Her insecurities go so far as to keeping a pregnancy hidden out of fear she will be thought less of, and pushes the envelope further still while trying to solve cases...ultimately turning her own life into one. It's like what they say about journalists, once you become the story, it's over. Mitchell's writing is as immersive and brilliant as ever so I sincerely hope there is more of Amy Winter to come. In the meantime, I'm backtracking to read books one through four. Very highly recommended.