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, a once-preeminent architect whose life has spun out of control after an unpleasant divorce and rising financial debt. Hoping to secure a fresh start for himself in a tranquil New England town called Padanaram, Rich unexpectedly stumbles upon a dead b...){kind=link}
Padanaram Village
One Little Guy, One Big Problem
Jack Burbank
2026 Finalist
225 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite
Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank is a riveting mystery thriller that follows Richard Lewis (Rich), a once-preeminent architect whose life has spun out of control after an unpleasant divorce and rising financial debt. Hoping to secure a fresh start for himself in a tranquil New England town called Padanaram, Rich unexpectedly stumbles upon a dead body and suitcases loaded with cash on the coastal dunes. This startling discovery launches him into a tumultuous world overrun by unlawful elements and treachery. Rich ultimately finds himself tangled in the criminal underworld, which results in him being pursued by the mafia, a drug cartel, and federal agents. Legal woes, IRS inquiries, and a complex relationship with Gail, a new romantic interest, gradually pervade his life. As danger approaches from all sides, Rich must decide between the formidable forces shadowing him and whether to keep the money for himself.
Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank delivers an entrancing blend of criminal intrigue, legal drama, suspense, dark humor, and a well-balanced touch of romance. The pacing is tight, the plot layered, and Rich is a savvy, creative protagonist with a knack for swiftly thinking on his feet. Even the secondary characters—including those from the mafia and the cartel—feel multi-dimensional, refreshing, and grounded. While the story occasionally leans into the typical murder mystery motif, it remains a thoroughly amusing and delightful read. Padanaram Village will entice fans of quick-paced crime thrillers with a coastal allure and morally complex protagonist. If you are captivated by stories featuring an intriguing main character who gets caught in a web of murder and stalked by crime bosses, this book is well worth reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys murder mystery thrillers with sharp writing and engaging characters.
Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank is a riveting mystery thriller that follows Richard Lewis (Rich), a once-preeminent architect whose life has spun out of control after an unpleasant divorce and rising financial debt. Hoping to secure a fresh start for himself in a tranquil New England town called Padanaram, Rich unexpectedly stumbles upon a dead body and suitcases loaded with cash on the coastal dunes. This startling discovery launches him into a tumultuous world overrun by unlawful elements and treachery. Rich ultimately finds himself tangled in the criminal underworld, which results in him being pursued by the mafia, a drug cartel, and federal agents. Legal woes, IRS inquiries, and a complex relationship with Gail, a new romantic interest, gradually pervade his life. As danger approaches from all sides, Rich must decide between the formidable forces shadowing him and whether to keep the money for himself.
Padanaram Village by Jack Burbank delivers an entrancing blend of criminal intrigue, legal drama, suspense, dark humor, and a well-balanced touch of romance. The pacing is tight, the plot layered, and Rich is a savvy, creative protagonist with a knack for swiftly thinking on his feet. Even the secondary characters—including those from the mafia and the cartel—feel multi-dimensional, refreshing, and grounded. While the story occasionally leans into the typical murder mystery motif, it remains a thoroughly amusing and delightful read. Padanaram Village will entice fans of quick-paced crime thrillers with a coastal allure and morally complex protagonist. If you are captivated by stories featuring an intriguing main character who gets caught in a web of murder and stalked by crime bosses, this book is well worth reading. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys murder mystery thrillers with sharp writing and engaging characters.
Recommend this book:
Knit One, Purl a Secret
A Quillhaven Magical Cozy Mystery
Tessa Silver
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Get ready for a dose of cozy supernatural mystery with Tessa Silver's Knit One, Purl a Secret. In the magical town of Quillhaven, Nettie Silverloop, owner of Yarn To Be Wild, is planning something special for the auction at this year's Valentine's Day. Nettie and her Cozy Loopers group are going to create an Afghan with a mysterious crimson yarn she found in her storage closet. But the yarn soon makes its presence felt. The Cozy Loopers discover that the yarn sheds light on their past loves, regrets, and secrets. Secrets that they have hidden from the rest of the world. Now, it demands the truth and wants them to lay bare their hearts. With the yarn getting warmer and spreading its influence, can Nettie and her friends make amends with their pasts?
Knit One, Purl a Secret is packed with magic, mystery, and romance. Added to the mix is a healthy sprinkling of humor, and you've got an absorbing supernatural/fantasy tale about second chances and choices. I was thoroughly entertained by this book. The characters are likeable and full of charm, and the plot is completely unpredictable. You're never sure what the mysterious yarn is going to do next, and neither are the characters until the very end. The relationships are probably the most grounded aspect of Tessa Silver's novel. Nettie, her friends, and their partners have distinct interpersonal dynamics that keep you engaged all the way through. The Siamese cat siblings, Leo and Luna, have an indomitable aura, and I loved every scene they featured in. The pacing is excellent, and the unexpected reveals bring much depth to the characters and add to their backstories. Overall, it's a fantastic book for cozy mystery lovers.
Get ready for a dose of cozy supernatural mystery with Tessa Silver's Knit One, Purl a Secret. In the magical town of Quillhaven, Nettie Silverloop, owner of Yarn To Be Wild, is planning something special for the auction at this year's Valentine's Day. Nettie and her Cozy Loopers group are going to create an Afghan with a mysterious crimson yarn she found in her storage closet. But the yarn soon makes its presence felt. The Cozy Loopers discover that the yarn sheds light on their past loves, regrets, and secrets. Secrets that they have hidden from the rest of the world. Now, it demands the truth and wants them to lay bare their hearts. With the yarn getting warmer and spreading its influence, can Nettie and her friends make amends with their pasts?
Knit One, Purl a Secret is packed with magic, mystery, and romance. Added to the mix is a healthy sprinkling of humor, and you've got an absorbing supernatural/fantasy tale about second chances and choices. I was thoroughly entertained by this book. The characters are likeable and full of charm, and the plot is completely unpredictable. You're never sure what the mysterious yarn is going to do next, and neither are the characters until the very end. The relationships are probably the most grounded aspect of Tessa Silver's novel. Nettie, her friends, and their partners have distinct interpersonal dynamics that keep you engaged all the way through. The Siamese cat siblings, Leo and Luna, have an indomitable aura, and I loved every scene they featured in. The pacing is excellent, and the unexpected reveals bring much depth to the characters and add to their backstories. Overall, it's a fantastic book for cozy mystery lovers.
Recommend this book:
 Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and ...){kind=link}
The Colossus
Ranjini Iyer
2026 Bronze Medal
254 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In a wonderful and exciting new mystery from debut author Ranjini Iyer, The Colossus, readers will follow caterer Maxine (Max) Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and wonders if this coded message might be the key to figuring the enigmatic man out. But when she realizes that she and the rest of her family might still be at risk, and that much more is at stake than a simple interest in what her father's issues may have been, well, that's when the action really starts.
I loved this book. Loved it. I could probably end this review right there, but I don't think that would do justice to The Colossus or the fantastic new author Ranjini Iyer. Combining mystery with historical fiction, author Iyer does a fantastic job of bringing in both history from WWII and ancient India in a modern day tale of intrigue. She also creates characters that the reader will truly care about, exciting scenarios, and such vivid scenes that you will feel as if you are actually there. If those skills aren't the hallmark of a fantastic author, I'm not sure what is. The Colossus would be enjoyed by any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just a plain great book of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am so looking forward to seeing what author Ranjini Iyer has in store for her readers next.
In a wonderful and exciting new mystery from debut author Ranjini Iyer, The Colossus, readers will follow caterer Maxine (Max) Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and wonders if this coded message might be the key to figuring the enigmatic man out. But when she realizes that she and the rest of her family might still be at risk, and that much more is at stake than a simple interest in what her father's issues may have been, well, that's when the action really starts.
I loved this book. Loved it. I could probably end this review right there, but I don't think that would do justice to The Colossus or the fantastic new author Ranjini Iyer. Combining mystery with historical fiction, author Iyer does a fantastic job of bringing in both history from WWII and ancient India in a modern day tale of intrigue. She also creates characters that the reader will truly care about, exciting scenarios, and such vivid scenes that you will feel as if you are actually there. If those skills aren't the hallmark of a fantastic author, I'm not sure what is. The Colossus would be enjoyed by any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just a plain great book of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am so looking forward to seeing what author Ranjini Iyer has in store for her readers next.
Recommend this book:
Tokyo Juku
Detective Hiroshi Series Book 7
Michael Pronko
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko dropped me straight into Tokyo’s restless, exam-fueled nights where success isn’t just a goal – it’s survival. Mana, a student cramming for her university entrance prep, finds her life turns into a nightmare when she discovers the body of her favorite teacher, Terui Sensei, murdered in the middle of the night. Detective Hiroshi Shimizu is assigned to investigate the case. He’s a forensic accountant turned investigator, juggling the stress of the case with nerves and excitement about becoming a dad. Hiroshi and his team must untangle the secrets hiding in the world of students, teachers, and cram school bosses. The stakes are high. Can they figure it out before things get even worse?
Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko is part of the Detective Hiroshi series. The narrative switches between Mana's emotional thoughts and Hiroshi's logical thinking, which makes for an interesting push and pull between feelings and logic. I also felt like Tokyo itself was more than just a backdrop and had a life of its own. Although the plot is structured in places like a police procedural, it also reads as social commentary. Pronko takes a closer look at Japan’s obsession with achievement — something that feels all too familiar in my own country — portraying sleepless students, competitive teachers, and weary parents all caught in a relentless cycle where a certain kind of success is glorified. The plot moves fast as layers of secrets are peeled away. Tokyo Juku is not just a murder mystery; it also explores how the education system is a race, where young people like Mana and her friends chase perfection at the expense of their joy. There is also the subtle reflection on adulthood with Hiroshi’s fears about fatherhood and Mana’s worries about her future, reminding us that expectation spares no one, no matter their age.
Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko dropped me straight into Tokyo’s restless, exam-fueled nights where success isn’t just a goal – it’s survival. Mana, a student cramming for her university entrance prep, finds her life turns into a nightmare when she discovers the body of her favorite teacher, Terui Sensei, murdered in the middle of the night. Detective Hiroshi Shimizu is assigned to investigate the case. He’s a forensic accountant turned investigator, juggling the stress of the case with nerves and excitement about becoming a dad. Hiroshi and his team must untangle the secrets hiding in the world of students, teachers, and cram school bosses. The stakes are high. Can they figure it out before things get even worse?
Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko is part of the Detective Hiroshi series. The narrative switches between Mana's emotional thoughts and Hiroshi's logical thinking, which makes for an interesting push and pull between feelings and logic. I also felt like Tokyo itself was more than just a backdrop and had a life of its own. Although the plot is structured in places like a police procedural, it also reads as social commentary. Pronko takes a closer look at Japan’s obsession with achievement — something that feels all too familiar in my own country — portraying sleepless students, competitive teachers, and weary parents all caught in a relentless cycle where a certain kind of success is glorified. The plot moves fast as layers of secrets are peeled away. Tokyo Juku is not just a murder mystery; it also explores how the education system is a race, where young people like Mana and her friends chase perfection at the expense of their joy. There is also the subtle reflection on adulthood with Hiroshi’s fears about fatherhood and Mana’s worries about her future, reminding us that expectation spares no one, no matter their age.
Recommend this book:
Dying Cry
A Timber Creek K-9 Mystery
Margaret Mizushima
2026 Gold Medal
288 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Dying Cry, the tenth novel in Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mystery series, is set in the Colorado mountains. The story centers on Mattie and Cole Walker, who, while teaching Cole’s daughters to snowshoe, encounter a crisis in a remote canyon. After hearing a scream, Mattie and her K-9 partner, Robo, investigate and discover a body at the base of a cliff. A rockslide prevents immediate access, requiring the body to be recovered. Evidence at the scene suggests the fall was a homicide. The victim, Tom, is a friend of Cole’s and the husband of his employee. Although Tom was well-liked, Mattie must uncover the truth behind his death and any secrets he may have kept. And quickly, before it takes its toll on her family.
Margaret Mizushima immerses readers in a small Colorado mountain town, where Officer Mattie Walker and her K-9, Robo, are prepared for the unexpected. The novel explores Mattie’s adjustment to her new family as she investigates a murder that strikes close to home. As the investigation progresses, suspicion shifts between several suspects, with attention repeatedly returning to the victim’s wife, a family friend. The characters are creatively engaging as they navigate through a period of loss, fear, and uncertainty. Their intuition and genuine care for one another bring the story to life. The author’s attention to detail shows great care in studying the subject. Fans of suspense and dog lovers will definitely want to check out Dying Cry and its author.
Dying Cry, the tenth novel in Margaret Mizushima’s Timber Creek K-9 mystery series, is set in the Colorado mountains. The story centers on Mattie and Cole Walker, who, while teaching Cole’s daughters to snowshoe, encounter a crisis in a remote canyon. After hearing a scream, Mattie and her K-9 partner, Robo, investigate and discover a body at the base of a cliff. A rockslide prevents immediate access, requiring the body to be recovered. Evidence at the scene suggests the fall was a homicide. The victim, Tom, is a friend of Cole’s and the husband of his employee. Although Tom was well-liked, Mattie must uncover the truth behind his death and any secrets he may have kept. And quickly, before it takes its toll on her family.
Margaret Mizushima immerses readers in a small Colorado mountain town, where Officer Mattie Walker and her K-9, Robo, are prepared for the unexpected. The novel explores Mattie’s adjustment to her new family as she investigates a murder that strikes close to home. As the investigation progresses, suspicion shifts between several suspects, with attention repeatedly returning to the victim’s wife, a family friend. The characters are creatively engaging as they navigate through a period of loss, fear, and uncertainty. Their intuition and genuine care for one another bring the story to life. The author’s attention to detail shows great care in studying the subject. Fans of suspense and dog lovers will definitely want to check out Dying Cry and its author.
Recommend this book:
Mit Out Sound
Rick Lenz
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz follows Emily Bennett, a young woman with face blindness struggling to distinguish between ordinary people and celebrities. Growing up in Beverly Hills, surrounded by fame, Emily develops an obsession with Hollywood and aspires to become a film producer. Her condition often leads her to mistake strangers for famous personalities, intertwining her reality with Hollywood lore. The plot thickens when Emily becomes fixated on a rumored lost film called Showdown, purportedly starring John Wayne and James Dean. Her quest to uncover the truth about the film leads her to confrontations with aging movie stars, impersonators, and hidden facets of her family history. As she delves deeper into the world of impersonators and elusive film footage, Emily navigates personal doubts, Hollywood's complex culture, and the echoes of her past.
Mit Out Sound is a triumph of creative storytelling. The title itself, a clever play on the film term "MOS" (mit out sound), subtly foreshadows the film's incomplete state and the mystery at its heart. Lenz's writing style is richly evocative, employing a stream-of-consciousness narrative that conveys Emily's unique perspective and internal world. The world-building effectively captures the glamor of Hollywood, contrasting the mythos of celebrity with the mundane struggles of its inhabitants. It incorporates numerous references to classic Hollywood films, enriching the narrative and highlighting the impact of Emily's face blindness. The characters are vividly portrayed, particularly Emily, whose internal struggles and growth are deeply relatable. The author skillfully blends the "lost film" concept with captivating family drama to create a refreshingly original story. The pacing remains consistently engaging, ensuring readers are hooked from start to finish. While exploring complex themes, the novel maintains accessibility for a broad audience, appealing to fans of literary fiction and thrillers as well as those intrigued by classic Hollywood. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique narrative voice, Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz proves to be a highly rewarding read.
Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz follows Emily Bennett, a young woman with face blindness struggling to distinguish between ordinary people and celebrities. Growing up in Beverly Hills, surrounded by fame, Emily develops an obsession with Hollywood and aspires to become a film producer. Her condition often leads her to mistake strangers for famous personalities, intertwining her reality with Hollywood lore. The plot thickens when Emily becomes fixated on a rumored lost film called Showdown, purportedly starring John Wayne and James Dean. Her quest to uncover the truth about the film leads her to confrontations with aging movie stars, impersonators, and hidden facets of her family history. As she delves deeper into the world of impersonators and elusive film footage, Emily navigates personal doubts, Hollywood's complex culture, and the echoes of her past.
Mit Out Sound is a triumph of creative storytelling. The title itself, a clever play on the film term "MOS" (mit out sound), subtly foreshadows the film's incomplete state and the mystery at its heart. Lenz's writing style is richly evocative, employing a stream-of-consciousness narrative that conveys Emily's unique perspective and internal world. The world-building effectively captures the glamor of Hollywood, contrasting the mythos of celebrity with the mundane struggles of its inhabitants. It incorporates numerous references to classic Hollywood films, enriching the narrative and highlighting the impact of Emily's face blindness. The characters are vividly portrayed, particularly Emily, whose internal struggles and growth are deeply relatable. The author skillfully blends the "lost film" concept with captivating family drama to create a refreshingly original story. The pacing remains consistently engaging, ensuring readers are hooked from start to finish. While exploring complex themes, the novel maintains accessibility for a broad audience, appealing to fans of literary fiction and thrillers as well as those intrigued by classic Hollywood. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique narrative voice, Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz proves to be a highly rewarding read.
Recommend this book:
Chocolate Can Be Deadly
Cupcake Catering Mystery Series Book 7
Kim Davis
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chocolate Can Be Deadly by Kim Davis is the seventh book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series. After being hired as a caterer for a Valentine's Day party, Emory Martinez gets the shock of her life when one of the guests dies from presumably being poisoned by one of her cupcakes. The guest, Ian Hesser, was the new fiancé of the party's host, Frances Allain, a fierce rival of Emory's friend and mentor, Tillie Skyler. With everyone treating Emily as the prime suspect, including lead detective, Reece, she takes it upon herself to figure out the culprit's identity. Meanwhile, another attendee at the party is shot dead. Additionally, someone is following Emily's trail, and Detective Reece is determined to find her guilty. Can Emily identify the real killer and clear her name?
Fans of cozy murder mysteries will have a blast reading Chocolate Can Be Deadly. Using a scrumptious blend of mystery, suspense, and humor, Kim Davis serves up a delightful whodunnit tale that keeps you engrossed all the way through. The plot has no loose ends and features a couple of unexpected reveals you never see coming. However, the book's main draw is its rich and dynamic characters. Davis' character work is simply phenomenal. Every character is well-defined and entertaining. The narrative is well-paced, and there's not a single moment that your attention wavers. It's also very easy to get invested in the different relationship dynamics, be it Emory's friendships with Tillie, Vannie, and Brad or her rivalry with Frances. Overall, it's a riveting sleuth murder mystery, one that is bound to delight the fans of the genre.
Chocolate Can Be Deadly by Kim Davis is the seventh book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series. After being hired as a caterer for a Valentine's Day party, Emory Martinez gets the shock of her life when one of the guests dies from presumably being poisoned by one of her cupcakes. The guest, Ian Hesser, was the new fiancé of the party's host, Frances Allain, a fierce rival of Emory's friend and mentor, Tillie Skyler. With everyone treating Emily as the prime suspect, including lead detective, Reece, she takes it upon herself to figure out the culprit's identity. Meanwhile, another attendee at the party is shot dead. Additionally, someone is following Emily's trail, and Detective Reece is determined to find her guilty. Can Emily identify the real killer and clear her name?
Fans of cozy murder mysteries will have a blast reading Chocolate Can Be Deadly. Using a scrumptious blend of mystery, suspense, and humor, Kim Davis serves up a delightful whodunnit tale that keeps you engrossed all the way through. The plot has no loose ends and features a couple of unexpected reveals you never see coming. However, the book's main draw is its rich and dynamic characters. Davis' character work is simply phenomenal. Every character is well-defined and entertaining. The narrative is well-paced, and there's not a single moment that your attention wavers. It's also very easy to get invested in the different relationship dynamics, be it Emory's friendships with Tillie, Vannie, and Brad or her rivalry with Frances. Overall, it's a riveting sleuth murder mystery, one that is bound to delight the fans of the genre.
Recommend this book:
Murder in Monte Carlo
A Nikki Garcia Mystery
Kathryn Lane
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Murder in Monte Carlo by Kathryn Lane follows Nikki Garcia, an investigator at Security Source, tasked with uncovering an art theft involving Leo Zimmerman, his ex-son-in-law Justin Crawford, and his daughter Claire. As Nikki and her husband, Eduardo, track the couple’s movements across Italy and Monaco, they uncover a dangerous art forgery operation where Claire's high-quality reproductions are being trafficked and sold as originals. While investigating, Nikki and Eduardo find themselves caught in a deeper criminal network. When Nikki witnesses a murder at Enzo Bellini's mansion, it is a wake-up call, ramping up the deadly nature of the art trafficking operation. Unfortunately, the cat-and-mouse game is in favor of the latter when Nikki is kidnapped and forcefully hauled down the Moyenne Corniche, exposing a betrayal in a far-reaching criminal plot.
Kathryn Lane’s Murder in Monte Carlo is a smart, atmospheric thriller that shines with its strong sense of place and a spectacular cast of characters. I live in Europe, and Lane still impressed me by doing a remarkable job of immersing readers into the landscape, whether it is spumante and antipasti in Venice or the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo. There is elegance and danger without ever losing sight of the story. The writing is crisp, with a keen focus on the details that matter, and peeling back the layers of this particular mystery with restraint. The dynamic between Nikki and her husband, as well as those she is moving through circles with, feels authentic, with their motivations and decisions fueling the suspense to the same degree as the dramatic twists. The story concludes satisfyingly, and there's a nod to a sequel with the promise of another art chase to come. I'm looking forward to it. Very highly recommended.
Murder in Monte Carlo by Kathryn Lane follows Nikki Garcia, an investigator at Security Source, tasked with uncovering an art theft involving Leo Zimmerman, his ex-son-in-law Justin Crawford, and his daughter Claire. As Nikki and her husband, Eduardo, track the couple’s movements across Italy and Monaco, they uncover a dangerous art forgery operation where Claire's high-quality reproductions are being trafficked and sold as originals. While investigating, Nikki and Eduardo find themselves caught in a deeper criminal network. When Nikki witnesses a murder at Enzo Bellini's mansion, it is a wake-up call, ramping up the deadly nature of the art trafficking operation. Unfortunately, the cat-and-mouse game is in favor of the latter when Nikki is kidnapped and forcefully hauled down the Moyenne Corniche, exposing a betrayal in a far-reaching criminal plot.
Kathryn Lane’s Murder in Monte Carlo is a smart, atmospheric thriller that shines with its strong sense of place and a spectacular cast of characters. I live in Europe, and Lane still impressed me by doing a remarkable job of immersing readers into the landscape, whether it is spumante and antipasti in Venice or the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo. There is elegance and danger without ever losing sight of the story. The writing is crisp, with a keen focus on the details that matter, and peeling back the layers of this particular mystery with restraint. The dynamic between Nikki and her husband, as well as those she is moving through circles with, feels authentic, with their motivations and decisions fueling the suspense to the same degree as the dramatic twists. The story concludes satisfyingly, and there's a nod to a sequel with the promise of another art chase to come. I'm looking forward to it. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Wounds That Linger
Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2
Sandra Preisler, Taylor Preisler
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, Zoe has just returned from America with her uncle, and everyone is happy that they are back. Everyone is surprised when Zoe mentions she has been invited by Mabel Anderson to her house. Things had become complicated between the two families since Zoe’s father had defended Chedrose, who had been accused and convicted of killing Mabel’s sister. Mabel is convinced Chedrose has been wrongly convicted and wants Zoe’s input and help since she handled the murder of her maid very well. Despite a connection to previously committed murders, people are ready to overlook things due to Chedrose’s station in life, but things change when other murders with the same signature are uncovered. Will Quinton, who had helped Zoe in her previous quest, and his friends rise to the occasion and solve the mystery this time?
Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler did not disappoint in The Wounds That Linger: Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2. This amazing work can be read as a standalone. I loved the strong female characters and the well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The themes covered, such as culture and traditions, are thought-provoking and get one thinking about the long way we have come in terms of equality and minority rights. I also loved the emphasis on the value of hard work, charity, and a strong friendship network. The characters were well-developed, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and looking forward to the events in subsequent chapters. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by Sandra and Taylor Preisler.
In The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, Zoe has just returned from America with her uncle, and everyone is happy that they are back. Everyone is surprised when Zoe mentions she has been invited by Mabel Anderson to her house. Things had become complicated between the two families since Zoe’s father had defended Chedrose, who had been accused and convicted of killing Mabel’s sister. Mabel is convinced Chedrose has been wrongly convicted and wants Zoe’s input and help since she handled the murder of her maid very well. Despite a connection to previously committed murders, people are ready to overlook things due to Chedrose’s station in life, but things change when other murders with the same signature are uncovered. Will Quinton, who had helped Zoe in her previous quest, and his friends rise to the occasion and solve the mystery this time?
Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler did not disappoint in The Wounds That Linger: Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2. This amazing work can be read as a standalone. I loved the strong female characters and the well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The themes covered, such as culture and traditions, are thought-provoking and get one thinking about the long way we have come in terms of equality and minority rights. I also loved the emphasis on the value of hard work, charity, and a strong friendship network. The characters were well-developed, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and looking forward to the events in subsequent chapters. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by Sandra and Taylor Preisler.
Recommend this book:
What Happens in Montana
Kim McCollum
2024 Finalist
335 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Brooke, Tracy, Quin, and Krista have remained close friends since they first met at a Mommy and Me group. However, their busy schedules have not let them keep in touch adequately. When Brooke suggests they take a weekend off for a retreat at a serene resort in Montana, her friends jump at the idea. The last thing they expect at this unique resort is to become entangled in a murder mystery. Secrets will be revealed and bonds tested when they come together in Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana.
In Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana, four friends reunite and end up sharing deep-seated secrets that affect their relationships. The primary focus of the story is the personal affairs of each of the principal characters and how they devolve to the point where they are willing to open up to each other. The character development is impressive as McCollum uses their conversations to demonstrate the intricate dynamics between the four friends. This is evident in Brooke’s habit of bending the rules and how it contrasts with Quin’s preference for order. There is suspense aplenty in the novel with the subplot about Simone’s life and how she became famous at the resort. This connects nicely with the countdown tone the story develops as it approaches its conclusion. Kim McCollum’s ability to expertly blend drama and mystery in this novel displays an excellent level of storytelling talent. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Brooke, Tracy, Quin, and Krista have remained close friends since they first met at a Mommy and Me group. However, their busy schedules have not let them keep in touch adequately. When Brooke suggests they take a weekend off for a retreat at a serene resort in Montana, her friends jump at the idea. The last thing they expect at this unique resort is to become entangled in a murder mystery. Secrets will be revealed and bonds tested when they come together in Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana.
In Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana, four friends reunite and end up sharing deep-seated secrets that affect their relationships. The primary focus of the story is the personal affairs of each of the principal characters and how they devolve to the point where they are willing to open up to each other. The character development is impressive as McCollum uses their conversations to demonstrate the intricate dynamics between the four friends. This is evident in Brooke’s habit of bending the rules and how it contrasts with Quin’s preference for order. There is suspense aplenty in the novel with the subplot about Simone’s life and how she became famous at the resort. This connects nicely with the countdown tone the story develops as it approaches its conclusion. Kim McCollum’s ability to expertly blend drama and mystery in this novel displays an excellent level of storytelling talent. I look forward to reading more of her works.
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