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Recommend this book:
Butterfly Hill
Brendan le Grange
2019 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Butterfly Hill by Brendan le Grange is a novel that falls proudly into the adventure, suspense, and thriller genres, in a follow-up to le Grange's debut work of fiction, Drachen. Butterfly Hill reads beautifully as a work of fiction, set in bustling Hong Kong and its largest outlying island, Lantau. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative shifts primarily between an Indiana Jones-esque Hiko Shimuzu, a mentally unstable soldier named Teapot Lee, and two agents hot on Hiko's tracks, Matthys and Elaine. When the hunt for Hiko, “a Europol-wanted art thief and an HKPF-wanted bank robber,” begins to dredge up more than just jade crescents, it becomes clear that a deep-rooted and twisted conspiracy is in play...and the protection of such an ancient and covert secret must be conserved at any price.
Butterfly Hill is an extraordinary, fast-paced story that keeps the heart rate pumping and the fingers flicking through pages at a harrowing speed. Brendan le Grange has crafted his thriller with all of the right ingredients for a perfect brew with just the right bite. Hiko is an anti-hero with many, many layers, humanized by some pretty shameless flaws—imperfections that lend to a perfect character arc, a bit of redemption, and a heck of a lot of energy. What I loved most about this story is that, while I knew who I was rooting for, I wasn't terribly disappointed when Elaine was given some right of way also. She is exactly the type of strong, fierce, intelligent dynamo we need to see, regardless of motive. Overall, this novel delivers everything one hopes for in an action-suspense tale, and I'm excited to see where le Grange takes us next.
Butterfly Hill by Brendan le Grange is a novel that falls proudly into the adventure, suspense, and thriller genres, in a follow-up to le Grange's debut work of fiction, Drachen. Butterfly Hill reads beautifully as a work of fiction, set in bustling Hong Kong and its largest outlying island, Lantau. Told from multiple points of view, the narrative shifts primarily between an Indiana Jones-esque Hiko Shimuzu, a mentally unstable soldier named Teapot Lee, and two agents hot on Hiko's tracks, Matthys and Elaine. When the hunt for Hiko, “a Europol-wanted art thief and an HKPF-wanted bank robber,” begins to dredge up more than just jade crescents, it becomes clear that a deep-rooted and twisted conspiracy is in play...and the protection of such an ancient and covert secret must be conserved at any price.
Butterfly Hill is an extraordinary, fast-paced story that keeps the heart rate pumping and the fingers flicking through pages at a harrowing speed. Brendan le Grange has crafted his thriller with all of the right ingredients for a perfect brew with just the right bite. Hiko is an anti-hero with many, many layers, humanized by some pretty shameless flaws—imperfections that lend to a perfect character arc, a bit of redemption, and a heck of a lot of energy. What I loved most about this story is that, while I knew who I was rooting for, I wasn't terribly disappointed when Elaine was given some right of way also. She is exactly the type of strong, fierce, intelligent dynamo we need to see, regardless of motive. Overall, this novel delivers everything one hopes for in an action-suspense tale, and I'm excited to see where le Grange takes us next.
Recommend this book:
Don't Dare to Dream
Dan Friedman
2019 Gold Medal
392 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
David is at an all-time low after a failed startup that had been a lifetime dream and, with relationships going bad, he is on the edge of committing suicide when a life coach moves in next door. Rick offers to help David reclaim his life. There is only one thing he asks for in return, that David mentors him in developing a new app. A fair deal indeed, only David starts falling for Angela, Rick's young and beautiful wife. Things get complicated when the money given to them by an investor (and it is millions) disappears. David needs to find the money, but there are dangerous people out there who will kill for it. And David is clueless about who they might be.
A brilliantly plotted and enthralling thriller, Don't Dare to Dream by Dan Friedman is a huge literary achievement for a debut novel, with sophisticated characters, a strong premise, and fascinating twists. Dan Friedman doesn't just keep the reader riveted to the pages as they follow this emotionally-charged story but keeps them guessing as well from page to page. David catches the attention of the reader immediately, a man who is broken when the reader encounters him and who seems driven by a fate that is very unfortunate. Don't Dare to Dream is the story of a man struggling to succeed in a vicious and dangerous world, an emotionally rich story imbued with psychological depth. A great read told in a smooth, irresistible voice. It kept me awake through the night.
David is at an all-time low after a failed startup that had been a lifetime dream and, with relationships going bad, he is on the edge of committing suicide when a life coach moves in next door. Rick offers to help David reclaim his life. There is only one thing he asks for in return, that David mentors him in developing a new app. A fair deal indeed, only David starts falling for Angela, Rick's young and beautiful wife. Things get complicated when the money given to them by an investor (and it is millions) disappears. David needs to find the money, but there are dangerous people out there who will kill for it. And David is clueless about who they might be.
A brilliantly plotted and enthralling thriller, Don't Dare to Dream by Dan Friedman is a huge literary achievement for a debut novel, with sophisticated characters, a strong premise, and fascinating twists. Dan Friedman doesn't just keep the reader riveted to the pages as they follow this emotionally-charged story but keeps them guessing as well from page to page. David catches the attention of the reader immediately, a man who is broken when the reader encounters him and who seems driven by a fate that is very unfortunate. Don't Dare to Dream is the story of a man struggling to succeed in a vicious and dangerous world, an emotionally rich story imbued with psychological depth. A great read told in a smooth, irresistible voice. It kept me awake through the night.
Recommend this book:
Dangerous Deeds
Lizzie. Book 1, The Westport Mysteries
Beth Prentice
2018 Finalist
357 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Dangerous Deeds by Beth Prentice is the first book in the Westport Mysteries series. Lizzie has taken a big chance and bought her own house. The bliss is short lived once she realizes how much work needs to be done to make the house a home. She hires the handsome handyman, Riley, to renovate, and is surprised when he finds an engagement ring and love letters hidden in the attic. Turning to her family and Riley for help, Lizzie is determined to find the rightful owner, but doesn't expect to unearth a forbidden romance, have her house broken into, or find a stalker following her wherever she goes. Can this be a coincidence or does everything connect to the mysterious items from the attic?
Beth Prentice has created realistic and unbelievably charming characters that you'll want to spend time and wish to be friends with. Lizzie is snarky, flawed, insecure, and completely amazing. She perfectly fits with her crazy family and somehow grounds their exuberance. Her family meddles and teases, but they're never over the top, and instead they pull you along for the fun. I couldn't get enough of their playful personalities and eccentricities, or the bond that Lizzie has with them. The mystery dips into the past, revealing secrets and a forbidden romance, a lighter balance to the creepiness of the stalker. The potential romance for Riley and Lizzie is sweet, endearing and compelling. Dangerous Deeds is funny and witty, with flirting, friendship, and sleuthing. A true delight and an addictive read!
Dangerous Deeds by Beth Prentice is the first book in the Westport Mysteries series. Lizzie has taken a big chance and bought her own house. The bliss is short lived once she realizes how much work needs to be done to make the house a home. She hires the handsome handyman, Riley, to renovate, and is surprised when he finds an engagement ring and love letters hidden in the attic. Turning to her family and Riley for help, Lizzie is determined to find the rightful owner, but doesn't expect to unearth a forbidden romance, have her house broken into, or find a stalker following her wherever she goes. Can this be a coincidence or does everything connect to the mysterious items from the attic?
Beth Prentice has created realistic and unbelievably charming characters that you'll want to spend time and wish to be friends with. Lizzie is snarky, flawed, insecure, and completely amazing. She perfectly fits with her crazy family and somehow grounds their exuberance. Her family meddles and teases, but they're never over the top, and instead they pull you along for the fun. I couldn't get enough of their playful personalities and eccentricities, or the bond that Lizzie has with them. The mystery dips into the past, revealing secrets and a forbidden romance, a lighter balance to the creepiness of the stalker. The potential romance for Riley and Lizzie is sweet, endearing and compelling. Dangerous Deeds is funny and witty, with flirting, friendship, and sleuthing. A true delight and an addictive read!
Recommend this book:
The Golden Peacock
Lauren Grossman
2018 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Karen C. Webb for Readers' Favorite
The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman centers around Rainee, a bestselling author who is stuck on her next novel idea. When she finds a ticket from the Holocaust Museum in her desk drawer, she decides to visit London and track down the survivor, Jana Bowman. Finding Jana in a nursing home in London, Rainee also meets the handsome director, John. Realizing that Jana is in a state of Alzheimer's and deathly afraid of a doctor who visits the home weekly, Rainee decides to visit every day and try to reach her. She also does research on the disease and on Nazi Germany in her spare time, while engaging in a relationship with John. Finding out the doctor's father was possibly a Nazi soldier during World War II, Rainee uncovers a nest of long-buried secrets, which causes her to dig deeper and deeper, all the while placing her in ever-increasing danger from an unknown source.
I found the tale of Jana and Rainee touching and intriguing. Told in alternating viewpoints, the story gives Jana's account of life during the Holocaust, as well as Rainee's point of view in 1997. The ending was especially touching and, while somewhat predictable, it still held my interest until the last page. The author's knowledge of historical facts and the insertion of words or sentences in German gave credibility to the story. It was very clear that this author had done her homework, which increases the readability and enjoyment of the story. I thought the characters were slightly mundane, and the dialogue a tad pedestrian, but overall, The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman is a well told, well thought-out story.
The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman centers around Rainee, a bestselling author who is stuck on her next novel idea. When she finds a ticket from the Holocaust Museum in her desk drawer, she decides to visit London and track down the survivor, Jana Bowman. Finding Jana in a nursing home in London, Rainee also meets the handsome director, John. Realizing that Jana is in a state of Alzheimer's and deathly afraid of a doctor who visits the home weekly, Rainee decides to visit every day and try to reach her. She also does research on the disease and on Nazi Germany in her spare time, while engaging in a relationship with John. Finding out the doctor's father was possibly a Nazi soldier during World War II, Rainee uncovers a nest of long-buried secrets, which causes her to dig deeper and deeper, all the while placing her in ever-increasing danger from an unknown source.
I found the tale of Jana and Rainee touching and intriguing. Told in alternating viewpoints, the story gives Jana's account of life during the Holocaust, as well as Rainee's point of view in 1997. The ending was especially touching and, while somewhat predictable, it still held my interest until the last page. The author's knowledge of historical facts and the insertion of words or sentences in German gave credibility to the story. It was very clear that this author had done her homework, which increases the readability and enjoyment of the story. I thought the characters were slightly mundane, and the dialogue a tad pedestrian, but overall, The Golden Peacock by Lauren Grossman is a well told, well thought-out story.
Recommend this book:
Lara's Journal
A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense (Hidden Motives Book 2)
A. Gavazzoni
2018 Honorable Mention
615 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Lara's Journal: A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense - Hidden Motives Book 2 by A. Gavazzoni can be fitted into two of my favorite genres i.e. romance and thriller. Picking up the story after Behind the Door, Simone is taking a much-needed vacation after she was kidnapped by a deranged serial killer. She believes good company and a bit of sunshine will heal her mind and body and help her live in the moment, rather than think about that horrible time in her life.
However, when Carl asks her to take a look at Lara’s journals, she cannot say no. So she agrees, starts reading Lara’s journals and discovers all of her deepest secrets. She does so in order to find out more about this enigmatic woman and to figure out the reason behind her unusual life. However, Simone’s vacation is cut short when one of her clients is in trouble and she has to go back. Only, she has no idea that she is going back to a big surprise. People are getting murdered and they all have one thing in common: Simone. What can she do? Can she save the people she loves? Is she next?
I had some seriously high expectations from A. Gavazzoni after reading Behind the Door and I am delighted that the author lived up to it and then some. Simone is changed, as one would expect, and she has developed beautifully. I think the author loves creating a gripping story arc and actually nails it. The story held my interest until the last word and I didn’t want the novel to end. Her attraction to Carl and her conflicted emotions for Edward added a personal touch to the story. This is yet another masterpiece by Gavazzoni that I absolutely loved! Thrilling, exciting and wonderful!
Lara's Journal: A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense - Hidden Motives Book 2 by A. Gavazzoni can be fitted into two of my favorite genres i.e. romance and thriller. Picking up the story after Behind the Door, Simone is taking a much-needed vacation after she was kidnapped by a deranged serial killer. She believes good company and a bit of sunshine will heal her mind and body and help her live in the moment, rather than think about that horrible time in her life.
However, when Carl asks her to take a look at Lara’s journals, she cannot say no. So she agrees, starts reading Lara’s journals and discovers all of her deepest secrets. She does so in order to find out more about this enigmatic woman and to figure out the reason behind her unusual life. However, Simone’s vacation is cut short when one of her clients is in trouble and she has to go back. Only, she has no idea that she is going back to a big surprise. People are getting murdered and they all have one thing in common: Simone. What can she do? Can she save the people she loves? Is she next?
I had some seriously high expectations from A. Gavazzoni after reading Behind the Door and I am delighted that the author lived up to it and then some. Simone is changed, as one would expect, and she has developed beautifully. I think the author loves creating a gripping story arc and actually nails it. The story held my interest until the last word and I didn’t want the novel to end. Her attraction to Carl and her conflicted emotions for Edward added a personal touch to the story. This is yet another masterpiece by Gavazzoni that I absolutely loved! Thrilling, exciting and wonderful!
Recommend this book:
City of Grudges
Rick Outzen
2018 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
The truth must prevail whatever the cost, even if that means being ostracized by the very community you live in. This is Walker Holmes’s mantra in City of Grudges written by Rick Outzen. When he discovers Bo Hines’s fraudulent activity at the Art Council, Holmes makes this the focus of his weekly paper, the Pensacola Insider. Not many are impressed, in fact, many are infuriated by the allegations. Bo Hines is one of the most respected and esteemed people in the small town. The attacks start coming and so do the angry comments that leave the newspaper struggling to survive. When Bo Hines’s wife is found dead at their house, Holmes’s condemnation by people takes an even stronger turn. When some residents threaten total boycott of the weekly paper, this becomes the least of Holmes’ problems as he tries to dodge death threats and complete financial ruin. In the end, what he unravels has everyone reconsidering what they think they know.
Thought-provoking and compelling, City of Grudges by Rick Outzen offers an engrossing story presented against a fitting background. Pensacola, a town that contains a varying range of old grudges and whose occupants have a strong sense of community, has little time for an outsider who constantly stirs up trouble and targets the elite. Walker Holmes surprises readers by his strong-mindedness and passion for truth as he fights for the disadvantaged. Outzen also investigates some contemporary issues existing in the town such as the plight of destitute African American communities living in Pensacola, as well as the rampant trend of child sexual exploitation. Informative and captivating, City of Grudges is definitely a worthwhile read.
The truth must prevail whatever the cost, even if that means being ostracized by the very community you live in. This is Walker Holmes’s mantra in City of Grudges written by Rick Outzen. When he discovers Bo Hines’s fraudulent activity at the Art Council, Holmes makes this the focus of his weekly paper, the Pensacola Insider. Not many are impressed, in fact, many are infuriated by the allegations. Bo Hines is one of the most respected and esteemed people in the small town. The attacks start coming and so do the angry comments that leave the newspaper struggling to survive. When Bo Hines’s wife is found dead at their house, Holmes’s condemnation by people takes an even stronger turn. When some residents threaten total boycott of the weekly paper, this becomes the least of Holmes’ problems as he tries to dodge death threats and complete financial ruin. In the end, what he unravels has everyone reconsidering what they think they know.
Thought-provoking and compelling, City of Grudges by Rick Outzen offers an engrossing story presented against a fitting background. Pensacola, a town that contains a varying range of old grudges and whose occupants have a strong sense of community, has little time for an outsider who constantly stirs up trouble and targets the elite. Walker Holmes surprises readers by his strong-mindedness and passion for truth as he fights for the disadvantaged. Outzen also investigates some contemporary issues existing in the town such as the plight of destitute African American communities living in Pensacola, as well as the rampant trend of child sexual exploitation. Informative and captivating, City of Grudges is definitely a worthwhile read.
Recommend this book:
Lullaby Road
James Anderson
2018 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite
Author James Anderson captures the tension and beauty of the Utah desert in his novel, Lullaby Road. Lullaby Road is the sequel to his first novel, The Never-Open Desert Diner, featuring series protagonist Ben Jones. In Anderson's sequel, readers follow another of Ben's adventures and misadventures as an ordinary truck driver going about his route on the long stretch of desolate road known as Highway 117. Of course, nothing is ever as ordinary as it seems.
The moment I read the first line in Lullaby Road, I was hooked. I know the novel isn't supposed to be scary and it isn't, but there is a small element of horror in Anderson's novel which comes from the way he slowly builds up suspense. "Real silence is more than the absence of sound: it is something you feel." Word after word, I found myself unable to put Anderson's novel down. His main character, Ben Jones, is somewhat of a jerk, but he is decent enough to be easily likable. I think that is what made him so real to me when I was reading; there is always something tangible and pleasant about cranky men who help kids with dogs.
The thing I most enjoyed about Lullaby Road was the deeply absorbing atmosphere. Anderson makes a place as barren and potentially dangerous as the desert seem so appealing, and that is something only true wordsmiths are able to do. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to lose themselves in an unforgettable and immersive narrative.
Author James Anderson captures the tension and beauty of the Utah desert in his novel, Lullaby Road. Lullaby Road is the sequel to his first novel, The Never-Open Desert Diner, featuring series protagonist Ben Jones. In Anderson's sequel, readers follow another of Ben's adventures and misadventures as an ordinary truck driver going about his route on the long stretch of desolate road known as Highway 117. Of course, nothing is ever as ordinary as it seems.
The moment I read the first line in Lullaby Road, I was hooked. I know the novel isn't supposed to be scary and it isn't, but there is a small element of horror in Anderson's novel which comes from the way he slowly builds up suspense. "Real silence is more than the absence of sound: it is something you feel." Word after word, I found myself unable to put Anderson's novel down. His main character, Ben Jones, is somewhat of a jerk, but he is decent enough to be easily likable. I think that is what made him so real to me when I was reading; there is always something tangible and pleasant about cranky men who help kids with dogs.
The thing I most enjoyed about Lullaby Road was the deeply absorbing atmosphere. Anderson makes a place as barren and potentially dangerous as the desert seem so appealing, and that is something only true wordsmiths are able to do. I would recommend this novel to anyone looking to lose themselves in an unforgettable and immersive narrative.
Recommend this book:
The Coin
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
2018 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite
Suspenseful, thrilling, and action-packed are apt words to describe The Coin by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, a mesmerizing story with great potential to have readers utterly captivated. It all starts with a coin, a mysterious, coveted coin, but what is the value of a coin that people are killed and the lives of many put in danger? Set against the lush backdrop of the French Riviera, this novel explores very powerful themes such as lust, love and betrayal, and many things in between. Gabriela Martinez couldn’t have known that the coin she’d found in the Riviera could set her up as a target. A man gone mad, a very clever killer has her almost in his grip, and will not relent. There is only one person who can protect her, the Intelligence Operative Richard Harrison, but does he have everything required to outwit a cunning killer and unforgiving terrorists?
The story has a brilliant opening; it begins with murder, and the reader is immediately introduced to one of the key characters in the story, the madman. Curiosity awakens and becomes a force that keeps the reader turning the pages. The setting is very beautiful and the idea of the “coin” is just brilliant and enigmatic, something of a mystery which adds to the pervading sense of danger that dominates the entire story. The characters are well crafted and explored in great depth, and the author does this without sacrificing her powerful plot points and her oh-so-beautiful prose. Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra’s work is one of the craftiest stories that will make readers fall in love with the exotic French Riviera. The Coin is hugely entertaining!
Suspenseful, thrilling, and action-packed are apt words to describe The Coin by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, a mesmerizing story with great potential to have readers utterly captivated. It all starts with a coin, a mysterious, coveted coin, but what is the value of a coin that people are killed and the lives of many put in danger? Set against the lush backdrop of the French Riviera, this novel explores very powerful themes such as lust, love and betrayal, and many things in between. Gabriela Martinez couldn’t have known that the coin she’d found in the Riviera could set her up as a target. A man gone mad, a very clever killer has her almost in his grip, and will not relent. There is only one person who can protect her, the Intelligence Operative Richard Harrison, but does he have everything required to outwit a cunning killer and unforgiving terrorists?
The story has a brilliant opening; it begins with murder, and the reader is immediately introduced to one of the key characters in the story, the madman. Curiosity awakens and becomes a force that keeps the reader turning the pages. The setting is very beautiful and the idea of the “coin” is just brilliant and enigmatic, something of a mystery which adds to the pervading sense of danger that dominates the entire story. The characters are well crafted and explored in great depth, and the author does this without sacrificing her powerful plot points and her oh-so-beautiful prose. Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra’s work is one of the craftiest stories that will make readers fall in love with the exotic French Riviera. The Coin is hugely entertaining!
Recommend this book:
Designs on Ivy's Locket
Wrenn Grayson Mystery Series Book 2
Connie Chappell
2018 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Designs on Ivy's Locket by Connie Chappell is a spellbinding story that explores an unusual investigation. When Kerry St. John hires historian Wrenn Grayson, he wants to uncover the whereabouts of a precious piece of jewelry that was stolen from his grandfather, Dexter St. John. The valuable locket is discovered in the possessions of a dead woman and her daughter, Lori Hammond, refuses to hand it over to the St. John family. The historian and investigator will have to follow clues left in the dead grandfather’s journal and dig into the family’s history to uncover truths about the precious locket. But there is a wonderful twist in the story which I won’t divulge as it would spoil the excitement.
Here is a story that combines investigation with a family saga to offer awesome entertainment for readers. I enjoyed the journal entries of Dexter St. John, which paint a wonderful picture of the setting. Wrenn Grayson is a character that readers will remember, a woman with great investigative skills. Connie Chappell has a superb gift for plot and character and it is interesting to see how the author develops both elements in the story, heaping up surprises for readers. One of the things that immediately caught my attention was the narrative voice; it is clear and utterly compelling. The prose leap off the pages with wonderful insights and lyricism. I was pulled in from the very beginning of the story and the humorous, dramatic way the protagonist meets her client. Designs on Ivy's Locket combines humor, intense action, and great storytelling skills to offer readers lovely entertainment. This is a fun and delightful story that will entice readers all the way to its satisfying conclusion.
Designs on Ivy's Locket by Connie Chappell is a spellbinding story that explores an unusual investigation. When Kerry St. John hires historian Wrenn Grayson, he wants to uncover the whereabouts of a precious piece of jewelry that was stolen from his grandfather, Dexter St. John. The valuable locket is discovered in the possessions of a dead woman and her daughter, Lori Hammond, refuses to hand it over to the St. John family. The historian and investigator will have to follow clues left in the dead grandfather’s journal and dig into the family’s history to uncover truths about the precious locket. But there is a wonderful twist in the story which I won’t divulge as it would spoil the excitement.
Here is a story that combines investigation with a family saga to offer awesome entertainment for readers. I enjoyed the journal entries of Dexter St. John, which paint a wonderful picture of the setting. Wrenn Grayson is a character that readers will remember, a woman with great investigative skills. Connie Chappell has a superb gift for plot and character and it is interesting to see how the author develops both elements in the story, heaping up surprises for readers. One of the things that immediately caught my attention was the narrative voice; it is clear and utterly compelling. The prose leap off the pages with wonderful insights and lyricism. I was pulled in from the very beginning of the story and the humorous, dramatic way the protagonist meets her client. Designs on Ivy's Locket combines humor, intense action, and great storytelling skills to offer readers lovely entertainment. This is a fun and delightful story that will entice readers all the way to its satisfying conclusion.
Recommend this book:
Terminal Secret
Mark Gilleo
2018 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Darryl Greer for Readers' Favorite
Mark Gilleo’s Terminal Secret is the second in what may well become a successful series involving the exploits of Dan Lord, a private investigator who is also an attorney. He’s based in Washington D.C. and in this story teams up with two detectives, Earl Wallace and Emily Fields of the Washington Metropolitan Police. Not far into the story, an attorney is murdered on her doorstep in a wealthy D.C. enclave. Nothing so unusual about that per se, but a visit to Dr Lewis, the Medical Examiner, changes all that. Meanwhile, Dan is hired by a congressman’s wife, Sherry Wellington, who fears for her safety. Dan’s brief is to find Sherry’s ex’s killer, but the woman is hiding something — secrets from her past — and, if Dan is going to help her, he needs to know what they are. As Dan embarks on his investigation, Wallace and Fields get on with theirs. Each step in both investigations reveals another puzzle, the intrigue deepening with each twist and turn. Even when Dan enlists the help of other police officers and an IT guru, unravelling the mystery proves challenging, even for our super sleuth. When he eventually connects the dots, he can hardly believe what he has unearthed.
I did wonder why a guy who was both a lawyer and a private investigator, neither profession particularly enamoured by cops, had no difficulty in getting information and even co-operation from so many law enforcers. But I guess there are exceptions. That aside, Terminal Secret is chock full of intrigue from beginning to end. The story is coherent, the characters captivating and engaging, the dialogue script-like and realistic. As the tale nears its denouement, each page turn causes a sharp intake of breath. Just when you think you’ve worked out what’s going on, along comes another twist. Author Mark Gilleo’s imagination and creativity shine through this riveting read. Terminal Secret is both thriller, murder mystery and suspense rolled up into one delightful package.
Mark Gilleo’s Terminal Secret is the second in what may well become a successful series involving the exploits of Dan Lord, a private investigator who is also an attorney. He’s based in Washington D.C. and in this story teams up with two detectives, Earl Wallace and Emily Fields of the Washington Metropolitan Police. Not far into the story, an attorney is murdered on her doorstep in a wealthy D.C. enclave. Nothing so unusual about that per se, but a visit to Dr Lewis, the Medical Examiner, changes all that. Meanwhile, Dan is hired by a congressman’s wife, Sherry Wellington, who fears for her safety. Dan’s brief is to find Sherry’s ex’s killer, but the woman is hiding something — secrets from her past — and, if Dan is going to help her, he needs to know what they are. As Dan embarks on his investigation, Wallace and Fields get on with theirs. Each step in both investigations reveals another puzzle, the intrigue deepening with each twist and turn. Even when Dan enlists the help of other police officers and an IT guru, unravelling the mystery proves challenging, even for our super sleuth. When he eventually connects the dots, he can hardly believe what he has unearthed.
I did wonder why a guy who was both a lawyer and a private investigator, neither profession particularly enamoured by cops, had no difficulty in getting information and even co-operation from so many law enforcers. But I guess there are exceptions. That aside, Terminal Secret is chock full of intrigue from beginning to end. The story is coherent, the characters captivating and engaging, the dialogue script-like and realistic. As the tale nears its denouement, each page turn causes a sharp intake of breath. Just when you think you’ve worked out what’s going on, along comes another twist. Author Mark Gilleo’s imagination and creativity shine through this riveting read. Terminal Secret is both thriller, murder mystery and suspense rolled up into one delightful package.
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