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Recommend this book:
Betrayed
Joseph Lewis
2021 Honorable Mention
339 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When a friend vanishes in mysterious circumstances, three YA brothers fly to the Navajo Reservation to find him in the exciting suspense novel, Betrayed by Joseph Lewis. George's friend Rebecca calls him from his hometown to tell him someone has killed some of her family's sheep, and her brother Charles has disappeared without leaving a trace. Concerned, George's family makes plans, requesting the help of close friends in law enforcement. George and his two brothers, Brian and Brett, travel with an FBI agent and two detectives to Arizona. Upon their arrival, George joins Rebecca in her search. Because they are not Navajo and no one will talk to them, Brett and Brian decide to stay in the vicinity in case George should need them, and hunt elk. However, before they go off in their own directions, the three boys are confronted by a stranger and his armed thugs attempting to evict them from George's property, and threatening them with guns. Brian saves the day with his sharpshooting skills, but who is this man and his minions? Could he be behind Charles's disappearance?
Betrayed by Joseph Lewis is a compelling novel that explores the psychological depths and turmoil regarding the acceptance of sexual orientation. Not only brimming with suspense and action, the story also contains emotional upheavals and drama consistent with the questioning of sexual identity, as well as adolescent angst. Part of a sensational thriller series, the book does well as a standalone. Mr. Lewis does a fabulous job of weaving essential details from the previous books into the story so that I never got lost or confused. It is a thrilling adventure that I highly recommend to those who love fast-paced, action-packed novels with jaunty adolescent heroes. Although the main characters are adolescents, due to the graphic sexual content, LGBTQ references, violence, and strong language, the novel is more suitable for mature readers.
When a friend vanishes in mysterious circumstances, three YA brothers fly to the Navajo Reservation to find him in the exciting suspense novel, Betrayed by Joseph Lewis. George's friend Rebecca calls him from his hometown to tell him someone has killed some of her family's sheep, and her brother Charles has disappeared without leaving a trace. Concerned, George's family makes plans, requesting the help of close friends in law enforcement. George and his two brothers, Brian and Brett, travel with an FBI agent and two detectives to Arizona. Upon their arrival, George joins Rebecca in her search. Because they are not Navajo and no one will talk to them, Brett and Brian decide to stay in the vicinity in case George should need them, and hunt elk. However, before they go off in their own directions, the three boys are confronted by a stranger and his armed thugs attempting to evict them from George's property, and threatening them with guns. Brian saves the day with his sharpshooting skills, but who is this man and his minions? Could he be behind Charles's disappearance?
Betrayed by Joseph Lewis is a compelling novel that explores the psychological depths and turmoil regarding the acceptance of sexual orientation. Not only brimming with suspense and action, the story also contains emotional upheavals and drama consistent with the questioning of sexual identity, as well as adolescent angst. Part of a sensational thriller series, the book does well as a standalone. Mr. Lewis does a fabulous job of weaving essential details from the previous books into the story so that I never got lost or confused. It is a thrilling adventure that I highly recommend to those who love fast-paced, action-packed novels with jaunty adolescent heroes. Although the main characters are adolescents, due to the graphic sexual content, LGBTQ references, violence, and strong language, the novel is more suitable for mature readers.
Recommend this book:
Windfall
A Henry Lysyk Mystery
Byron TD Smith
2021 Bronze Medal
358 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Windfall: A Henry Lysyk Mystery is a work of fiction in the mystery, thriller, and suspense sub-genres, with notable influence from the grisly world of true crime, and is part of the Henry Lysyk series. It is aimed at adults, contains some non-graphic violence and explicit language, and was penned by author Byron T. D. Smith. The book explores a hypothetical solution to a real-world case that is currently unsolved, following a washed-up accountant on the run as he attempts to flee from his old life. But this only leads him to get dragged into a dangerous journey when he and his niece begin unraveling a deadly thread of secrets.
Author Byron T. D. Smith has crafted a masterful work of mystery, drama, and criminally good writing for this exciting journey. Beyond the excellent writing quality and dynamic presentation, there are two standout strengths to the work for me. The first is in the crafting and imagination surrounding the true-crime element, which takes a really clever perspective on an unsolved case that I, as a true crime fan, knew very well, and puts in realistic thrills and spills that blur the lines between fact and fiction so well. The second, for me personally, was the presentation of Henry and Frieda, which was filled with deeper nuances than one would usually expect from this genre, and utilizes their unique powers as characters to convey key plot points through their emotional reactions and dynamic dialogue. Overall, this makes Windfall an accomplished work that will have its hooks in you from the very first chapter.
Windfall: A Henry Lysyk Mystery is a work of fiction in the mystery, thriller, and suspense sub-genres, with notable influence from the grisly world of true crime, and is part of the Henry Lysyk series. It is aimed at adults, contains some non-graphic violence and explicit language, and was penned by author Byron T. D. Smith. The book explores a hypothetical solution to a real-world case that is currently unsolved, following a washed-up accountant on the run as he attempts to flee from his old life. But this only leads him to get dragged into a dangerous journey when he and his niece begin unraveling a deadly thread of secrets.
Author Byron T. D. Smith has crafted a masterful work of mystery, drama, and criminally good writing for this exciting journey. Beyond the excellent writing quality and dynamic presentation, there are two standout strengths to the work for me. The first is in the crafting and imagination surrounding the true-crime element, which takes a really clever perspective on an unsolved case that I, as a true crime fan, knew very well, and puts in realistic thrills and spills that blur the lines between fact and fiction so well. The second, for me personally, was the presentation of Henry and Frieda, which was filled with deeper nuances than one would usually expect from this genre, and utilizes their unique powers as characters to convey key plot points through their emotional reactions and dynamic dialogue. Overall, this makes Windfall an accomplished work that will have its hooks in you from the very first chapter.
Recommend this book:
Crime Beat Girl
Geri L. Dreiling
2021 Silver Medal
258 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
When reporter Debbie Bradley returns to her home town, St. Louis, primarily to be at her mother’s side as she undergoes a mastectomy, Debbie anticipates that much will have changed about the city during her absence. What she doesn’t expect to discover is just who is behind the ongoing outbreak of stolen cars and violence that is shaking up the community. And why do a number of the crimes involve underage youths?
What struck me the most about Crime Beat Girl by Geri L. Dreiling was its uniqueness: here we have an author who knows how to write. Her style and formatting are flawless; her plot concept is different, and her characters are so lifelike readers immediately feel at home with them. That’s good writing. Dreiling keeps readers guessing, tempting us to determine who really is on Bradley’s side. No one will blame you if you zero in on the wrong perp. Dreiling does a great job of throwing our suspicions on the wrong person without even hinting who really is a threat to Bradley as she goes about her job of just trying to get at the truth for readers of her Crime Beat Girl column. If you’re interested in knowing what it’s like to be a reporter for a daily newspaper, this novel provides plenty of insight as Dreiling cleverly weaves the information into her story. Crime Beat Girl is a quick read that challenges your own sleuthing skills while reminding you that love and family support are what matters most in our lives. Nice job!
When reporter Debbie Bradley returns to her home town, St. Louis, primarily to be at her mother’s side as she undergoes a mastectomy, Debbie anticipates that much will have changed about the city during her absence. What she doesn’t expect to discover is just who is behind the ongoing outbreak of stolen cars and violence that is shaking up the community. And why do a number of the crimes involve underage youths?
What struck me the most about Crime Beat Girl by Geri L. Dreiling was its uniqueness: here we have an author who knows how to write. Her style and formatting are flawless; her plot concept is different, and her characters are so lifelike readers immediately feel at home with them. That’s good writing. Dreiling keeps readers guessing, tempting us to determine who really is on Bradley’s side. No one will blame you if you zero in on the wrong perp. Dreiling does a great job of throwing our suspicions on the wrong person without even hinting who really is a threat to Bradley as she goes about her job of just trying to get at the truth for readers of her Crime Beat Girl column. If you’re interested in knowing what it’s like to be a reporter for a daily newspaper, this novel provides plenty of insight as Dreiling cleverly weaves the information into her story. Crime Beat Girl is a quick read that challenges your own sleuthing skills while reminding you that love and family support are what matters most in our lives. Nice job!
Recommend this book:
Memories Live Here
A near future mystery
Marc Sheinbaum
2021 Gold Medal
292 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Memories Live Here by Marc Sheinbaum is a fast-paced thriller that follows three brothers, Josh, Louie, and Donny Brodsky, in the wake of their mother's death. Josh is on the rise as his new career in California's Silicon Valley at Sway, a cutting edge technology firm, provides the money he never had in his previous government job. But his work at the U.S. Department of Defense gives him the credibility he needs to spearhead Sway's ambitious artificial intelligence project named CHERL, Computerized Human Experienced as Real Life. He's able to channel historical greats such as Ulysses S. Grant, Napoleon, and Churchill. Donny is looking for money to start up his AI boot camp as he works to learn enough coding to get his foot in the door. He sends out a proposal to his wealthier brothers with an attachment. Donny becomes the lead suspect when Louie and Josh discover malware that cripples their work, leading to a showdown that may dig up the dead and some old family secrets along with them.
Memories Live Here is an incredible book. Mark Sheinbaum had me hooked in under a minute with an opening that is absolute fire and followed through with the compelling development and backstories of Josh, Louie, and Donny, who all have chutzpah to spare. The brothers share a balanced spread of moving the plot forward and are as authentic as any person standing right in front of you. The conversations between Louie and his no-b.s. wife Vicky are perfection, especially when she leans in hard. I loved all of their personalities, their casual f-bombs, and the diversity of motivations that holds the trio together by a common bond: the loss of their parents. Brotherhood. It's what keeps Louie from going to the Feds and provides Josh with the fodder needed to justify ambushing Donny to get the damn encryption code. This is one of the best reads I've invested my time in all year. Very highly recommended.
Memories Live Here by Marc Sheinbaum is a fast-paced thriller that follows three brothers, Josh, Louie, and Donny Brodsky, in the wake of their mother's death. Josh is on the rise as his new career in California's Silicon Valley at Sway, a cutting edge technology firm, provides the money he never had in his previous government job. But his work at the U.S. Department of Defense gives him the credibility he needs to spearhead Sway's ambitious artificial intelligence project named CHERL, Computerized Human Experienced as Real Life. He's able to channel historical greats such as Ulysses S. Grant, Napoleon, and Churchill. Donny is looking for money to start up his AI boot camp as he works to learn enough coding to get his foot in the door. He sends out a proposal to his wealthier brothers with an attachment. Donny becomes the lead suspect when Louie and Josh discover malware that cripples their work, leading to a showdown that may dig up the dead and some old family secrets along with them.
Memories Live Here is an incredible book. Mark Sheinbaum had me hooked in under a minute with an opening that is absolute fire and followed through with the compelling development and backstories of Josh, Louie, and Donny, who all have chutzpah to spare. The brothers share a balanced spread of moving the plot forward and are as authentic as any person standing right in front of you. The conversations between Louie and his no-b.s. wife Vicky are perfection, especially when she leans in hard. I loved all of their personalities, their casual f-bombs, and the diversity of motivations that holds the trio together by a common bond: the loss of their parents. Brotherhood. It's what keeps Louie from going to the Feds and provides Josh with the fodder needed to justify ambushing Donny to get the damn encryption code. This is one of the best reads I've invested my time in all year. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Seavers Conspiracy
Travis Pearson
2020 Finalist
208 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Seavers Conspiracy by Travis Pearson is a thriller and mystery weaved tightly together to offer a scintillating story that will have your mind reeling. There was a time when Seavers, Texas used to be a bustling little town that thrived, but lately, homes have been vacated, people have gone missing and something strange is happening in this once lively town. So when Randall’s niece calls him over to see what is going wrong, Randall has no idea that he is about to come across something that he might not be ready for. He never thought solving this issue was going to be easy, but he had no idea it was going to be this hard. The moment he starts counting the bodies, he realizes that he has some dangerous enemies that will do whatever it takes to stop him before he digs a little too deep. Can Randall solve the mystery in time before he becomes another casualty of the Seavers conspiracy?
Randall is an incredible character; he is intelligent, witty and sharp. He is an observant man, one who believes what he has seen and known and this makes him perfect for this story. He is a leader; he is a man at the front line and trying to make a difference. The mystery is thick from the very beginning. I was trying to figure out why people were leaving the town, why only a certain type of person was disappearing and who could actually be behind this all. The ambiance became a little creepy at times, but it all added to the story. The narrative was powerful, the dialogues were crisp and the overall atmosphere of the story was perfect. I enjoyed The Seavers Conspiracy by Travis Pearson a lot more than I expected and the cover is gorgeous too! It is very entertaining and so well-written.
The Seavers Conspiracy by Travis Pearson is a thriller and mystery weaved tightly together to offer a scintillating story that will have your mind reeling. There was a time when Seavers, Texas used to be a bustling little town that thrived, but lately, homes have been vacated, people have gone missing and something strange is happening in this once lively town. So when Randall’s niece calls him over to see what is going wrong, Randall has no idea that he is about to come across something that he might not be ready for. He never thought solving this issue was going to be easy, but he had no idea it was going to be this hard. The moment he starts counting the bodies, he realizes that he has some dangerous enemies that will do whatever it takes to stop him before he digs a little too deep. Can Randall solve the mystery in time before he becomes another casualty of the Seavers conspiracy?
Randall is an incredible character; he is intelligent, witty and sharp. He is an observant man, one who believes what he has seen and known and this makes him perfect for this story. He is a leader; he is a man at the front line and trying to make a difference. The mystery is thick from the very beginning. I was trying to figure out why people were leaving the town, why only a certain type of person was disappearing and who could actually be behind this all. The ambiance became a little creepy at times, but it all added to the story. The narrative was powerful, the dialogues were crisp and the overall atmosphere of the story was perfect. I enjoyed The Seavers Conspiracy by Travis Pearson a lot more than I expected and the cover is gorgeous too! It is very entertaining and so well-written.
Recommend this book:
Shoot If You Must
Pam Clark
2020 Honorable Mention
323 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Steven Robson for Readers' Favorite
Pam Clark’s Shoot If You Must is a truly classic story of life’s immeasurable ability to surprise, carrying individuals through an incredible range of emotions towards an uncertain future. One such future belonged to teenage Heather Hillcrest, and when hers is cruelly cut short in a vicious assault, Lieutenant Stephen Raleigh is given the onerous task of finding the perpetrator of this heinous act. As the investigation unfolds, Stephen finds that long-dormant feelings within him are triggered by Professor Meghan Adams, and as their relationship develops he finds he is in a race; a race with ultimate stakes involving the lives of both Meghan and his daughter Lindsay. Will the Lieutenant win this race or will another tragedy befall his life and the community.
Shoot If You Must by Pam Clark was an extremely emotional read. The interactions between the players in this book were the most finely crafted and accurate I have experienced in a long time, as were the feelings portrayed. Not only were the characters sublime, but the entire story arc was also well planned and precisely knitted together to form a perfect reading experience. I went through all of the emotions laid bare in this tale, and couldn’t help being touched by two predominant scenes in particular; Heather’s demise and her later funeral. To me there was a touch of poignancy in Heather’s fate, being linked in a tenuous way with another teenager from the past, Nannie Crouse; two innocent girls linked through an uncertain history with dire consequences. I challenge anyone to read this book without shedding a tear. Overall, a really great book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Pam Clark’s Shoot If You Must is a truly classic story of life’s immeasurable ability to surprise, carrying individuals through an incredible range of emotions towards an uncertain future. One such future belonged to teenage Heather Hillcrest, and when hers is cruelly cut short in a vicious assault, Lieutenant Stephen Raleigh is given the onerous task of finding the perpetrator of this heinous act. As the investigation unfolds, Stephen finds that long-dormant feelings within him are triggered by Professor Meghan Adams, and as their relationship develops he finds he is in a race; a race with ultimate stakes involving the lives of both Meghan and his daughter Lindsay. Will the Lieutenant win this race or will another tragedy befall his life and the community.
Shoot If You Must by Pam Clark was an extremely emotional read. The interactions between the players in this book were the most finely crafted and accurate I have experienced in a long time, as were the feelings portrayed. Not only were the characters sublime, but the entire story arc was also well planned and precisely knitted together to form a perfect reading experience. I went through all of the emotions laid bare in this tale, and couldn’t help being touched by two predominant scenes in particular; Heather’s demise and her later funeral. To me there was a touch of poignancy in Heather’s fate, being linked in a tenuous way with another teenager from the past, Nannie Crouse; two innocent girls linked through an uncertain history with dire consequences. I challenge anyone to read this book without shedding a tear. Overall, a really great book I thoroughly enjoyed.
Recommend this book:
And Come Day's End
A Michael MacKaybees Mystery
Gabriel F W Koch
2020 Bronze Medal
266 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
And Come Day's End: A Michael MacKaybees Mystery by Gabriel F. W. Koch is a murder mystery that will keep you up at night if you don’t finish it in one sitting. Our hero is Michael MacKaybee, a private investigator who was looking for a runaway teen when something far more dangerous grabbed his attention. When his best friend Lenny is shot dead, he somehow becomes the prime suspect in the case. But it isn’t just Michael who is suspected of the murder. His father, whom he hasn’t seen in a long time, is also one of the suspects. But that is the least of his worries. The people who killed his friend are after him. They want to silence him for some reason. However, as the body count starts to rise, Michael knows he has to do something to stay alive and find out why his friend was murdered so coldly. But will he get the chance to find out what happened before the people who want him dead catch up?
And Come Day's End opens with action and ends with action. The storyline is complex and has layer upon layer of plot that will keep you entertained and hooked. I wanted to know where Michael’s father Marlowe had been all these years and why he never met his son for so long. I wanted to know why Lenny was killed, why the people responsible for his death wanted Michael dead, and how he will keep one step ahead of them and the law. The chemistry between the father-son duo was perfect for the story. They lacked synergy at the beginning, but the two put their differences aside to bring justice and clear their names. The mystery is so thick that I could almost taste it. There is action on almost every page; you see Marlowe and Michael rebuild their relationship at their own pace and they share their disagreements with the reader. Gabriel F. W. Koch did a great job of building the plot, making sure the characters were leading the story, and the reader was in the moment with them until the end. I loved this book!
And Come Day's End: A Michael MacKaybees Mystery by Gabriel F. W. Koch is a murder mystery that will keep you up at night if you don’t finish it in one sitting. Our hero is Michael MacKaybee, a private investigator who was looking for a runaway teen when something far more dangerous grabbed his attention. When his best friend Lenny is shot dead, he somehow becomes the prime suspect in the case. But it isn’t just Michael who is suspected of the murder. His father, whom he hasn’t seen in a long time, is also one of the suspects. But that is the least of his worries. The people who killed his friend are after him. They want to silence him for some reason. However, as the body count starts to rise, Michael knows he has to do something to stay alive and find out why his friend was murdered so coldly. But will he get the chance to find out what happened before the people who want him dead catch up?
And Come Day's End opens with action and ends with action. The storyline is complex and has layer upon layer of plot that will keep you entertained and hooked. I wanted to know where Michael’s father Marlowe had been all these years and why he never met his son for so long. I wanted to know why Lenny was killed, why the people responsible for his death wanted Michael dead, and how he will keep one step ahead of them and the law. The chemistry between the father-son duo was perfect for the story. They lacked synergy at the beginning, but the two put their differences aside to bring justice and clear their names. The mystery is so thick that I could almost taste it. There is action on almost every page; you see Marlowe and Michael rebuild their relationship at their own pace and they share their disagreements with the reader. Gabriel F. W. Koch did a great job of building the plot, making sure the characters were leading the story, and the reader was in the moment with them until the end. I loved this book!
Recommend this book:
 this deftly-paced mystery thriller checks every box included in the mythical Writer�...){kind=link}
The Rabbit Skinners
John Eidswick
2020 Silver Medal
421 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
The Rabbit Skinners by John Eidswick is fully comparable and sometimes superior to any Jack Reacher or Lucas Davenport novel on the market. Such comparison is meant to convey just how good this book is. Besides the meticulously satisfying plot (more on that later,) this deftly-paced mystery thriller checks every box included in the mythical Writer’s Guide to Writing. Namely, dialogue is pitched so finely tuned that one actually hears the characters speaking; these characters themselves are so well sketched, one thinks he must have met them somewhere before; and the myriad tiny details necessary to establish place are so lavishly but unobtrusively sprinkled throughout that one feels (and hears, and smells) himself to be fully there in person. And all of this precision writing skill is devoted to telling a marvelously plotted story about a 9-year-old missing girl.
Like both Reacher and Davenport, James Strait, lead character and FBI agent-on-hold, is a BIG man in John Eidswick’s The Rabbit Skinners. Unlike his uber-healthy predecessors in this popular genre, however, Strait suffers from debilitating bouts of Ménière's disease, as well as some lingering guilt from a previous raid gone wrong. In one of life’s mysterious synchronicities, Strait’s search for the missing child resonates much too strongly with the case of another child he could not save. This time, he does not mean to fail. A twisting but logical plot line moves Strait among an intriguing cast of people, places, and potentially fatal situations, making this book a truly exciting and highly enjoyable read.
The Rabbit Skinners by John Eidswick is fully comparable and sometimes superior to any Jack Reacher or Lucas Davenport novel on the market. Such comparison is meant to convey just how good this book is. Besides the meticulously satisfying plot (more on that later,) this deftly-paced mystery thriller checks every box included in the mythical Writer’s Guide to Writing. Namely, dialogue is pitched so finely tuned that one actually hears the characters speaking; these characters themselves are so well sketched, one thinks he must have met them somewhere before; and the myriad tiny details necessary to establish place are so lavishly but unobtrusively sprinkled throughout that one feels (and hears, and smells) himself to be fully there in person. And all of this precision writing skill is devoted to telling a marvelously plotted story about a 9-year-old missing girl.
Like both Reacher and Davenport, James Strait, lead character and FBI agent-on-hold, is a BIG man in John Eidswick’s The Rabbit Skinners. Unlike his uber-healthy predecessors in this popular genre, however, Strait suffers from debilitating bouts of Ménière's disease, as well as some lingering guilt from a previous raid gone wrong. In one of life’s mysterious synchronicities, Strait’s search for the missing child resonates much too strongly with the case of another child he could not save. This time, he does not mean to fail. A twisting but logical plot line moves Strait among an intriguing cast of people, places, and potentially fatal situations, making this book a truly exciting and highly enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
Pinot Noir: An International Banking Spy Thriller
A Louise Moscow Novel Book 2
Lorraine Evanoff
2020 Gold Medal
310 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers' Favorite
Lorraine Evanoff’s Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times. It is the second installment of a series centered on the character of Louise Moscow, but despite some references to the previous volume, it works as a stand-alone book. Louise is still in witness protection when banker Ekram Almasi and his nurse are murdered. Even though investigators seem to have found the ideal culprit, the case is not as open-and-shut as it might seem. After leaving her “paradise,” Louise starts an investigation that will take her to Monte Carlo, Paris, and Burgundy. The amazing scenario, however, cannot hide a complicated and awful truth.
Evanoff is a fine writer, and she knows how to put every detail of her story in place. Pinot Noir is a remarkably well-developed novel, and its structure reveals the author’s excellent writing skills. Although it is not a short book, you will read it in one sitting. Evanoff’s style is engaging, and the way she reveals the conspiracy makes the story more and more complicated until the incredible end. The characters are vibrant, close to real persons, and the descriptions of the places Louise visits offer a wonderful setting to the story. Moreover, even the parts that are not about the investigation are delightful to read because of their liveliness. It is difficult to find a book that every reader will like, but Pinot Noir seems one of those that have achieved this result. Not surprisingly, I recommend it to every reader who loves spy stories.
Lorraine Evanoff’s Pinot Noir is one of the best thrillers I have read in recent times. It is the second installment of a series centered on the character of Louise Moscow, but despite some references to the previous volume, it works as a stand-alone book. Louise is still in witness protection when banker Ekram Almasi and his nurse are murdered. Even though investigators seem to have found the ideal culprit, the case is not as open-and-shut as it might seem. After leaving her “paradise,” Louise starts an investigation that will take her to Monte Carlo, Paris, and Burgundy. The amazing scenario, however, cannot hide a complicated and awful truth.
Evanoff is a fine writer, and she knows how to put every detail of her story in place. Pinot Noir is a remarkably well-developed novel, and its structure reveals the author’s excellent writing skills. Although it is not a short book, you will read it in one sitting. Evanoff’s style is engaging, and the way she reveals the conspiracy makes the story more and more complicated until the incredible end. The characters are vibrant, close to real persons, and the descriptions of the places Louise visits offer a wonderful setting to the story. Moreover, even the parts that are not about the investigation are delightful to read because of their liveliness. It is difficult to find a book that every reader will like, but Pinot Noir seems one of those that have achieved this result. Not surprisingly, I recommend it to every reader who loves spy stories.
Recommend this book:
The Sleeping Lady
Bonnie C. Monte
2019 Finalist
248 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Sleeping Lady by Bonnie C. Monte is a thrilling mystery story. Rae Sullivan runs a home décor shop with her friend and business partner Thalia, right next to The Sleeping Lady, or Mt. Tamalpais. Thalia is being blackmailed because of an affair in France and, insisting on facing up to the blackmailer, is found murdered in Golden Gate Park. The police think it was a mugging gone wrong and won’t listen to Rae so she decides to do their job for them. Heading to France, Rae and Luc, Thalia’s half-brother, go on the trail of a blackmailer and killer who is coming after Rae, all the while fighting off the spark of attraction between them. Can Rae solve the murder and will she remember that she has a husband she adores?
The Sleeping Lady by Bonnie C. Monte is a great amateur detective story, a nice light read to while away a few hours. It isn’t complicated and you probably will guess who did it before you officially find out, but that doesn’t make it any less of a good story. It’s all go and there are a few red herrings thrown in for good measure, just to try to throw you off the scent. The characters are believable, very likable and solid, well developed throughout the story. The Sleeping Lady is a page-turner; when you get to the end of one chapter you’ll just want to keep on reading to see where the story takes you next. Good story, well-paced and fun to read.
The Sleeping Lady by Bonnie C. Monte is a thrilling mystery story. Rae Sullivan runs a home décor shop with her friend and business partner Thalia, right next to The Sleeping Lady, or Mt. Tamalpais. Thalia is being blackmailed because of an affair in France and, insisting on facing up to the blackmailer, is found murdered in Golden Gate Park. The police think it was a mugging gone wrong and won’t listen to Rae so she decides to do their job for them. Heading to France, Rae and Luc, Thalia’s half-brother, go on the trail of a blackmailer and killer who is coming after Rae, all the while fighting off the spark of attraction between them. Can Rae solve the murder and will she remember that she has a husband she adores?
The Sleeping Lady by Bonnie C. Monte is a great amateur detective story, a nice light read to while away a few hours. It isn’t complicated and you probably will guess who did it before you officially find out, but that doesn’t make it any less of a good story. It’s all go and there are a few red herrings thrown in for good measure, just to try to throw you off the scent. The characters are believable, very likable and solid, well developed throughout the story. The Sleeping Lady is a page-turner; when you get to the end of one chapter you’ll just want to keep on reading to see where the story takes you next. Good story, well-paced and fun to read.
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