Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

I really enjoyed Stalking Ground. There is mystery, light romance, and a wonderful K-9 dog that makes it hard to stop reading. Adrienne Howard, girlfriend of Deputy Brody, is reported missing. Robo, an amazing German Shepherd K-9 dog, and his human partner, Mattie, lead the forensic team and they soon find Adrienne’s body buried in the snowy mountains. It is necessary for Mattie and Cole to spend the night watching over Adrienne’s grave. Dr. Cole Walker, DVM, is recently divorced and kept busy caring for his animal patients, his two daughters, and helping in the case. Deputy Brody, Sheriff McCoy, and Detective Stella LoSasso all work relentlessly, following clues and interviewing the many possible suspects. No one will rest until the murderer is found and brought to justice.

Margaret Mizushima has written an intriguing mystery with Robo, a K-9 dog, as the hero. I enjoyed learning all of the training and hard work that was necessary to teach Robo and Mattie how to perform so well together. The characters were all believable and the plot was easy to follow. While this is the second book in the Timber Creek K-9 series, it read well as a stand alone. I have not yet read the first book, but found no problems or confusion as to the relationships of the characters or the storyline. I recommend all readers who enjoy animal stories and all mystery fans to read Stalking Ground. There is not much violence, no sex, and therefore its great for young adult readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Impala is a mystery novel written by Andrew Diamond. Back in San Francisco, Russ, Cred and Charlie were friends and nighttime co-conspirators and at the top of their game. They were hackers by night, digging into code and worming their way into all sorts of corporate networks and other crazy places. Then Charlie, otherwise known as Hatter, went a step too far and trouble came down on them, hard. The FBI must have realized that Russ was not really to blame; he had an obsessive nature that made it impossible for him to ignore clues or fail to solve a mystery, and Charlie, as Cred would say, was one for getting others to do things against their better judgment. Russ, in an effort to put that all behind him, moved from San Francisco to Richmond, Virginia, and found a place in a software development startup. He was living a quiet and orderly life and had a girlfriend who was the antithesis of his past. But something was bound to give, deep inside he realized that ... though he had no idea that it would be a message from Charlie from, it appeared, beyond the grave.

Andrew Diamond's high tech mystery novel, Impala, is fast-paced and suspenseful. Russ is an engaging character who is thrust, once again, into a chaotic web spun by his erstwhile friend, The Mad Hatter. Suddenly, he's being attacked by a Mario-Brothers lookalike with a penchant for violence and a pair of Russian mobsters. They all want the key and are determined to wrest it from him or kill all his friends trying. I enjoyed watching as the hapless Russ wrestles with clues and hints from his past as he tries to stay alive. Impala is filled with action and adventure, and the plot is clever and darkly humorous. I particularly enjoyed reading about the hackers' exploits and following Russ as he puzzles through the mystery of the key. Russ and Cali are grand characters, as is the legendary and reckless Mad Hatter. Impala is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jane Finch for Readers' Favorite

Haunting Me (Haunting Me Series Book 1) by Nikki LeClair tells the story of Phoebe Mercer, a law assistant yearning to be a fully-fledged lawyer, not only for self-gratification but to impress and appease her overbearing soon-to-be mother-in-law. She is unwittingly dominated by her boyfriend, Riley, railroaded into an engagement, and journeying down a path she has no control over. That is, until she is run over by a hot dog cart and suffers a concussion, with the result that she appears to be able to see and hear ghosts. Well, one in particular, who is determined that Phoebe will use her legal knowledge and abilities to help solve the mystery of her murder. The ghost’s murder, that is.

This story has a great start, transporting the reader into Phoebe’s world that is spiraling ever forward and Phoebe, it seems, is completely not in control of her life. An annoying ghost is quite a comical addition and, whilst at first is a bit of a surprise in what seemed a fairly normal life, turns the story into something completely different and really rather appealing. The characters are great: a manipulative and controlling boyfriend; a potential mother-in-law from hell; a ghost with her own agenda; and a protagonist who is pulled from one to another as she endeavors to please them all. After the initial shock of the ghost, the story settled into a somewhat comical yet strangely serious book which was completely enjoyable and entertaining. Being Book 1 in the Haunting Me series, this promises to be a series worth following.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

The suspense is nonstop in the exciting new thriller, Guilt Game by L.J. Sellers. After losing her sister to a cult, Rox MacFarlane is no longer content working as a Federal Agent. It isn't always possible to extricate cult victims legally within the guidelines and rules the agencies employ. With an impressive background as a former CIA agent and police officer, Rox quits her job to start her own investigation firm. Partnering with her step-father, a former police officer, Rox becomes an undercover operative to extract victims of cults for their concerned families. Her newest clients haven't heard from their daughter, Emma, for two months and are concerned that she may be dead. Emma was recruited by an ex-army soldier who handpicks his all-female members for his charity, Sister Love. As Emma is eighteen, they can't force her to return home. When they turn Emma's photo over to Rox, she realizes that Emma has the features and traits of the victims of a murderer stalking a Portland Interstate. As Rox investigates, she begins finding similarities in the two cases. Are the cult leader and the serial killer connected? Can Rox uncover the secrets behind Sister Love Charity before it is too late for Emma?

Guilt Game by L.J. Sellers is a riveting thriller with an exciting plot dealing with the alarming issue of cults. It is a compelling story about the heartbreaking difficulties families suffer when one of their members has been seduced into a radical faction and indoctrinated. The characters are remarkably fleshed out, and it is easy to empathize with them. The story culminates in a surprising twist at the conclusion. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves a brilliant, suspenseful thriller.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Behind the Door: A Sizzling, Psychological Suspense - Hidden Motives Book 1 by A. Gavazzoni is a complicated story, but in a really good and intriguing way. I was unable to put this book down, mainly because I didn’t want to put it down, it was so good. The story follows Simone; she is a psychiatrist by profession and a compassionate person by nature. She is the perfect person for the job. Her clientele are men and women who have issues with sex (think kinky sex, but more) and she enjoys her work.

Her life takes a serious and more profound turn when a defense attorney named Carl offers her a job. She needs to help him prove that his client, Mark, is innocent. Mark is accused of killing a woman named Lara and Carl needs Simone’s help to prove that Mark is innocent. Carl provided her with a diary in which Mark wrote every single detail about his affair with Lara. Now it is Simone’s job to prove if he is the killer or not. To make matters worse, there is a killer on the loose who is murdering women. Can Mark be that person? Or is he innocent? Stuck in a moral and professional loop, it is up to Simone to find the truth through words written by Mark in his diary!

The story was fast paced, intense, and very well written. The characters were very strong; even the characters that appeared in just a few scenes were very well-thought out. The narrative is fragmented and the reader is taken into Mark's world via his diary. This not only adds another layer to the novel, but makes it even more interesting. What I really liked about this novel is the fact that it was complicated without being too difficult. It tackles a theme and topic that not many people know about or are comfortable reading, but A. Gavazzoni handled it with grace and with sheer force of artistry! It was intense and simply too entertaining to put down!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Darkroom is a novel of suspense written by Mary Maddox. Kelly instantly felt a twinge of concern when she arrived home and heard Day giggling and smelled the smoky haze generated by the hash pipe her friend and roommate was smoking. Day was a gifted photographer, but her bipolar condition was not stable enough for her to risk getting high. Kelly's concern merged with irritation as she heard the rhythmic creaking of bed springs coming from her guest bedroom that had become Day's since she moved in. Odette was in there, and with a man, and she, Kelly realized, had brought the hashish for Day. Odette had been married off to Stuart, a much older man with pedophilic tendencies, when she was 15 years old to satisfy a debt her father owed to the wealthy man. She would be given a divorce and a settlement once she reached her mid-twenties and was no longer attractive to her husband. But Odette wanted fun now, and she was falling in love with Marcus, a college student. Odette knew that Stuart had assigned Yount, a sadist, as her bodyguard, but she was impatient and, with the confidence of youth, felt she could best both her husband and Yount. When Kelly returned from a trip a week later, Day was gone. Her car was still in the street, and Kelly's own Jeep was garaged and scrupulously clean, but she had disappeared. When Gee, Day's current fling and a big name at the museum where Kelly worked, asked for Kelly's help in finding Day, she had no idea how bad things had actually become.

Mary Maddox's suspense novel, Darkroom, is dark, compelling, and crackling with energy. Kelly is a strong, independent character, who is resourceful and marvelous fun to follow as she tries to resolve her friend's disappearance. Gregory Tyson, otherwise known as Gee, is an unforgettable character, conflicted and torn, and strung out on his own cocaine product. Gee is, in many ways, an antihero, and his story has the makings of a great psychological study. Maddox injects a hint of romance into her plot with the rugged police officer, Cash Peterson, who makes Kelly crazy but is appealing all the same. Darkroom is set in the lush countryside surrounding Boulder, and the author steeps her novel in gorgeous nature descriptions and the biting chill of a crisp mountain winter. Her characters are complex and believable, and she keeps her readers on edge and in a state of suspense throughout the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Darkroom and will be watching for other works by this author. Darkroom is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Death by Design by Abigail Keam is the ninth book in the Josiah Reynolds Mysteries series. As Josiah Reynolds continues to recover, she expects an easy trip in New York City, until she hears her name called out on the street. Enter Bunny Witt, who shares a tale of how her apartments in New York and London have been broken into, but nothing has been stolen. She begs Josiah to find the one responsible. Despite not being particularly fond of Bunny, Josiah agrees to help her. As Josiah's best friend, Matt, returns home after recovering from being shot, she's pulled into a mystery revolving around precious gems and murder.

With an assortment of eccentric and sophisticated characters, Death by Design is a witty, humorous, and charming mystery. Being the ninth in the series, the characters are deeply rooted and developed, their relationships complex, and their chemistry is evident in how easily the banter flows. Abigail Keam writes an array of personality types that are larger than life and emotionally well-rounded, with delightful quirks and full of heart. Josiah is a wonderful and spunky heroine, the kind of character you wish was real. Keam often breaks the fourth wall, but the prose doesn't flounder, instead Josiah's asides serve humorous purposes. Josiah often reminded me of a hard-boiled detective type, with her cynical nature, quick wit, and stubbornness. Death by Design is the kind of mystery that pairs well with a glass of iced tea, one that's hard to put down until the end. A must-read!

Reviewed by Kristine Hall for Readers' Favorite

Young journalist Leah Rosen, working for the premier Texas magazine in Austin, has uncovered proof that legendary Fort Worth trial lawyer Cal Connors has used false evidence and testimony to win some of the biggest court cases in recent history. As Leah tries to leave no stone unturned before publishing her story, threats to her become increasingly dangerous as she gets too close to the truth. Meanwhile, in the town of Hagstrom, Texas, parents on their way to bury their veteran daughter come face to face with a group of extremist Christians protesting the woman's service in the military. Attorney Jace Forman is called in to file a lawsuit against the group, exploring the limits of the First Amendment. In both cases, private investigator Jackie McLaughlin is hired to hunt down people and information for both Rosen and Forman, for whom the stakes are getting increasingly higher. Hubert Crouch's The Word will keep readers immersed from start to finish in a world where justice always comes with a heavy price tag.

Be ready for a wild ride! In The Word, real life attorney Hubert Crouch provides masterfully connected, multiple story lines that could have been ripped straight from the headlines. Corruption, greed, and danger criss-cross with the pursuit of honesty and truth for a page-turning, action packed story. Though this is book two in the Jace Forman series, it absolutely stands alone, though I fully intend to read book one. Crouch is in his element as the courtroom drama unfolds, writing memorable and unique characters -- all with a Texas flair -- for readers to love or loathe. The writing is high caliber and the story is engaging and realistic, with memorable characters. Top notch.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Killer Unleashed: A Humorous Romantic Mystery is a lighthearted, fun whodunit story. Chloe is a girl who can’t say no. The first time she finally does not do what she was asked, her life changes forever. Betty, her elderly neighbor, is moving out of the neighborhood and cannot take her puppy along to her new home. When Chloe decides to keep Theo, a lovable little dog, instead of taking him to the animal shelter as Betty requested, her life is suddenly in danger. Isaac, her next door neighbor and best friend, is always there to pick up the pieces; as is her new neighbor, Brody, who is now living in Betty’s house. There is also a new husband and wife on the block who are weird, mysterious, and pretty unfriendly. Add to that Chloe’s old boyfriend Jack who is hanging around the neighborhood, and all sorts of unusual things start to happen. Chloe, Isaac and Brody soon have to face house break-ins, murders, and an assortment of bad events before the climax and unexpectedly revealing ending. To tell you much more would really ruin the fun of the book.

Killer Unleashed is a very quick and enjoyable read. Author Beth Prentice has a natural knack for creating real life characters with real emotions, thoughts, and behavior while facing things that are out of the ordinary realm of experiences. I urge you to not pass up Killer Unleashed; it will not disappoint. If you are a dog lover or not, you will instantly fall in love with Theo, as well as the human characters. I found myself immersed in the story and not wanting it to end. Killer Unleashed is definitely a winner.

Reviewed by Patricia Day for Readers' Favorite

The Torch is Passed: A Harding Family Story is written by Bill Powers. Having just graduated college, Andrea finds her world ripped apart when two family members are shot. Her father is one and, with his life hanging in the balance, she must take control of the family business until he recovers. Business partners, Carlton and Jefferson of Oakes Industries make a play to not only take over but own Harding Industries. They offer a staggering amount of money in an attempt to obtain control, but fail despite the amount offered. Why would they be prepared to pay so much for a company worth much less?

Andrea is fast-tracked to adulthood as the world she once knew vanishes. An attempt on her own life leads her to find trusted support in Beth and Riva. Both women are powerfully able to defend and protect not only Andrea, but also those she holds dear. Her determination to keep Harding Industries intact for future growth, takes her along violent pathways, meeting very disagreeable, volatile people.

This is a fast-paced story of greed, murder, and ambition.Thrown into the mix are characters from the Russian mob, whose cold, calculated methods to annihilate anyone crossing their path leave you breathless, and you have a book that will grab you from the very first page. It is a tale of corporate greed and misguided trust and broken trust. I enjoyed this book very much. There’s a lot of detail, but the characters are strong and you quickly determine whose side you are on. Well written.