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Recommend this book:
Hot Chocolate
Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures
Dawn Greenfield Ireland
2015 Finalist
289 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures is written by Dawn Greenfield Ireland. The Alcott sisters are the heiresses to an enormous chocolate empire. Their father is under the care of Dorothea and a nurse called Bambi. However, Dorothea has decided that he needs more care and they agree to move him to an assisted living home, giving his nurse a handsome payoff. That isn’t enough for Bambi’s husband though, who decides to bring a lawsuit against the family. The Alcott sisters are well known and well liked and they also have the money to hire a good lawyer. But is their money and standing enough to have the case dismissed? Or will the situation take another, more sinister turn?
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures by Dawn Greenfield Ireland is a delightful story with characters that are bright and colorful. Ms. Ireland has written a well-crafted story with a great plot, one that you think you have figured out. We know all the characters – or at least we think we do - but then something else happens that turns the story on its head. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this story; it was a real page-turner, one of those that you just have to keep on reading to see what’s going to happen next. The book moved along at a nice pace and the characters were extremely well written and matched to the story. And let’s not forget the recipes included at the end of the book, the recipes of some of the wonderful meals that the sisters enjoy throughout the story – a very nice touch. Really looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures is written by Dawn Greenfield Ireland. The Alcott sisters are the heiresses to an enormous chocolate empire. Their father is under the care of Dorothea and a nurse called Bambi. However, Dorothea has decided that he needs more care and they agree to move him to an assisted living home, giving his nurse a handsome payoff. That isn’t enough for Bambi’s husband though, who decides to bring a lawsuit against the family. The Alcott sisters are well known and well liked and they also have the money to hire a good lawyer. But is their money and standing enough to have the case dismissed? Or will the situation take another, more sinister turn?
Hot Chocolate: Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures by Dawn Greenfield Ireland is a delightful story with characters that are bright and colorful. Ms. Ireland has written a well-crafted story with a great plot, one that you think you have figured out. We know all the characters – or at least we think we do - but then something else happens that turns the story on its head. I found myself thoroughly engrossed in this story; it was a real page-turner, one of those that you just have to keep on reading to see what’s going to happen next. The book moved along at a nice pace and the characters were extremely well written and matched to the story. And let’s not forget the recipes included at the end of the book, the recipes of some of the wonderful meals that the sisters enjoy throughout the story – a very nice touch. Really looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
Recommend this book:
Cicero's Dead
Patrick H. Moore
2015 Finalist
268 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Cicero's Dead is a hard-boiled detective mystery written by Patrick H. Moore. Nick Crane is a private investigator working from his home in the hills outside Los Angeles. He's been hired by Jade Lamont, a young heiress, who's been unable to reach her brother, Richard. Jade's father, Cicero, was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and her mother committed suicide not long thereafter. Richard's all Jade has, and it's been three weeks since she's spoken to him. Jade suggests that Nick start by speaking with Ron Cera, one of Richard's friends and Jade's former lover. Ron is frightened and getting ready to leave town. He tells Nick that Richard's gotten involved with Arnold Clipper, a psychotic sadist, who has given Ron 48 hours to help them find Jade.
Patrick H. Moore's detective story, Cicero's Dead, is exciting and fast-paced. Nick Crane is the perfect hard-boiled detective even if he does come with a wife and young daughter. Moore makes this detective story come alive with his characterizations of this iconic private eye and his crew: Audrey, Bobby and Brad. The plot is finely drawn and filled with action and suspense. I particularly enjoyed watching Nick's team working together and planning strategies, especially those scenes where they're based out of Bobby's house, complete with electrified fencing and pet goats. Bobby is a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD, and Moore's coverage of Bobby and Nick's working partnership is inspired. There are also some marvelous scenes where Nick gets into it with some police detectives who are itching to blame him for something, but can't seem to get it right. I had so much fun reading Cicero's Dead. It's first-rate hard-boiled detective fiction, and it's most highly recommended.
Cicero's Dead is a hard-boiled detective mystery written by Patrick H. Moore. Nick Crane is a private investigator working from his home in the hills outside Los Angeles. He's been hired by Jade Lamont, a young heiress, who's been unable to reach her brother, Richard. Jade's father, Cicero, was killed in a hit-and-run accident, and her mother committed suicide not long thereafter. Richard's all Jade has, and it's been three weeks since she's spoken to him. Jade suggests that Nick start by speaking with Ron Cera, one of Richard's friends and Jade's former lover. Ron is frightened and getting ready to leave town. He tells Nick that Richard's gotten involved with Arnold Clipper, a psychotic sadist, who has given Ron 48 hours to help them find Jade.
Patrick H. Moore's detective story, Cicero's Dead, is exciting and fast-paced. Nick Crane is the perfect hard-boiled detective even if he does come with a wife and young daughter. Moore makes this detective story come alive with his characterizations of this iconic private eye and his crew: Audrey, Bobby and Brad. The plot is finely drawn and filled with action and suspense. I particularly enjoyed watching Nick's team working together and planning strategies, especially those scenes where they're based out of Bobby's house, complete with electrified fencing and pet goats. Bobby is a Vietnam vet suffering from PTSD, and Moore's coverage of Bobby and Nick's working partnership is inspired. There are also some marvelous scenes where Nick gets into it with some police detectives who are itching to blame him for something, but can't seem to get it right. I had so much fun reading Cicero's Dead. It's first-rate hard-boiled detective fiction, and it's most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in White Pajamas
Chris Birdy
2015 Honorable Mention
426 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Girl in White Pajamas by Chris Birdy is a story of love, lies, and deception. Bogie McGruder receives word that his brother, Officer Bud of the Boston PD, has been shot dead. He returns for the funeral, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bailey, his ex-lover, and his daughter Isabella whom he has never met, before flying home. Things never go according to plan, though. Bailey contacts Bogie, looking for protection because she believes someone is hunting her down to kill her. Bogie finally gets to meet his love child and discovers that he never stopped loving her mother. What should have been a simple job of protecting Bailey turns sour when he gets dragged into the Boston PD’s investigation into his brother’s murder, despite his best efforts to stay out of it. Isabella, a little girl who has an obsession with martial arts, seems to be the only pure person in a world filled with liars and deceivers.
The Girl in White Pajamas by Chris Birdy was a well written novel that has obviously been researched. The characters fit the storyline and I found it to be one of those stories that, although it didn’t grab you from the first, it slowly drew you in, like a spider catching its prey. I soon found it was hard to put down, needing to know what was next, and eventually I was so embroiled in the plot that it was impossible to put it down without wondering how the story would end. Great story, I'm very impressed.
The Girl in White Pajamas by Chris Birdy is a story of love, lies, and deception. Bogie McGruder receives word that his brother, Officer Bud of the Boston PD, has been shot dead. He returns for the funeral, hoping to catch a glimpse of Bailey, his ex-lover, and his daughter Isabella whom he has never met, before flying home. Things never go according to plan, though. Bailey contacts Bogie, looking for protection because she believes someone is hunting her down to kill her. Bogie finally gets to meet his love child and discovers that he never stopped loving her mother. What should have been a simple job of protecting Bailey turns sour when he gets dragged into the Boston PD’s investigation into his brother’s murder, despite his best efforts to stay out of it. Isabella, a little girl who has an obsession with martial arts, seems to be the only pure person in a world filled with liars and deceivers.
The Girl in White Pajamas by Chris Birdy was a well written novel that has obviously been researched. The characters fit the storyline and I found it to be one of those stories that, although it didn’t grab you from the first, it slowly drew you in, like a spider catching its prey. I soon found it was hard to put down, needing to know what was next, and eventually I was so embroiled in the plot that it was impossible to put it down without wondering how the story would end. Great story, I'm very impressed.
Recommend this book:
 rouses Janie's determination to take care of an unfinished issue from an early period ...){kind=link}
The Clock Strikes Midnight
Joan C Curtis
2015 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jeffrey Brooke-Stewart for Readers' Favorite
With The Clock Strikes Midnight, Joan Curtis has written a true page-turner. The plot follows a successful business woman named Janie as she takes a journey back over her life. The diagnosis of terminal cancer (given on the opening page, so no plot spoiler there) rouses Janie's determination to take care of an unfinished issue from an early period in her life. The story begins in Savannah, Georgia, but quickly moves to Atlanta where the author deftly describes the contrasts of various parts of that city.
Joan Curtis takes the reader through Janie's life story and that of the previous generation. The characters of her family and friends are developed with sensitivity, even though some of them are very unattractive. Central to the plot is an understanding of Janie's family - her mother, step-father and her sister, in particular.
In the process, the author describes Janie's determination and her progress towards settling the old issue before the cancer causes her death. Exactly what that issue is does not become clear until the final pages. But it becomes obvious that it involves the murder of Janie's mother by her step-father, Ralph. Ralph's plea of innocence only adds to the uncertainty and suspense.
On a number of occasions, the reader may anticipate the ending, but each time a new variable is introduced to maintain the uncertainty and tension! The result is a fast-moving suspense-filled yarn. Those who like a good mystery story will enjoy this book.
With The Clock Strikes Midnight, Joan Curtis has written a true page-turner. The plot follows a successful business woman named Janie as she takes a journey back over her life. The diagnosis of terminal cancer (given on the opening page, so no plot spoiler there) rouses Janie's determination to take care of an unfinished issue from an early period in her life. The story begins in Savannah, Georgia, but quickly moves to Atlanta where the author deftly describes the contrasts of various parts of that city.
Joan Curtis takes the reader through Janie's life story and that of the previous generation. The characters of her family and friends are developed with sensitivity, even though some of them are very unattractive. Central to the plot is an understanding of Janie's family - her mother, step-father and her sister, in particular.
In the process, the author describes Janie's determination and her progress towards settling the old issue before the cancer causes her death. Exactly what that issue is does not become clear until the final pages. But it becomes obvious that it involves the murder of Janie's mother by her step-father, Ralph. Ralph's plea of innocence only adds to the uncertainty and suspense.
On a number of occasions, the reader may anticipate the ending, but each time a new variable is introduced to maintain the uncertainty and tension! The result is a fast-moving suspense-filled yarn. Those who like a good mystery story will enjoy this book.
Recommend this book:
 is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson w...){kind=link}
Deadly Bonds
A Detective Jackson Mystery
L.J. Sellers
2015 Bronze Medal
318 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson whose girlfriend Kera has a family crisis that puts a strain on their relationship. Katie, his emotionally confused daughter, runs away and adorable Benjie needs constant supervision. The background search conducted by Detective Jackson on Benjie’s mother reveals that the name Amanda Carter is an alias, and her neighbour’s teen son, who behaves like a future psycho killer, knows more about the victim’s home than he admits. When a university football player suddenly dies, Jackson’s superiors make that case a priority, hindering and frustrating him from quickly solving his current one.
Suspense is not lacking in Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) by L.J. Sellers. She has created an intricate plot with interesting characters. Although Detective Jackson is the protagonist, other characters get a fair opportunity to shine in the roles they play, so readers will become more familiar with them as their personal lives come under scrutiny. The author writes nicely, taking time to form her characters properly in a good setting. Connecting the dots in this mystery is fun as L.J. Sellers strings you along with surprising little clues that pop up as Jackson’s team conduct their investigation. I enjoyed reading Deadly Bonds very much.
Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson whose girlfriend Kera has a family crisis that puts a strain on their relationship. Katie, his emotionally confused daughter, runs away and adorable Benjie needs constant supervision. The background search conducted by Detective Jackson on Benjie’s mother reveals that the name Amanda Carter is an alias, and her neighbour’s teen son, who behaves like a future psycho killer, knows more about the victim’s home than he admits. When a university football player suddenly dies, Jackson’s superiors make that case a priority, hindering and frustrating him from quickly solving his current one.
Suspense is not lacking in Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) by L.J. Sellers. She has created an intricate plot with interesting characters. Although Detective Jackson is the protagonist, other characters get a fair opportunity to shine in the roles they play, so readers will become more familiar with them as their personal lives come under scrutiny. The author writes nicely, taking time to form her characters properly in a good setting. Connecting the dots in this mystery is fun as L.J. Sellers strings you along with surprising little clues that pop up as Jackson’s team conduct their investigation. I enjoyed reading Deadly Bonds very much.
Recommend this book:
Wrongful Death
A Detective Jackson Mystery
L.J. Sellers
2015 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Detective Wade Jackson investigates the death of a colleague in Wrongful Death, part of the Detective Jackson Mystery series by L.J. Sellers. Two mentally challenged brothers, seen with Officer Dan Thompson after he distributed supplies to the homeless camp, are the prime suspects. The case appears “open and shut,” and Jackson is pressured to solve the case as relations between the homeless community and the cops become volatile. His partner, Schak, the deceased’s cousin, investigates a girl’s suicide and learns that the victim and other girls were molested and blackmailed. He and Jackson realise both cases are linked and evidence makes them wonder if the rapist is actually a cop or an imposter. What was Officer Dan Thompson’s connection to these crimes? Can they catch the perpetrator before the media hears about him?
Wrongful Death is another book from the Detective Jackson Mystery series and I like the resourceful writing style of L.J. Sellers. She engages her readers with convincing dramas, and her recurring main characters in the series have lifelike emotional problems that occur in today’s society. Detective Jackson is a man I admire for his compassion in dealing with delicate issues arising both on the job and in his personal life, which is filled with a lot of family struggles. The author showed a mixture of opinionated views of cops, citizens and their actions when an unjust crime is committed, and I found this thought provoking. L.J. Sellers’ well-written, moderately paced story is from a series I hope to continue reading.
Detective Wade Jackson investigates the death of a colleague in Wrongful Death, part of the Detective Jackson Mystery series by L.J. Sellers. Two mentally challenged brothers, seen with Officer Dan Thompson after he distributed supplies to the homeless camp, are the prime suspects. The case appears “open and shut,” and Jackson is pressured to solve the case as relations between the homeless community and the cops become volatile. His partner, Schak, the deceased’s cousin, investigates a girl’s suicide and learns that the victim and other girls were molested and blackmailed. He and Jackson realise both cases are linked and evidence makes them wonder if the rapist is actually a cop or an imposter. What was Officer Dan Thompson’s connection to these crimes? Can they catch the perpetrator before the media hears about him?
Wrongful Death is another book from the Detective Jackson Mystery series and I like the resourceful writing style of L.J. Sellers. She engages her readers with convincing dramas, and her recurring main characters in the series have lifelike emotional problems that occur in today’s society. Detective Jackson is a man I admire for his compassion in dealing with delicate issues arising both on the job and in his personal life, which is filled with a lot of family struggles. The author showed a mixture of opinionated views of cops, citizens and their actions when an unjust crime is committed, and I found this thought provoking. L.J. Sellers’ well-written, moderately paced story is from a series I hope to continue reading.
Recommend this book:
Stolen
Dawn Kopman Whidden
2015 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Stolen is a mystery by Dawn Kopman Whidden. When hunters find male victims with gunshot wounds and two traumatised children at a remote cabin, homicide detectives Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are shocked by the things their investigation uncovers. One of the victims was a known pedophile and the other man is his son, Troy, who’s in a critical condition. What’s even more puzzling are the children’s behavior and lack of positive identities. One of the children is a boy with a name tag “Tristan,” who’s unable to speak. Evidence found at the cabin reveals children were abducted from their families and abused. This hits close to home as detective Keal remembers a missing boy from his childhood days. The investigation takes an unusual direction when Troy’s brother, Shane, lurks in the shadows, determined to take his brother and Tristan away from the authorities.
Stolen is a suspenseful mystery, and Dawn Kopman Whidden aroused my curiosity with its great beginning. The story is interesting, realistic and a bit emotional due to the chilling nature of the plot. I like the author’s eye for details, and I think she writes an insightful account of what victims and their families could possibly experience, if faced with this horror. Dawn Kopman Whidden nicely extracts the confusing emotions and thoughts of the characters, and they were convincing in a natural surrounding. Her writing form is fluent and unforced, and I am very impressed with the creative abilities of this author.
Stolen is a mystery by Dawn Kopman Whidden. When hunters find male victims with gunshot wounds and two traumatised children at a remote cabin, homicide detectives Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are shocked by the things their investigation uncovers. One of the victims was a known pedophile and the other man is his son, Troy, who’s in a critical condition. What’s even more puzzling are the children’s behavior and lack of positive identities. One of the children is a boy with a name tag “Tristan,” who’s unable to speak. Evidence found at the cabin reveals children were abducted from their families and abused. This hits close to home as detective Keal remembers a missing boy from his childhood days. The investigation takes an unusual direction when Troy’s brother, Shane, lurks in the shadows, determined to take his brother and Tristan away from the authorities.
Stolen is a suspenseful mystery, and Dawn Kopman Whidden aroused my curiosity with its great beginning. The story is interesting, realistic and a bit emotional due to the chilling nature of the plot. I like the author’s eye for details, and I think she writes an insightful account of what victims and their families could possibly experience, if faced with this horror. Dawn Kopman Whidden nicely extracts the confusing emotions and thoughts of the characters, and they were convincing in a natural surrounding. Her writing form is fluent and unforced, and I am very impressed with the creative abilities of this author.
Recommend this book:
Better Dead Than Never
Laurent Boulanger
2014 Honorable Mention
280 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
In Better Dead than Never by Laurent Boulanger, we seek to separate truth from lies. Ten years ago, Beh Mohammed Shah was jailed for the rape and murder of Steven Donnelly. Now Patricia Lunn has been asked to investigate a possible miscarriage of justice. An ex-police officer turned private eye, Patricia is told that Shah may have been framed and is asked to determine the truth. Her investigations, together with her business partner, Tyron, put her and all around her in the line of fire - literally. When she gets too close to the truth, she is shot 3 times by a hired assassin. But, who hired the assassin? What does all this have to do with Steven Donnelly's death? And why are the witnesses to his apparent abduction so hostile?
Laurent Boulanger is a serious contender for Janet Evanovich's shoes, although with a little less humor. Better Dead than Never is a story that hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. It has everything - the gorgeous private eye, her protector and business partner, murder, mayhem and justice. It's clear that a great deal of effort was put into this book - the plot is original and well thought out, the characters match the plot perfectly, and everything flows exactly as it should. It was an easy read but difficult to put down, exactly as any good story should be. I believe the author is working on a sequel to this and I would love the chance to read it.
In Better Dead than Never by Laurent Boulanger, we seek to separate truth from lies. Ten years ago, Beh Mohammed Shah was jailed for the rape and murder of Steven Donnelly. Now Patricia Lunn has been asked to investigate a possible miscarriage of justice. An ex-police officer turned private eye, Patricia is told that Shah may have been framed and is asked to determine the truth. Her investigations, together with her business partner, Tyron, put her and all around her in the line of fire - literally. When she gets too close to the truth, she is shot 3 times by a hired assassin. But, who hired the assassin? What does all this have to do with Steven Donnelly's death? And why are the witnesses to his apparent abduction so hostile?
Laurent Boulanger is a serious contender for Janet Evanovich's shoes, although with a little less humor. Better Dead than Never is a story that hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. It has everything - the gorgeous private eye, her protector and business partner, murder, mayhem and justice. It's clear that a great deal of effort was put into this book - the plot is original and well thought out, the characters match the plot perfectly, and everything flows exactly as it should. It was an easy read but difficult to put down, exactly as any good story should be. I believe the author is working on a sequel to this and I would love the chance to read it.
Recommend this book:
Ghost Music
A Marcus Brace Mystery
Patrick Linder
2014 Honorable Mention
274 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
In Ghost Music, Detective Marcus Brace finds his card on a brutally bludgeoned female body. The killer wants him to handle the crime, plain as day. A burned-out cop with a strenuous job and a failed marriage, a death of someone in his past will lead Brace to the hidden truth that crosses paths with his intriguing case. As the first installment of the Marcus Brace Mystery series, this haunting psychological thriller is written by Patrick Linder.
Ghost Music is a commendable and flawless mystery crime tale. The main strength of the novel is evident right away - author Patrick Linder's faultless writing style. He has woven a richly detailed book, effortlessly allowing readers to immerse themselves in Brace's attraction to his colleague, Detective Ashlynn Rivers, his failed marriage, his relationship with his father, and the intriguing mystery that Mr. Brey left for him to solve. It is easy to connect to this flawed protagonist, as he is believable and well-fleshed out, which is also the case for the other characters. Ashlynn complements Brace well, which makes them perfect partners professionally and romantically. Linder also captures the mood of the surroundings perfectly; the gory feel of the crime scenes, the busy, colorful senses of Seattle city, and windy, sunny Kansas.
All in all, Ghost Music is a gritty, meaty mystery novel where its intrinsic quality is worth being read slowly to digest its exciting premise and well-structured plot. Combined with Linder's watertight prose, the Marcus Brace Mystery series would easily attract a wide range of readers.
In Ghost Music, Detective Marcus Brace finds his card on a brutally bludgeoned female body. The killer wants him to handle the crime, plain as day. A burned-out cop with a strenuous job and a failed marriage, a death of someone in his past will lead Brace to the hidden truth that crosses paths with his intriguing case. As the first installment of the Marcus Brace Mystery series, this haunting psychological thriller is written by Patrick Linder.
Ghost Music is a commendable and flawless mystery crime tale. The main strength of the novel is evident right away - author Patrick Linder's faultless writing style. He has woven a richly detailed book, effortlessly allowing readers to immerse themselves in Brace's attraction to his colleague, Detective Ashlynn Rivers, his failed marriage, his relationship with his father, and the intriguing mystery that Mr. Brey left for him to solve. It is easy to connect to this flawed protagonist, as he is believable and well-fleshed out, which is also the case for the other characters. Ashlynn complements Brace well, which makes them perfect partners professionally and romantically. Linder also captures the mood of the surroundings perfectly; the gory feel of the crime scenes, the busy, colorful senses of Seattle city, and windy, sunny Kansas.
All in all, Ghost Music is a gritty, meaty mystery novel where its intrinsic quality is worth being read slowly to digest its exciting premise and well-structured plot. Combined with Linder's watertight prose, the Marcus Brace Mystery series would easily attract a wide range of readers.
Recommend this book:
Night Shadows
Detective Louis Martelli, NYPD, Mystery/Thriller Series
Theodore Jerome Cohen
2014 Bronze Medal
238 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
Night Shadows by Theodore J. Cohen, PhD, is a murder mystery right out of NYPD case files, or so it seems. Detective-Investigator Louis Martelli and his partner, Sean O’Keeffe, found themselves with an unexpected murder on their hands when Deputy Coroner Michael Antonetti’s assistant discovered a rare ancient coin under the tongue of the cadaver brought in as an apparent suicide. Launched into an investigation they hadn’t anticipated, the detectives soon found themselves investigating a related second murder, while trying to prevent a third one. Using resources available to the police IT person, the two built their case one slow piece at a time, following up on many false leads in the process. Would they be able to solve the case before another murder is committed? Would they finally be able to follow a legitimate lead? Would the murderer be apprehended?
Night Shadows is a fascinating and believable story about the consequences of poor decisions. Sometimes those consequences are not realized until much later in life. Dr. Cohen has crafted a brilliant tale demonstrating the possible results of choices made by a group of High School students, which finally come to fruition many years later. Details of the police investigation were remarkably credible, incorporating a number of high tech tools only recently available. Dr. Cohen has perfectly captured the essence of small town America, and the passion for athletic performance that goes beyond the rational. This story was an enthralling tale I just could not put down. This is one murder mystery I will assuredly recommend to anyone and everyone with an interest in the genre.
Night Shadows by Theodore J. Cohen, PhD, is a murder mystery right out of NYPD case files, or so it seems. Detective-Investigator Louis Martelli and his partner, Sean O’Keeffe, found themselves with an unexpected murder on their hands when Deputy Coroner Michael Antonetti’s assistant discovered a rare ancient coin under the tongue of the cadaver brought in as an apparent suicide. Launched into an investigation they hadn’t anticipated, the detectives soon found themselves investigating a related second murder, while trying to prevent a third one. Using resources available to the police IT person, the two built their case one slow piece at a time, following up on many false leads in the process. Would they be able to solve the case before another murder is committed? Would they finally be able to follow a legitimate lead? Would the murderer be apprehended?
Night Shadows is a fascinating and believable story about the consequences of poor decisions. Sometimes those consequences are not realized until much later in life. Dr. Cohen has crafted a brilliant tale demonstrating the possible results of choices made by a group of High School students, which finally come to fruition many years later. Details of the police investigation were remarkably credible, incorporating a number of high tech tools only recently available. Dr. Cohen has perfectly captured the essence of small town America, and the passion for athletic performance that goes beyond the rational. This story was an enthralling tale I just could not put down. This is one murder mystery I will assuredly recommend to anyone and everyone with an interest in the genre.
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