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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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 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!