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![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/a-wicked-thing&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413rbB1ptdL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="A Wicked Thing" is set in the town of St. Martins in New Brunswick on the shores of Fundy Bay. The bay is ever-present, washing in and out in tides throughout the action in this paranormal thriller. Gwen and Stephen Burns have lived there all their lives and are at home with the tides. Gwen is sensitive to spirits, which she sees in the mist that ...){kind=link}
A Wicked Thing
Michael Kasenow
2013 Honorable Mention
364 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
"A Wicked Thing" is set in the town of St. Martins in New Brunswick on the shores of Fundy Bay. The bay is ever-present, washing in and out in tides throughout the action in this paranormal thriller. Gwen and Stephen Burns have lived there all their lives and are at home with the tides. Gwen is sensitive to spirits, which she sees in the mist that comes in off the water. The Burns are realtors and own the two Victorians that perch besides theirs on the sands. One is rented to Kaitlyn, a young nurse who is escaping a bad marriage and the other, which was vacant and in need of maintenance, is let to Jonathan, a lost soul whose loss of his wife and two sons has left him in a stupor. He wakes up on the beach with no knowledge of who or where he is, and an elderly gentleman sends him on to Gwen. He settles into the vacant house, once owned by Mary McLaughlin, who Gwen claims haunts it. Meanwhile, Gwen's brother, a policeman, is involved in a manhunt for a sadistic killer.
Michael Kasenow's "A Wicked Thing" is a lovely and haunting novel that lingers in your mind long after you have read the last few lines. There is action and thrills enough to keep the most jaded reader involved, but there is also lyrical, descriptive prose that you'll want to read out loud -- and then read again. There is a compelling ghost story entwined with a crime thriller, and both are set against the timeless backdrop of the water and the wilderness. This is a truly amazing piece of literature, and one that I am very glad to have read.
"A Wicked Thing" is set in the town of St. Martins in New Brunswick on the shores of Fundy Bay. The bay is ever-present, washing in and out in tides throughout the action in this paranormal thriller. Gwen and Stephen Burns have lived there all their lives and are at home with the tides. Gwen is sensitive to spirits, which she sees in the mist that comes in off the water. The Burns are realtors and own the two Victorians that perch besides theirs on the sands. One is rented to Kaitlyn, a young nurse who is escaping a bad marriage and the other, which was vacant and in need of maintenance, is let to Jonathan, a lost soul whose loss of his wife and two sons has left him in a stupor. He wakes up on the beach with no knowledge of who or where he is, and an elderly gentleman sends him on to Gwen. He settles into the vacant house, once owned by Mary McLaughlin, who Gwen claims haunts it. Meanwhile, Gwen's brother, a policeman, is involved in a manhunt for a sadistic killer.
Michael Kasenow's "A Wicked Thing" is a lovely and haunting novel that lingers in your mind long after you have read the last few lines. There is action and thrills enough to keep the most jaded reader involved, but there is also lyrical, descriptive prose that you'll want to read out loud -- and then read again. There is a compelling ghost story entwined with a crime thriller, and both are set against the timeless backdrop of the water and the wilderness. This is a truly amazing piece of literature, and one that I am very glad to have read.
Recommend this book:
Too Dark to Sleep
Dianne Gallagher
2013 Honorable Mention
390 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
One-time crackerjack Chicago police detective, Maggie Quinn, is on permanent leave from the force and is plagued by nightmares. She dreams that she discovers the body of a young woman who has been strangled and her torso sliced. In this same dream, a man in a blue jacket throws Maggie to the ground in a nearby alley as she reaches out to catch him. Maggie is watched over day and night by Antoine Rayney, a no-nonsense male nurse, hired by Maggie's father, Patrick, a powerful man with strong Chicago mob connections who is serving a life sentence in Joliet prison but is still protected and helped by the "Outfit". Maggie's little daughter Erin died two years ago after a botched cardiac surgery and Maggie's attempt at slashing her arms after this sent her to a psychiatric hospital. Estranged, unfaithful husband Richard Freedman bribes people as he hopes to grow rich from divorcing Maggie.
Maggie has good friends in the Chicago Police Department and Captain Tierney hires her as a consultant to work with new police Detective Nick Dublowski, as they investigate who might be the serial killer who is strangling young women, slicing their torsos, and stealing their jewelry. Will Maggie and Nick succeed in finding the killer?
"Too Dark to Sleep" is a brilliant, well-written novel of how police can sometimes fail in their efforts to catch a bright killer who has money and connections. Maggie Quinn is an incredible main character, multifaceted and strong despite setback after setback. Her partner, Detective Nick Dublowski, and her friends, Antoine Rayney, Medical Examiner Harley, Captain Tierney and all the other characters are all well-developed. This riveting story tells of Maggie's battles with a brilliant "bad guy" and with the darkness that threatens her after her breakdown. The suspense in this story is first-rate from its opening pages to the story's conclusion and makes "Too Dark to Sleep" a spine-tingling book that readers everywhere will adore.
One-time crackerjack Chicago police detective, Maggie Quinn, is on permanent leave from the force and is plagued by nightmares. She dreams that she discovers the body of a young woman who has been strangled and her torso sliced. In this same dream, a man in a blue jacket throws Maggie to the ground in a nearby alley as she reaches out to catch him. Maggie is watched over day and night by Antoine Rayney, a no-nonsense male nurse, hired by Maggie's father, Patrick, a powerful man with strong Chicago mob connections who is serving a life sentence in Joliet prison but is still protected and helped by the "Outfit". Maggie's little daughter Erin died two years ago after a botched cardiac surgery and Maggie's attempt at slashing her arms after this sent her to a psychiatric hospital. Estranged, unfaithful husband Richard Freedman bribes people as he hopes to grow rich from divorcing Maggie.
Maggie has good friends in the Chicago Police Department and Captain Tierney hires her as a consultant to work with new police Detective Nick Dublowski, as they investigate who might be the serial killer who is strangling young women, slicing their torsos, and stealing their jewelry. Will Maggie and Nick succeed in finding the killer?
"Too Dark to Sleep" is a brilliant, well-written novel of how police can sometimes fail in their efforts to catch a bright killer who has money and connections. Maggie Quinn is an incredible main character, multifaceted and strong despite setback after setback. Her partner, Detective Nick Dublowski, and her friends, Antoine Rayney, Medical Examiner Harley, Captain Tierney and all the other characters are all well-developed. This riveting story tells of Maggie's battles with a brilliant "bad guy" and with the darkness that threatens her after her breakdown. The suspense in this story is first-rate from its opening pages to the story's conclusion and makes "Too Dark to Sleep" a spine-tingling book that readers everywhere will adore.
Recommend this book:
Matinicus
An Island Mystery
Darcy Scott
2013 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jed Power for Readers' Favorite
It would be unpleasant if I had to say much negative points about a novel whose protagonist drinks my brand of beer. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about that. “Matinicus: An Island Mystery” by Darcy Scott, that spans generations, makes it unnecessary. Gil Hodges, a botanist and teacher, returns to a small island off the coast of Maine which had been home to one of his students now deceased. Immediately, dead bodies start popping up faster than a high tide among the clannish island inhabitants. At the same time Gil stumbles across a 200 year old diary with strange contents that seem to mimic the murderous events he finds himself involved in now. Toss in a beautiful nymph with an expensive sailboat and a recently deceased husband, a 15 year old motherless teen with her own secrets, a poltergeist bent on giving Gil assistance and an island cast of...well, characters. Very colorful characters indeed. It all adds up to a great read.
When I first read paranormal content and read that sections of the novel took place 200 years ago, I was wary, neither being my cup of tea. But there was no need for worry. The paranormal is minimal, necessary to the story and surprisingly, for me, quite enjoyable. Again surprisingly, I found the chapters that took place in the days of the early inhabitants of the island just as engrossing and just as chilling as those concerning their modern day descendants. Ms. Darcy paints a fine portrait of island life, in both time periods. She creates characters who are just that--characters, very secretive and dangerous characters. And quite believable. Can I use cliches? Sure I can. “Matinicus: An Island Mystery” is a real page turner. And, oh yeah, pass the popcorn, please.
It would be unpleasant if I had to say much negative points about a novel whose protagonist drinks my brand of beer. Fortunately, I don’t have to worry about that. “Matinicus: An Island Mystery” by Darcy Scott, that spans generations, makes it unnecessary. Gil Hodges, a botanist and teacher, returns to a small island off the coast of Maine which had been home to one of his students now deceased. Immediately, dead bodies start popping up faster than a high tide among the clannish island inhabitants. At the same time Gil stumbles across a 200 year old diary with strange contents that seem to mimic the murderous events he finds himself involved in now. Toss in a beautiful nymph with an expensive sailboat and a recently deceased husband, a 15 year old motherless teen with her own secrets, a poltergeist bent on giving Gil assistance and an island cast of...well, characters. Very colorful characters indeed. It all adds up to a great read.
When I first read paranormal content and read that sections of the novel took place 200 years ago, I was wary, neither being my cup of tea. But there was no need for worry. The paranormal is minimal, necessary to the story and surprisingly, for me, quite enjoyable. Again surprisingly, I found the chapters that took place in the days of the early inhabitants of the island just as engrossing and just as chilling as those concerning their modern day descendants. Ms. Darcy paints a fine portrait of island life, in both time periods. She creates characters who are just that--characters, very secretive and dangerous characters. And quite believable. Can I use cliches? Sure I can. “Matinicus: An Island Mystery” is a real page turner. And, oh yeah, pass the popcorn, please.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/dying-for-justice&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OM9Vgk69L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Dying for Justice" features Wade Jackson as the lead detective in what turns out to be an old case that involves the murder of Jackson's mother and father and where new information is found. The man who was accused of the crime and who is serving a life sentence for the crime believably recants. That leads to the case being reopened. The other cas...){kind=link}
Dying for Justice
A Detective Jackson Mystery/Thriller
L.J. Sellers
2012 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jean Brickell for Readers' Favorite
"Dying for Justice" features Wade Jackson as the lead detective in what turns out to be an old case that involves the murder of Jackson's mother and father and where new information is found. The man who was accused of the crime and who is serving a life sentence for the crime believably recants. That leads to the case being reopened. The other case is that of a young woman who has been in a coma for two years and wakes up and names another police officer as the person who tried to kill her. This is the rogue police officer, Gary Bakker, who seems to be involved in some other shady and mean stuff as well. Bakker has friends on the force that are ready to cover for him. There seems to be some reason to doubt her story. Wade Jackson and his partner, Lara Evans, have their hands full with the two cases and the drama intensifies.
This is a book that will surely keep your interest. The pace is quick and the twist and turns and surprises don't stop. There is never a dull page to slow things down. L.J. Sellers has done it again with the book "Dying for Justice". In it she has written a first rate murder mystery. I had no idea till the end who the bad person was! Interesting characters, a unique plot, and first rate police officers make it a memorable story. The author has given us again a first rate read that will hold your interest till the very end.
"Dying for Justice" features Wade Jackson as the lead detective in what turns out to be an old case that involves the murder of Jackson's mother and father and where new information is found. The man who was accused of the crime and who is serving a life sentence for the crime believably recants. That leads to the case being reopened. The other case is that of a young woman who has been in a coma for two years and wakes up and names another police officer as the person who tried to kill her. This is the rogue police officer, Gary Bakker, who seems to be involved in some other shady and mean stuff as well. Bakker has friends on the force that are ready to cover for him. There seems to be some reason to doubt her story. Wade Jackson and his partner, Lara Evans, have their hands full with the two cases and the drama intensifies.
This is a book that will surely keep your interest. The pace is quick and the twist and turns and surprises don't stop. There is never a dull page to slow things down. L.J. Sellers has done it again with the book "Dying for Justice". In it she has written a first rate murder mystery. I had no idea till the end who the bad person was! Interesting characters, a unique plot, and first rate police officers make it a memorable story. The author has given us again a first rate read that will hold your interest till the very end.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/olive-park&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51T6fh69PQL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="M" and his six year old sister Jessie are taken in by their aunt Janey after their father beats their mother to death and "M" then kills their father. Aunt Janey lives in a traiter park in a rundown area near Sacramento, California, called Olive Park. When Janey works, nearby neighbor and fortune teller, Ruby Rendell, watches over "M" and Jessie. ...){kind=link}
Olive Park
C. J. Booth
2012 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite
"M" and his six year old sister Jessie are taken in by their aunt Janey after their father beats their mother to death and "M" then kills their father. Aunt Janey lives in a traiter park in a rundown area near Sacramento, California, called Olive Park. When Janey works, nearby neighbor and fortune teller, Ruby Rendell, watches over "M" and Jessie. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Police Department is reinforcing its Cold Case division with detectives Stan Wyld and Jake Steiner, along with newcomer Mallory Dimante. Stan, Jake, and Mallory are checking out the brutal killings of three children, Joey, Karen and Phillip, who were tortured and then buried alive. They review closely all the evidence and the notes from this cold case of 1997 and find ties to a Rendell Carnival. Could Ruby the fortune teller be tied into this old case? She has posters of the carnival in her trailor.
"Olive Park" is a highly suspenseful story that takes the reader back in time to unsolved child murders and then forward to present times as it also covers "M" and Jessie's lives as orphaned brother and sister recovering from terrible trauma. The characters are three-dimensional and totally believable. For instance, "M" is a wise-mouthed young teen who does not sit around and wait for things to happen and Mallory Dimante offends Stan and Jake at every turn. With heightened suspense that is developed brilliantly, the sociopathic child killer is discovered before more children turn up missing and then dead. With brilliant plot and brilliant delivery, "Olive Park" must belong at the top of reading lists everywhere.
"M" and his six year old sister Jessie are taken in by their aunt Janey after their father beats their mother to death and "M" then kills their father. Aunt Janey lives in a traiter park in a rundown area near Sacramento, California, called Olive Park. When Janey works, nearby neighbor and fortune teller, Ruby Rendell, watches over "M" and Jessie. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Police Department is reinforcing its Cold Case division with detectives Stan Wyld and Jake Steiner, along with newcomer Mallory Dimante. Stan, Jake, and Mallory are checking out the brutal killings of three children, Joey, Karen and Phillip, who were tortured and then buried alive. They review closely all the evidence and the notes from this cold case of 1997 and find ties to a Rendell Carnival. Could Ruby the fortune teller be tied into this old case? She has posters of the carnival in her trailor.
"Olive Park" is a highly suspenseful story that takes the reader back in time to unsolved child murders and then forward to present times as it also covers "M" and Jessie's lives as orphaned brother and sister recovering from terrible trauma. The characters are three-dimensional and totally believable. For instance, "M" is a wise-mouthed young teen who does not sit around and wait for things to happen and Mallory Dimante offends Stan and Jake at every turn. With heightened suspense that is developed brilliantly, the sociopathic child killer is discovered before more children turn up missing and then dead. With brilliant plot and brilliant delivery, "Olive Park" must belong at the top of reading lists everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Bone Yard
A Body Farm Novel
Jefferson Bass
2012 Bronze Medal
336 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Terri Tumlin for Readers' Favorite
This novel starts with a lie which skillfully snares the reader unfamiliar with Jefferson Bass’s other books. Well done. Then on to Angie St. Claire, a forensic analyst from Florida, who is taking a professional course from Dr. Bill Brockton at the National Forensic Academy. Before she can complete the course, however, she is called home when her sister dies. Shortly thereafter, she calls Dr. Brockton for help. Her sister’s death has been ruled a suicide and she is sure it is murder. Dr. Brockton agrees to go to Florida to see what he can do. While there, he is shown a skull and asked for his opinion on the type of individual the skull belonged to and how this person died. That request leads him into a twisted story of brutality and murder that played out over decades in a reform school for boys in the Florida Panhandle. The story, however, doesn’t stay in the past. A modern murder may be related and other dangers lurk on Brockton’s journey to find justice for the dead — recent and from long ago.
"The Bone Yard" is a marvelous story with a clear but complex plot overlying a fascinating introduction to the work of a forensic anthropologist. The characters are well-drawn, the pacing keeps you turning the pages and the secrets are unraveled in a manner that at once keeps the reader guessing and when revealed are completely anticipated. This is one of those novels that make the reader feel that they have actually journeyed into a real world that is outside their experience. I highly recommend it.
This novel starts with a lie which skillfully snares the reader unfamiliar with Jefferson Bass’s other books. Well done. Then on to Angie St. Claire, a forensic analyst from Florida, who is taking a professional course from Dr. Bill Brockton at the National Forensic Academy. Before she can complete the course, however, she is called home when her sister dies. Shortly thereafter, she calls Dr. Brockton for help. Her sister’s death has been ruled a suicide and she is sure it is murder. Dr. Brockton agrees to go to Florida to see what he can do. While there, he is shown a skull and asked for his opinion on the type of individual the skull belonged to and how this person died. That request leads him into a twisted story of brutality and murder that played out over decades in a reform school for boys in the Florida Panhandle. The story, however, doesn’t stay in the past. A modern murder may be related and other dangers lurk on Brockton’s journey to find justice for the dead — recent and from long ago.
"The Bone Yard" is a marvelous story with a clear but complex plot overlying a fascinating introduction to the work of a forensic anthropologist. The characters are well-drawn, the pacing keeps you turning the pages and the secrets are unraveled in a manner that at once keeps the reader guessing and when revealed are completely anticipated. This is one of those novels that make the reader feel that they have actually journeyed into a real world that is outside their experience. I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/deadly-pleasures&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51fS6BIDzsL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Mary Firmin's debut novel "Deadly Pleasures" will draw you in by the cover and keep you hooked when you begin reading the story! Megan is on the search for "Mr. Right" as she is dealing with a broken engagement and her three best friends are looking for some fun as they have had enough of infidelity in their own marriages. This leads to these four ...){kind=link}
Deadly Pleasures
Mary Firmin
2012 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
Mary Firmin's debut novel "Deadly Pleasures" will draw you in by the cover and keep you hooked when you begin reading the story! Megan is on the search for "Mr. Right" as she is dealing with a broken engagement and her three best friends are looking for some fun as they have had enough of infidelity in their own marriages. This leads to these four women hiring a "boytoy" to share; however, the man they hire, Michael, is a suspect of a string of murders that have taken place including the murder of Megan's neighbor. As these women spend time with Michael, they find themselves involved in the investigation as well and also the main detective on the case who immediately captures Megan's interest. What began as a month of fun for these four women quickly turns into a deadly and dangerous adventure.
I really enjoyed Firmin's writing style as the story flowed so nicely and yet was filled with vivid descriptions. I felt as if I became a part of the story while reading and was "one of the girls" as I would empathize with them and also laugh along with them throughout their adventures. Matt, the detective, quickly won me over as well and I enjoyed the interactions between him and Megan and the relationship that develops between them. There is a nice balance between romance and mystery making this a great read. I always enjoy a good mystery and I am looking forward to more of Firmin's books as this is one of the best mysteries I have read!
Mary Firmin's debut novel "Deadly Pleasures" will draw you in by the cover and keep you hooked when you begin reading the story! Megan is on the search for "Mr. Right" as she is dealing with a broken engagement and her three best friends are looking for some fun as they have had enough of infidelity in their own marriages. This leads to these four women hiring a "boytoy" to share; however, the man they hire, Michael, is a suspect of a string of murders that have taken place including the murder of Megan's neighbor. As these women spend time with Michael, they find themselves involved in the investigation as well and also the main detective on the case who immediately captures Megan's interest. What began as a month of fun for these four women quickly turns into a deadly and dangerous adventure.
I really enjoyed Firmin's writing style as the story flowed so nicely and yet was filled with vivid descriptions. I felt as if I became a part of the story while reading and was "one of the girls" as I would empathize with them and also laugh along with them throughout their adventures. Matt, the detective, quickly won me over as well and I enjoyed the interactions between him and Megan and the relationship that develops between them. There is a nice balance between romance and mystery making this a great read. I always enjoy a good mystery and I am looking forward to more of Firmin's books as this is one of the best mysteries I have read!
Recommend this book:
Two Graves
A Kesle City Homicide Novel
D.A. Graystone
2012 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite
For me a sign of a great author is one who is able to evoke compassion and sympathy when normally there might be none, and that's just what the author does for me in this story. He creates a serial killer who I actually felt sorry for, a serial killer that the newspaper labeled the Southside Slasher, but who I kept thinking of as the accidental killer. Even though that first killing was quite by accident once he experiences the power he feels after a kill there is no turning back!
Preston Peterson was one of those people who was always picked on and bullied all through school, not to mention he had a lousy home life. Once he reaches adulthood he is still a target, so one night while walking home, a thug stops him and the thug is accidentally killed. While the killing was an accident what Preston did to the body certainly wasn't, and the sense of power he felt makes him want to kill the ones who bullied him in school. The only problem is he has been out of high school for several years and those people don't look the same, but he comes up with a solution for that as well. Gregg Mann, an overweight, Pepsi drinking detective is assigned to the case and struggles to figure out who might be committing the killings. With the mayor breathing down his neck and the killings becoming more brutal, will he ever get a lead in the case?
This book was a bit different because the author lets us know who the killer is from the get go, but even with this information it still kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Often the crime scenes are described in vivid detail, but this added to the story, allowing the reader to actually see the hate and anger burning inside of Preston, and also to see how his madness progressed. It was interesting how the author allowed Preston to share the stories of the bullies who tormented him, making me actually feel sorry for him. There were a couple of secondary stories that allude to dirty cops and mafia ties that kept the plot moving along at a very brisk pace.
If you're a fan of fast paced serial killer drama you're going to love this one!
For me a sign of a great author is one who is able to evoke compassion and sympathy when normally there might be none, and that's just what the author does for me in this story. He creates a serial killer who I actually felt sorry for, a serial killer that the newspaper labeled the Southside Slasher, but who I kept thinking of as the accidental killer. Even though that first killing was quite by accident once he experiences the power he feels after a kill there is no turning back!
Preston Peterson was one of those people who was always picked on and bullied all through school, not to mention he had a lousy home life. Once he reaches adulthood he is still a target, so one night while walking home, a thug stops him and the thug is accidentally killed. While the killing was an accident what Preston did to the body certainly wasn't, and the sense of power he felt makes him want to kill the ones who bullied him in school. The only problem is he has been out of high school for several years and those people don't look the same, but he comes up with a solution for that as well. Gregg Mann, an overweight, Pepsi drinking detective is assigned to the case and struggles to figure out who might be committing the killings. With the mayor breathing down his neck and the killings becoming more brutal, will he ever get a lead in the case?
This book was a bit different because the author lets us know who the killer is from the get go, but even with this information it still kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what would happen next. Often the crime scenes are described in vivid detail, but this added to the story, allowing the reader to actually see the hate and anger burning inside of Preston, and also to see how his madness progressed. It was interesting how the author allowed Preston to share the stories of the bullies who tormented him, making me actually feel sorry for him. There were a couple of secondary stories that allude to dirty cops and mafia ties that kept the plot moving along at a very brisk pace.
If you're a fan of fast paced serial killer drama you're going to love this one!
Recommend this book:
Chasing Amanda
Melissa Foster
2011 Gold Medal
408 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster is an amazing book of suspense and mystery with a touch of paranormal to it. While shopping, Molly Tanner saw a little girl screaming in the back of a car. The man with her said he was her father, and she didn't get what she wanted. Two days later the little girl was found murdered, and Molly was beside herself; she saw the abduction and ignored her premonitions. With her marriage on the rocks over this ordeal, Molly and her family moved to a small rural town. Now nine years later, it is happening all over again. When Tracey, a local girl, comes up missing, Molly refuses to ignore the event. As her clairvoyance kicks in, she is determined this time to find Tracey before anything happens to her. This will either strengthen her marriage, forcing her husband to believe in her, or will destroy it.
I found this book very hard to put down once I started reading. I kept trying to figure out who the kidnapper was, and just as I thought I had the puzzle solved, I'd discovered I was looking in the wrong direction. There are clues throughout the book pointing to several people, but the reader is never sure if they are chasing rabbits or if they have found an actual clue. We do discover the whole town has a secret and there is a surprise twist at the end to tie everything together. This amazing book will satisfy all those readers who love a good thriller. Chasing Amanda is the second book written by Melissa Foster, and like her first book, Megan's Way, is very hard to put down. The author is very versatile in her writing.
Chasing Amanda by Melissa Foster is an amazing book of suspense and mystery with a touch of paranormal to it. While shopping, Molly Tanner saw a little girl screaming in the back of a car. The man with her said he was her father, and she didn't get what she wanted. Two days later the little girl was found murdered, and Molly was beside herself; she saw the abduction and ignored her premonitions. With her marriage on the rocks over this ordeal, Molly and her family moved to a small rural town. Now nine years later, it is happening all over again. When Tracey, a local girl, comes up missing, Molly refuses to ignore the event. As her clairvoyance kicks in, she is determined this time to find Tracey before anything happens to her. This will either strengthen her marriage, forcing her husband to believe in her, or will destroy it.
I found this book very hard to put down once I started reading. I kept trying to figure out who the kidnapper was, and just as I thought I had the puzzle solved, I'd discovered I was looking in the wrong direction. There are clues throughout the book pointing to several people, but the reader is never sure if they are chasing rabbits or if they have found an actual clue. We do discover the whole town has a secret and there is a surprise twist at the end to tie everything together. This amazing book will satisfy all those readers who love a good thriller. Chasing Amanda is the second book written by Melissa Foster, and like her first book, Megan's Way, is very hard to put down. The author is very versatile in her writing.
Recommend this book:
The Hounds of Samaria
Nigel Patten
2011 Bronze Medal
132 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite
The Hounds of Samaria by Nigel Patten takes place in Crete during World War Two. George Ghikas has Greek ancestry, so the British army sends him behind enemy lines on occupied Crete with orders to organize partisan groups in the White Mountains. Before his posting, George had begun having strange dreams, almost hallucinations, about a dancing girl. These dreams continue upon his arrival in Crete. It appears that George was once the victim of a human sacrifice ceremony that took place in a restored Minoan temple located near his current base camp. The girl who has been haunting his dreams was the officiating priestess during the ancient sacrificial ceremony ... until the temple was destroyed by an earthquake. The past merges with the present until George almost commits suicide by reenacting the sacrificial ceremony from 3,600 years ago in the restored temple.
This book has an amazing sense of lyricism that draws the reader into a complex, yet finely woven plot. The author is a consummate wordsmith, whose eloquent and poetic descriptions paint a vivid picture for the reader, giving a sense of timelessness and a link to an ancient, bloody past. Given the nature of the plot, the author has included historical and mythological details to deepen the mystery surrounding George's recurring dreams. In counterpoint to George's experiences and discoveries as he delves into his obsession with Lamia, the dancing girl, are the experiences and impressions of Doctor Vassilis Iatros. The doctor became a monk when his wife was killed in a car accident. His obsession is to painstakingly restore the ancient Minoan temple on the island, the same temple featured in George's dreams. Both George and the doctor become increasingly aware of the power of the subconscious mind and its ability to transcend time and space.
The author uses an interesting technique by deftly introducing back story and other necessary details in a series of poignant memories to bring the reader and the characters to the moment in time when literally all hell breaks loose on the island. This is a wonderful book with a compelling story, a real page-turner.
The Hounds of Samaria by Nigel Patten takes place in Crete during World War Two. George Ghikas has Greek ancestry, so the British army sends him behind enemy lines on occupied Crete with orders to organize partisan groups in the White Mountains. Before his posting, George had begun having strange dreams, almost hallucinations, about a dancing girl. These dreams continue upon his arrival in Crete. It appears that George was once the victim of a human sacrifice ceremony that took place in a restored Minoan temple located near his current base camp. The girl who has been haunting his dreams was the officiating priestess during the ancient sacrificial ceremony ... until the temple was destroyed by an earthquake. The past merges with the present until George almost commits suicide by reenacting the sacrificial ceremony from 3,600 years ago in the restored temple.
This book has an amazing sense of lyricism that draws the reader into a complex, yet finely woven plot. The author is a consummate wordsmith, whose eloquent and poetic descriptions paint a vivid picture for the reader, giving a sense of timelessness and a link to an ancient, bloody past. Given the nature of the plot, the author has included historical and mythological details to deepen the mystery surrounding George's recurring dreams. In counterpoint to George's experiences and discoveries as he delves into his obsession with Lamia, the dancing girl, are the experiences and impressions of Doctor Vassilis Iatros. The doctor became a monk when his wife was killed in a car accident. His obsession is to painstakingly restore the ancient Minoan temple on the island, the same temple featured in George's dreams. Both George and the doctor become increasingly aware of the power of the subconscious mind and its ability to transcend time and space.
The author uses an interesting technique by deftly introducing back story and other necessary details in a series of poignant memories to bring the reader and the characters to the moment in time when literally all hell breaks loose on the island. This is a wonderful book with a compelling story, a real page-turner.
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