BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
 Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and ...){kind=link}
The Colossus
Ranjini Iyer
2016 Silver Medal
254 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Tracy A. Fischer for Readers' Favorite
In a wonderful and exciting new mystery from debut author Ranjini Iyer, The Colossus, readers will follow caterer Maxine (Max) Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and wonders if this coded message might be the key to figuring the enigmatic man out. But when she realizes that she and the rest of her family might still be at risk, and that much more is at stake than a simple interest in what her father's issues may have been, well, that's when the action really starts.
I loved this book. Loved it. I could probably end this review right there, but I don't think that would do justice to The Colossus or the fantastic new author Ranjini Iyer. Combining mystery with historical fiction, author Iyer does a fantastic job of bringing in both history from WWII and ancient India in a modern day tale of intrigue. She also creates characters that the reader will truly care about, exciting scenarios, and such vivid scenes that you will feel as if you are actually there. If those skills aren't the hallmark of a fantastic author, I'm not sure what is. The Colossus would be enjoyed by any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just a plain great book of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am so looking forward to seeing what author Ranjini Iyer has in store for her readers next.
In a wonderful and exciting new mystery from debut author Ranjini Iyer, The Colossus, readers will follow caterer Maxine (Max) Rosen as she stumbles upon a mysterious coded document of her father's, which seems to be a link to the Nazis, pharmaceuticals and medical research. Max has been haunted by her father's alcoholism and eventual suicide, and wonders if this coded message might be the key to figuring the enigmatic man out. But when she realizes that she and the rest of her family might still be at risk, and that much more is at stake than a simple interest in what her father's issues may have been, well, that's when the action really starts.
I loved this book. Loved it. I could probably end this review right there, but I don't think that would do justice to The Colossus or the fantastic new author Ranjini Iyer. Combining mystery with historical fiction, author Iyer does a fantastic job of bringing in both history from WWII and ancient India in a modern day tale of intrigue. She also creates characters that the reader will truly care about, exciting scenarios, and such vivid scenes that you will feel as if you are actually there. If those skills aren't the hallmark of a fantastic author, I'm not sure what is. The Colossus would be enjoyed by any reader who loves mysteries, historical fiction, or just a plain great book of fiction. I am pleased to recommend this book, and am so looking forward to seeing what author Ranjini Iyer has in store for her readers next.
Recommend this book:
The Fog Seller
A San Francisco Mystery
Don Daglow
2016 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Benjamin Ookami for Readers' Favorite
Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.
Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.
Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.
Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.
Recommend this book:
The Girl in Black Pajamas
Chris Birdy
2015 Finalist
288 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
The Girl in Black Pajamas is a mystery by Chris Birdy. Bogie McGruder and Rose Jones are partners of R&B Investigations. When Tommy, an employee, is shot and his laptop disappears, they discover a hacker is trying to infiltrate their network. Rose’s uncle Walter, a master hacker, assists them in tracking the source. While improving firewalls, they unearth a few murders that lead to the perpetrator whose current motives will devastate the financial institutions. Bogie also has other problems as his chatty, highly intelligent four-year-old daughter, Isabella, is determined to learn the Five-Point-Palm-Exploding-Heart technique she saw in Kill Bill Volume 2; and family members become entangled in a sex scandal that could ruin many lives, including law enforcement officers of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
The Girl in Black Pajamas by Chris Birdy has a wonderful theme with interesting characters such as Isabella, who made my reading a delight. I liked the first few pages which started off with a bit of action. Chris Birdy developed a story that was not only suspenseful, but amusing too. It entailed a lot of good emotional drama taking place and the characters were so different from each other. The author showed how Bogie dealt with the numerous problems he encountered, while trying to keep his family together. He also focused on other persons who added spice to the story with their conversations and actions. I was entertained by The Girl in Black Pajamas and think it is a book worth reading.
The Girl in Black Pajamas is a mystery by Chris Birdy. Bogie McGruder and Rose Jones are partners of R&B Investigations. When Tommy, an employee, is shot and his laptop disappears, they discover a hacker is trying to infiltrate their network. Rose’s uncle Walter, a master hacker, assists them in tracking the source. While improving firewalls, they unearth a few murders that lead to the perpetrator whose current motives will devastate the financial institutions. Bogie also has other problems as his chatty, highly intelligent four-year-old daughter, Isabella, is determined to learn the Five-Point-Palm-Exploding-Heart technique she saw in Kill Bill Volume 2; and family members become entangled in a sex scandal that could ruin many lives, including law enforcement officers of the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.
The Girl in Black Pajamas by Chris Birdy has a wonderful theme with interesting characters such as Isabella, who made my reading a delight. I liked the first few pages which started off with a bit of action. Chris Birdy developed a story that was not only suspenseful, but amusing too. It entailed a lot of good emotional drama taking place and the characters were so different from each other. The author showed how Bogie dealt with the numerous problems he encountered, while trying to keep his family together. He also focused on other persons who added spice to the story with their conversations and actions. I was entertained by The Girl in Black Pajamas and think it is a book worth reading.
Recommend this book:
Hot Chocolate
Book 1 of the Alcott Family Adventures
Dawn Greenfield Ireland
2015 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
Check current price
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
224 Pages
Check current price
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.
Contact Author -
