Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Mushroom Blues is the first novel in The Hofmann Report series by Adrian M. Gibson. This science fiction murder mystery follows NKPD Detective Henrietta Hofmann and her mushroom-headed partner Koji Nameko. The island nation of Neo Kinoko, Hōppon, was struggling after a decade of Spore War. Now that the war had ended, the capital city was riddled with problems and crime. As the tension between fungal people and humans rose, Koji and Henrietta had their work cut out for them as the bodies of fungal people and half-breed children started to turn up. While the two partners didn’t get along that well, they had to set their differences aside to solve these murders before it was too late. But that was not all. To find out who it was, Henrietta had to embrace the fungal way and become part of the crowd, or else she and her partner would never find the culprit behind the murders. But was it possible?

Author Adrian M. Gibson started the story with a bang and made sure to keep the momentum going until the end. The story was incredible, to say the least. The universe (or the fungalverse as the author called it) was intricate, rich with details, and created to perfection. The world-building was fantastic, and the unique characters were equally interesting. The glossary at the beginning was a great addition, and that helped me get into the narrative. I loved Koji and his sarcastic ways. While he struggled with being part of the police department, he did a great job of finding justice for his people. Henrietta was battling in her own way, but the two complemented each other very well. I loved their chemistry, and I think we will see them grow closer in future novels. The fast pace was perfect, the unrelenting action was entertaining, and the story was outstanding. There was never a moment where it felt rushed. It was perfect from start to finish, and I cannot wait for the next novel in the series.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Race Into Murder is penned by author Karen Black in the sports, murder mystery, and intrigue subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. The plot follows Jeff Frazier, a promising racehorse trainer whose dreams are shattered when his colt becomes entangled in a murder case. When a well-known jockey is killed and an innocent man is arrested, Jeff's aspirations turn into a nightmare. With the trial looming, the true culprit remains elusive, leading some in the close-knit racing community to take matters into their own hands. Amidst the chaos, the investigation uncovers dark secrets and ruthless individuals willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top, all while the races continue despite the turmoil.

Author Karen Black has crafted a truly exhilarating reading experience that weaves together the worlds of horse racing and crime thriller with really effective results. Jeff Frazier's journey from hopeful trainer to embattled protagonist captivated me, with strong characterization and a close narrative feel that keeps you invested in his personal journey. The intricate plot, filled with twists and turns, kept me guessing until the very end and had some great surprises, but everything was logical to the overall arc. Black expertly navigates the dynamics of a close-knit community, where alliances and rivalries run deep, adding layers of personality, reality, and complexity to the investigation. The suspenseful atmosphere heightened with each revelation, as the stakes escalated with the looming trial date. I loved how the descriptive language matched the setting to the mood. Overall, Race into Murder is a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and justice, showcasing Black's talent for crafting thrilling mysteries set against the backdrop of the racetrack, and I would certainly recommend it to mystery fans everywhere.

Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite

The fluffy white sandy beach is what makes Coral Shores a beautiful little town. Its small, quaint, and neighborly appeal is why the townspeople want to maintain the old historic Florida charm. Dr. Emily Benton became the town’s newest veterinarian once Dr. Dinsmore retired and sold the Coral Shores Veterinary Hospital to her. One day her life changed after she made a house visit to her former piano teacher, Mrs. Eliza Klein, whose pet terrier, Elvis, had a nasty cough. In Trust the Terrier: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery by DL Mitchell, when she returns to Mrs. Klein’s house to give Elvis’ diagnosis and instructions on how to administer his medication, Emily discovers Mrs. Klein dead in her den. Elvis was shaking and frantic and Emily knew that she must act quickly.

I loved reading Trust the Terrier by DL Mitchell and enjoyed how the author intertwined the relationship between Bella, a Maine Coon cat, and Elvis into the story. Their relationship added comic relief to this mystery. While Emily felt the need to care for Elvis and try to help solve the mystery behind Mrs. Klein’s death, Bella set out to avoid Elvis at all costs. Bella had no time to befriend and play with Elvis. Emily later discovers that maybe Elvis is the catalyst in helping her, her best friend, Anthony, her brother, Deputy Sheriff Duncan, and Detective Mike Lane discover the truth. Will Elvis be able to communicate to everyone about what happened and why or will this mystery go unsolved? Want to find out more? Get your copy of this book, sit back with your favorite beverage, and get ready to go on a wonderful journey.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In John Deal's terrifying mystery thriller, Under a Blood Moon, a serial rapist was terrorizing Charleston, South Carolina, and Detective CJ O'Hara was still plagued by her past. CJ feared another killer had started when she discovered a dead woman whose forehead was covered with a nasty dark-brown powder. The heart of the woman was discovered near the center of an oddly shaped circle marked with chalk and adorned with white candles. CJ believed that this may have something to do with full moon-related hoodoo rituals. A Gullah woman who has the gift of sight might be able to assist CJ in discovering the truth, but she does not want to share information with CJ. The next blood moon is approaching, but will CJ be able to apprehend the killer before he strikes once more?

John Deal's Under a Blood Moon explores the Gullah people's use of hoodoos, and at times the narrative was unsettling. It was difficult to put this book down because the story moved quickly and was a page-turner. With all the turns and twists, I was captivated from the beginning and kept guessing right up to the very end. I was constantly on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next due to the suspense. The chapters blended together well, and I liked how well-written the accounts of South Carolina and the Gullah people's traditions were. The characters were all relatable and realistic. Being a skilled investigator, CJ had to put her grief aside and use unusual methods to track down the killer. The book was a pleasure to read and was expertly written.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Kalliope Brooks, a bartender at a local bar in Owhiro, Florida, had a hard time coming to grips with the events of that fateful spring Saturday night. She had finished her night shift, only to find a dead body in her car. The police had identified the deceased as Alexandria Clemons who was the daughter of a tycoon. Things only got messier when the lead detective listed Kallie’s close friend Mike as the prime suspect in the murder case. This made no sense to Kallie, especially because there were a handful of other suspects, among them Alexandria’s fiancé and her landlord. With the help of her friend Tess and a crime blogger, Kallie was determined to discover everything behind the murder of Alexandria. Get yourself Tanya Westlake’s Bloody Mary, Bloody Murder to learn more.

Lovers of mystery murder novels will find Tanya Westlake’s Bloody Mary, Bloody Murder a compelling read. With an intriguing plot, Westlake creates an enthralling tale of gold-diggers, stalkers, snitches, sleuths, bloggers, news reporters, deceit, and money. While unfolding the storyline, Westlake adds mystery. Just when I thought I had solved a puzzle, the story would pick up the pace and head in a different direction. Westlake develops the protagonists wonderfully, highlighting their attributes and emotions. Kallie and Tess’s light-hearted banter, their clumsy ideas, and the unfazed neighbors with a crush on Kallie’s dad all made for hilarious scenes. There is suspense, drama, thrills, and humor in this book.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Within the span of about 24 hours, Dan Wilcox finds that his mother has been murdered, his long-lost father is dead, and Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead has had a fatal heart attack. It is the last of those three that finally makes him cry. And so begins Victim or the Crime - The Day Before Jerry Died by Paul Sanders. The book weaves between the events of Dan's childhood that led to his separation from his sister and mother, his father's abandonment, and his meaningful relationship with his brother Mark. Dan's youth is fraught with abuse, neglect, and outright contempt from those whose love is of the utmost importance. All of this is hinged on the fact that his mother's murder looks a lot like it was done by him. Dan has no recollection of what transpired. While on the run, Dan seeks answers, and the backstory of his life and that of his family unfurls itself, painting a picture of a troubled man who finds professional redemption but still grapples with the ghosts of the past, who is in the biggest trouble of his life once again.

"The Grateful Dead tune playing right now? It's called, Mama Tried. Want me to turn it up?" There is a scene where Dan's mother nearly kills his sister Louise in a violent rage that is absolutely heartbreaking, and as a reader, I had this uncomfortable moment where I was convinced that Mom deserved to have a knife thrust into her horrible neck. This is when you know a novel is an excellently crafted piece of literature as the ability to justify a violent death is no easy feat, but Paul Sanders gets the job done in Victim or the Crime. Based on the title, I expected going in that the events would be replayed in their entirety within a courtroom setting and through the primary point of view of a juror. I understand now the significance of the title but readers should note, to the book's extreme benefit, that this isn't the case (no pun intended). The point of view is largely omniscient when Dan's childhood is depicted, wherein scenes like the one mentioned occur in detail and Dan is then called from upstairs. These are the retellings that have the feeling of being for a juror's benefit, but from Dan's perspective, we do experience his search for answers, which happens alongside his therapist Diana who becomes a fugitive with him. Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead are never too far off in the background, and this murder mystery is one of the most beautifully twisted works I've read this year. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Ronél Steyn for Readers' Favorite

Blood on the Bayou by Douglas J. Wood is a thriller of note. New Orleans’ French Quarter is plagued by a serial killer. The Bayou Slasher slits the victim’s throat, carves 3 X’s on the forehead, puts a wooden cross in their hand, and normally leaves no evidence at the scene. The police find DNA at the latest one and arrest the man they believe to be the killer. All the signs point to someone steeped in Voodoo. This is when Agent DiMeglio from the FBI contacts them to inform them they have the wrong man. As one of the best profilers, he uses his skills to uncover the motives for the murders and also discover who the true killer is.

Douglas J. Wood has created an amazing pot of Cajun cuisine of his own with just the correct amount of information in Blood on the Bayou. I was intrigued from the very first bite. The assortment of characters was a perfect blend, and the dialogue was just informative enough to keep me speculating as to who the real killer was for the entire time. With each glorious bite, I found myself wanting more. I would gladly recommend this book to more mature readers due to the violent content of this story. The psychological aspect is also interesting, especially with the ever-present curiosity concerning the serial killer’s mindset. This book will have you guessing over and over in different directions. When you reach the end, you will be guessing even more.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Unnatural Causes by T.E. Harkins is the first book in An Egret’s Loft Murder Mystery series. Madeline never thought she would move to Florida until her children decided that she needed a change of location. She finds herself moving into a retirement community (but don’t call it that) named Egret’s Loft where she meets an assortment of zany neighbors. She has a chaotic start when she has to fight the high-tech refrigerator and gets the latest gossip on her neighbors from Carlota, the President of the Board of Directors. But her warm welcome quickly sours when Carlota is found dead and it's soon established that she was murdered. Suddenly, her neighbors seem a lot less friendly, and with a little help from her children, she takes on the role of a sleuth and sets out to find a killer.

The setting comes to life instantly with the qualities that define Egret’s Loft, making it feel like another character in the story. The residents double as suspects, with each one having a colorful personality. Each element that T.E. Harkins incorporates adds quirkiness to the community that drives the tone, such as not being allowed to say 'retirement' or 'old.' The humor will have you rolling from the beginning. The dialogue adds to the cleverness of the humor which pairs well with Madeline’s attitude as she doesn’t take life too seriously and makes solving a murder so much fun. Harkins sets up Madeline’s great voice instantly with a prologue that has her musing (trying to not be melodramatic) as she expresses her thoughts about moving to Florida.

Other important characters include her two kids who are seen throughout as they make various appearances to help her along the way with the mystery while still finding time to bicker. Her late husband Clint doesn’t appear in the story but his influence is apparent throughout as she investigates, following in his footsteps and allowing her to feel closer to him. The story is fast-paced with the plot going directly from Madeline moving into the community to a murder mystery within just a couple of chapters. Unnatural Causes is a clever introduction to the series with an assortment of quirky characters, a delightful setting, and humor that will have you laughing out loud.

Reviewed by Crissi McDonald for Readers' Favorite

Mystery and romance merge in Cause for Elimination by Marla A. White. This feisty and engrossing story is set in Los Angeles, California, and takes place within the cutthroat world of horse showing and training. Emily Connors, an equestrian, and Justin Butler, a local detective, cross paths when Emily’s friend and employer Pam is found dead in a stall. Emily, still healing from a traumatic horse wreck, rallies herself and convinces Detective Butler that the horse didn’t kill Pam. Through the twists and turns of a complex murder investigation, Emily and Justin grow closer, even as outside forces threaten to keep them apart.

Marla A. White has done an amazing job combining the best elements of two genres I enjoy: a good murder mystery and a complex romance. Cause for Elimination (much like L.A. and the equine Eventing world) shows both a flashy surface and a dark underbelly, filled with humans ranging from benevolent to murderous. I especially enjoyed the banter between Detective Butler and his partner, Dennis Ames. Ms. White skillfully blends male humor and police dynamics using dialogue that is modern and clever.

There are numerous strands of stories in this plot. Besides the complex characters of Emily and Justin, there are several murders, ongoing barn and horse dramas, family dynamics, and even an animal communicator. All are handled with deft skill, and the resolutions to each are fulfilling. I’m also an equine professional and know that when I don’t stumble over details about horses or the people who work with them that I’m in the hands of a knowledgable horse person. Ms. White is an engaging writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

Victoria followed her husband Nick to Angie’s house as she suspected Nick and Angie of having an affair. At Angie’s house, Victoria got out of her car, stumbled on a rock, and lost her balance. She scraped her arm when she fell. Victoria saw Nick and Angie upstairs in an embrace, kissing. Victoria took photos of them, planning to file for a divorce. Later, Angie’s body was found at the bottom of the stairs in her home in Pocantico Hills. Detectives Jack and Lexi make an appointment to see Nick at his home as he was the last person to see Angie alive. The detectives ask Nick for the store slips to confirm his alibi. When looking in the bin for the slips, they find Victoria’s blouse, covered in blood. Who was Angie’s killer? Find out in Killer Motives: A Hudson Valley Mystery by Bonnie L. Traymore.

The plot in Killer Motives by Bonnie L. Traymore is complex, intriguing, and thrilling, and I could not put the book down until I found out who the killer was. Victoria suspecting that her husband was having an affair was a great addition to the nonstop suspense. The story is fast-paced and full of action. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I just kept turning the pages to see what was going to happen next. There are many different characters and each one contributed to the success of the story. They are well developed and described in detail. I could relate to them, but I did not like all of them. The story is excellently written, and I enjoyed reading it. The ending exceeded my expectations and was a big surprise.