Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Winter Takes All by ML Erdahl is the first book in the Seattle Wilderness Mystery series. Crystal has started her life over with a new job and a change of location when she becomes a wilderness guide after bluffing her way into the job. Working alongside a handsome guide, the two lead a corporate retreat on a hike, only for the company’s owner to wind up dead. Crystal is drawn into the center of a murder mystery which puts her life in danger and threatens to cost her the new life she’s built.

This story is about new beginnings as Crystal embarks on a new adventure, taking her from a boring job to somewhere with more excitement. Crystal is a spunky character searching for more in her life and doesn’t expect this new job to give her exactly what she’s been looking for. She gets more than she wished for when her new job gets uprooted by a murder and she suddenly finds herself becoming a sleuth. The mystery is intriguing and leads you in circles with a surprising and satisfying conclusion.

The mystery is centered on Crystal’s self-discovery as she’s taking on a new challenge for herself and learns something new as a guide, which helps her find her place even amidst the murder investigation. She’s swept off her feet by a potential new romance that adds a sweet and light tone to the mystery as she gets a magical date and gains a trusted ally. This relationship gives her someone to sleuth with, which adds another layer to the mystery while also adding humor and heart. Winter Takes All is a delightful mystery that has heart, humor, and new beginnings that all mystery lovers will adore.

Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite

Tokyo Traffic by Michael Pronko is a fantastic meld of thriller and sleuth with exceptional characters and a strong plot. The story introduces readers to a compelling young female protagonist, Sukanya, a Thai girl running away from her captors. She has some stolen money and a computer that her captors desperately want to recover. To survive and stay ahead of her captors in the maze that is Tokyo, she has to stay alert and smart. Can Chiho, her new-found friend, help her reinvent herself and beat her pursuers? Meanwhile, Detective Hiroshi Shimizu investigates murders in a porn studio. He discovers a dark web involved in human trafficking and other internet scams but what is the connection with a young Thai girl?

There is so much to enjoy in this novel and I loved how the author brings the world of human trafficking in Tokyo and internet crime to life. The author uses the subplots to build the suspense, shifting the narrative from a grueling investigation to a girl in flight. Michael Pronko opens the novel strongly with the protagonist in a vulnerable situation, making calculated steps. From the start, I gathered she’d been in a terrible situation because of the mention of her racing heart resulting from whatever had been injected into her. Tension opens the story and increases in crescendo through each chapter. The worldbuilding is impeccable and I enjoyed the complex environment the protagonist navigates. Tokyo Traffic is filled with mystery and realism and I found myself rooting for the protagonist. It is fast-paced and emotionally rich.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Sprinkles of Suspicion centers around Emory who loves to make cupcakes and eventually wants to open her own bakery. Until she can afford to do that, she helps out her sister’s catering business by supplying the cupcakes and cakes. Emory thinks she is a happily married woman until she realizes her husband has been unfaithful with her best friend, Tori. When Tori is found murdered, Emory becomes the number one suspect. The police are sure she is the killer and since they are not going to look for any other suspects, Emory takes it upon herself to find out who really killed Tori. Her whole life seems to be going in a bad direction as she investigates. There are strange encounters that she does not remember plus there are break-ins, and friends being different than she thought...

Sprinkles of Suspicion (Cupcake Catering Mystery Series Book 1) is about a murder, a cupcake caterer, a best friend, and a husband all rolled into one enjoyable reading experience. I found Sprinkles of Suspicion a light and quick read that I really enjoyed. You will have to read this book yourself to put all of the pieces together. Author Kim Davis created characters that are real and likable, at least most of them. Emory makes a great heroine and it was impossible not to hope for her innocence to be proven. If you love cozy mysteries, murder stories, and a great plot, then Sprinkles of Suspicion is a must-read.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

In contrast to the tropical and beautiful setting of the warm Caribbean island of St. Thomas, Dark Paradise by Gene Desrochers stays true to its title. When Boise Montague's ideal life in Los Angeles falls into a shambles after the death of his wife, he decides to find some peace in St. Thomas, his childhood hometown. Boise wants to reconnect with an old childhood friend. Nevertheless, it isn't long until Boise discovers that his old friend has died because he was involved with the wrong sort of people. This newfound information pushes Boise into action. Readers will follow Boise Montague through danger and relentless turmoil as he uncovers the true nature of the island of St. Thomas.

Usually, I'm never surprised at what point of view authors of this genre use to tell the story, but the fact that Desrochers uses Boise Montague to narrate the story had me awestruck. Montague was written in such an evocative way that I was immediately submerged in the narrative. There are also little details which go further to explain the state of mind Boise is in without outwardly declaring it. One of the ways Desrochers shows this in Boise's character is through his constant inclination to drink beer. "I sat for a whole minute, contemplating my next beer as rain pattered." This seems like an unimportant detail, but the little things truly add a lot to who a character is; it helps readers understand and empathize.

Gene Desrochers is an outstanding storyteller. There is nothing as enticing as a well-paced and well-written mystery thriller, and Gene Desrochers' Dark Paradise: A Caribbean Noir Murder Mystery delivers both. Along with the absorbing backdrop of the Caribbean, there is a plethora of characters that will immerse readers in the story. Without giving away any spoilers, I implore anyone looking for a good thriller to see for themselves what Dark Paradise has to offer.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery is a sleuth mystery novel written by Abigail Keam. Someone had killed Gage Cagle during the Bluegrass Antiques Auction, and Josiah’s friend, Rosie, was being held as the most likely killer. Josiah had actually found Rosie holding a likely weapon, with her brilliant yellow dress stained with Gage’s blood. Rosie and Gage had been at odds for what seemed like forever. Gage was a cranky and embittered old man who had resented his mother’s affection for Rosie when they were both children, and he never did accept the fact that his parents had sold a piece of their land to her and had granted her a right of way easement over his property. Earlier that evening, Gage had threatened to kill Josiah’s dog, Baby, and had hinted that he might actually shoot Josiah and Rosie as well. There were others, however, who were also not at all happy with the cantankerous old man. An antiques dealer at the auction was seen angrily remonstrating with him after a disastrous bid, and then there was that mysterious, elfin man no one recognized. Josiah had been depressed lately, but saving Rosie and getting to the bottom of this mystery was definitely getting her out of her slump.

Abigail Keam’s sleuth mystery novel, Death By Stalking, brings the English cozy mystery home to Kentucky’s Bluegrass in a most delightful way. Keam gives the new reader enough background information within the story for it to be enjoyed as a standalone, but you won’t want to miss a single book in the Josiah Reynolds Mystery series. Keam’s characters are well defined and credible, and her plot fairly bristles with red herrings for the armchair sleuth to consider while reading. I especially enjoyed the visit of Josiah’s daughter, Asa, whose expertise as an antiques appraiser is a joy to watch. Asa’s brilliant antiques knowledge reminds me of Jonathan Gash’s marvelous Lovejoy; I’m hoping to see a lot more of her in future books. Death By Stalking: A Josiah Reynolds Mystery is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by A. L. Peevey for Readers' Favorite

E.D. Degenfelder's novel, 7 Rook Lane, focuses on the restoration of a once-elegant mansion, previously owned by a married couple, John and Lisa Mindel, until Lisa disappeared under mysterious and tragic circumstances. The mansion is all but abandoned until a middle-aged couple, the Donahues, who are only vaguely aware of its sad history, buys it. In love with its potential to be restored to its former beauty, the Donahues hire Madeline Abbott, a talented and experienced house restoration specialist. Madeline organizes a crew of capable workers, but strange and unearthly events begin to occur, so she must soon hire a new crew. But, forces both ghostly and human seem determined to stop Madeline from completing her job. Can she and the handsome police detective, Scott Cooper, solve the mystery of 7 Rook Lane before it is too late?

This is a richly detailed story that is a mystery, a supernatural thriller, and a romance all in one. The novel is peopled with an ensemble of characters who seem real and fallible and who definitely share history with each other. They share tender moments and memories as well as humorous ones, but there are some scenes that are truly chilling, so readers must be ready for some genuine shivers. Scattered throughout the book are references to events in previous stories, showing that this is quite obviously not the first book by the author; in fact, 7 Rook Lane is the third in a series of books that can be read and enjoyed separately. For a thrilling and entertaining story full of mystery and adventure, definitely read this one. An engrossing story.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

On the Count of Three is the seventh book in the Brandon Fisher FBI series by Carolyn Arnold, a disturbing, psychologically strong, and emotionally rich thriller that will put readers on the edge of their seats. FBI Special Agent Brandon Fisher and his team are working together with Detective Kelly Marsh to uncover the whereabouts of a missing woman. She is believed to have been taken by a serial killer. The obvious connection between this case and other cold cases is the fact that the victims have had to serve time for vehicular homicide related to driving under the influence. Each has disappeared after their release. In a case involving a cunning serial killer, can the detectives beat personal prejudice and outsmart the killer?

There is a lot at stake in this fast-paced, engrossing thriller. The author succeeds in grabbing the attention of the reader from the onset and keeps it riveted until the explosive denouement. The narration is excellent, featuring timely paragraph breaks that reinforce the strength of the drama in the story. I enjoyed the conflict between the characters, the doubts, the differences in opinions that allow these characters to evolve through the story. The plot is cunningly done, with twists and turns that readers will want to follow. On the Count of Three is exciting, a read filled with thrills. Carolyn Arnold makes sure the reader gets no moment of respite from the dynamic action that punctuates the narrative. A real page-turner.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Canaan’s Secret is the sixth book in the Zack Tolliver, FBI series by R. Lawson Gamble, an entry that features murder and mystery. Zack Tolliver is back at home to spend time with family, leaving the FBI, when Libby’s sister calls. She is worried for her daughter after the murder of a high school classmate. When Libby finds out that Pru’s life is in danger, Zack sends his friend Eagle Feather to Kanab to investigate. The startling discovery that the murder can be linked to old bones in a cave up the summit of Mount Canaan begins an investigation into what seems even bigger than a murder case. But can Zack and his friend crack the heart of the mystery?

The opening of the novel is intriguing and I enjoyed the way the author captures the killer stalking the innkeeper’s son. The first lines make it impossible to stop reading. “It was as foretold. He was making a delivery to the Quality Inn in Kanab when he saw the boy lounging by the pool, shirtless, feet dangling in the water, leaning back on his elbows to catch the meager rays of the early spring sun. The boy's age, gender, hair, eyes, and black skin all matched the description given him by the Voice.” The author delves into the mind of the reader and offers fascinating images at this opening, plus the mention of a shadowy character heeding to the Voice creates a strong sense of mystery and makes readers want to know what this Voice is and who this character is. Canaan’s Secret is dark and intoxicating in a disturbing kind of way. R. Lawson Gamble’s characters are richly developed and the plot so deftly handled with twists and surprises that it keeps the reader turning from page to page. This is a great treat for fans of murder and mystery and readers who enjoy sleuth novels.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Murder of Paolo Mancuso: A Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian Crime Mystery, Book 5 is a hard-boiled sleuth mystery novel written by Owen Parr. While this is the fifth book in Parr’s series, the author gives enough background information within the story for it to be enjoyed as a standalone novel. When Tony (The Hammer) Falcone called Joey to his deathbed at Rikers Correctional Center, he gave Joey a name, Wetherley Stevens, and he told him to look in Barcelona. Joey had been waiting twenty years for a clue, any clue that could help him understand why there had been a hit placed on his father. Joey had been sixteen years old then, and thought of himself as part of the family. He had been there in that bar in Little Italy, with his dad and Tony the Hammer, when the man walked in and shot Tony and Joey’s dad. Tony survived, but Joey’s dad didn’t. Joey couldn’t understand why the family didn’t seek vengeance, nor did the police seem to do much to apprehend the killer, and the case quickly was consigned to the cold case files. Now, Tony’s deathbed confession finally gave Joey something to work with, and he was determined to find the answers which had so long evaded him.

The Murder of Paolo Mancuso is a tense and gripping tale about vengeance and a son’s need to understand the facts behind his father’s murder. This is the first Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian book that I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last. Parr quickly familiarized me with the main characters in his series, and I loved being in sunny Barcelona along with Joey as he investigates the Wetherley Stevens' clue. Parr’s Joey Mancuso speaks in the first person, a device that made me feel as if I were privy to his every thought and plan, and it was quite effective in keeping up the suspense. Parr’s characters are everything I could hope for in a detective/private eye series. Father Dom works quite well as Joey’s older brother and business partner, and Agnes, their office manager and “hacker extraordinaire,” is a perfect complement to the two brothers. The plot keeps the reader thinking, puzzling facts out along with Joey and being not quite sure what is going to happen throughout, and it is a positive delight for the armchair sleuth who likes their mysteries anything but cozy. And yes, I had a grand time reading this book. The Murder of Paolo Mancuso: A Joey Mancuso, Father O'Brian Crime Mystery, Book 5 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Advocate's Justice (The Advocate Series) by Teresa Burrell is a murder mystery. Sabre Brown is an attorney with a job on her hands – to save Conner from a life behind bars. Fifteen-year-old Conner is accused of murdering Bullet, his grandma’s abusive boyfriend. The evidence is there; the boy did it. Things aren’t quite as straightforward as that, however. JP Torn, investigator and Sabre’s boyfriend, is Conner’s uncle and JP is about to come face to face with a brother he hasn’t seen in years. Sabre and JP settle into the investigation and the list of suspects grows as lies and sordid secrets come to the surface. JP's family has created a complex web that JP and Sabre must untangle to get to the truth.

The Advocate’s Justice (The Advocate Series) by Teresa Burrell is a great book. I haven’t read any of the Advocate Series until this one but I’ll be reading them now! The story has plenty of twists in it, as well as dead ends, red herrings and lots of action. It is a story that starts as it means to go on, right in the thick of the action and it doesn’t let up until the last page. The characters are developed well, considering how far through the series this is, and I feel that it could be read as a standalone story. The suspense builds and I thought I had it sussed early on – turned out I was wrong. Every character – from Conner, to his sister Morgan, from Muriel to Roxy, and a whole other cast in between – played their parts to make this a really good story, ideal for anyone who likes murder mysteries and legal stories; it’s made me want to get the rest of the series and read them all.