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A Guide to Solving A Murder
A Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery Book #1
Courtney McFarlin
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
A Guide to Solving A Murder by Courtney McFarlin is a supernatural murder mystery drama that follows Tessa Windsor, a hiking guide, along with her loyal pets: Finn, a border collie, and Briar, a feisty cat. One day, Tessa and her brother, Paul, receive a mysterious visitor who informs them that they have inherited something from their great-aunt. Tessa's inheritance is magical, allowing her to communicate with her pets and experience visions and dreams. One day, Tessa dreams of a woman being murdered on her hiking trail. To her shock, she discovers a body when she investigates the area. Tessa is assisted by her pets and brother to investigate the case. She enlists the help of her stubborn ex-boyfriend Jace, a deputy in the sheriff's department, and they work together to unravel the mystery behind the murder.
A Guide to Solving A Murder is the first book in the Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery series by Courtney McFarlin. The story is captivating, keeping readers on their toes and eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder. Tessa is a determined and curious woman, unafraid to put herself in danger. Her brother Paul is a charismatic character whose journalistic curiosity shines in every scene he appears in. The highlight of the story is Finn and Briar, whose humor and charm add delightful elements to the narration. Animal lovers will quickly fall in love with their personalities and clever antics. I loved the suspenseful and unpredictable nature of the plot, along with the engaging dialogue between the characters, which makes the story easy to follow. This is a fantastic start to the series, establishing an intriguing foundation for future mysteries. I look forward to reading more about these characters and highly recommend adding this book to your reading list if you enjoy stories that blend supernatural elements with cozy murder mysteries.
A Guide to Solving A Murder by Courtney McFarlin is a supernatural murder mystery drama that follows Tessa Windsor, a hiking guide, along with her loyal pets: Finn, a border collie, and Briar, a feisty cat. One day, Tessa and her brother, Paul, receive a mysterious visitor who informs them that they have inherited something from their great-aunt. Tessa's inheritance is magical, allowing her to communicate with her pets and experience visions and dreams. One day, Tessa dreams of a woman being murdered on her hiking trail. To her shock, she discovers a body when she investigates the area. Tessa is assisted by her pets and brother to investigate the case. She enlists the help of her stubborn ex-boyfriend Jace, a deputy in the sheriff's department, and they work together to unravel the mystery behind the murder.
A Guide to Solving A Murder is the first book in the Finn and Briar Cozy Mystery series by Courtney McFarlin. The story is captivating, keeping readers on their toes and eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder. Tessa is a determined and curious woman, unafraid to put herself in danger. Her brother Paul is a charismatic character whose journalistic curiosity shines in every scene he appears in. The highlight of the story is Finn and Briar, whose humor and charm add delightful elements to the narration. Animal lovers will quickly fall in love with their personalities and clever antics. I loved the suspenseful and unpredictable nature of the plot, along with the engaging dialogue between the characters, which makes the story easy to follow. This is a fantastic start to the series, establishing an intriguing foundation for future mysteries. I look forward to reading more about these characters and highly recommend adding this book to your reading list if you enjoy stories that blend supernatural elements with cozy murder mysteries.
Recommend this book:
Shadow of the Eternal Watcher
Josh Mendoza
2025 Honorable Mention
325 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza is a gritty, mind-bending sci-fi noir following Duster Raines, a former soldier turned PI haunted by demons, both real and imagined. Tormented by combat memories and disturbing alternate reality visions, Raines is thrust into a missing persons case that soon spirals into a government conspiracy. Framed and hunted, he discovers he possesses the power to manipulate space and time. With these newfound abilities, he sees a chance to build the life he’s always wanted, but first, he must face a darker, alternate version of himself. This genre-blending tale combines crime, sci-fi, and psychological suspense into a compelling read.
Author Josh Mendoza has heaps of style on display in this skillful blend of detective fiction with speculative sci-fi, creating a gritty, atmospheric story. I loved Duster Raines right from the start, and his internal struggles with guilt, trauma, and self-doubt make him a compelling and layered character that you want to see succeed, even when he's not making the best decisions. For a story that is quite conceptually complex, the narrative structure is tight and unfolds the plot without overcomplicating it. The alternate realities and time-space manipulation add a captivating twist to the events and keep the clues coming from unexpected angles. Even in individual scenes, there's a relentless tension that holds you, with a confident skill that I can't wait to see more of in future books. Overall, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher is a fantastic read that I highly recommend for both noir and sci-fi fans looking for an accomplished mystery.
Shadow of the Eternal Watcher by Josh Mendoza is a gritty, mind-bending sci-fi noir following Duster Raines, a former soldier turned PI haunted by demons, both real and imagined. Tormented by combat memories and disturbing alternate reality visions, Raines is thrust into a missing persons case that soon spirals into a government conspiracy. Framed and hunted, he discovers he possesses the power to manipulate space and time. With these newfound abilities, he sees a chance to build the life he’s always wanted, but first, he must face a darker, alternate version of himself. This genre-blending tale combines crime, sci-fi, and psychological suspense into a compelling read.
Author Josh Mendoza has heaps of style on display in this skillful blend of detective fiction with speculative sci-fi, creating a gritty, atmospheric story. I loved Duster Raines right from the start, and his internal struggles with guilt, trauma, and self-doubt make him a compelling and layered character that you want to see succeed, even when he's not making the best decisions. For a story that is quite conceptually complex, the narrative structure is tight and unfolds the plot without overcomplicating it. The alternate realities and time-space manipulation add a captivating twist to the events and keep the clues coming from unexpected angles. Even in individual scenes, there's a relentless tension that holds you, with a confident skill that I can't wait to see more of in future books. Overall, Shadow of the Eternal Watcher is a fantastic read that I highly recommend for both noir and sci-fi fans looking for an accomplished mystery.
Recommend this book:
3 X 3
Patrick E. Craig
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Patrick E. Craig's 3 X 3, the third Porch Swing Mystery, is for fans of mystery, crime, intrigue, drama, and detective novels. Detective Gary Linden receives a strange letter declaring someone's horrible intention to murder three women. Soon, three women are found brutally killed in Wooster, Ohio. The murderer leaves a mysterious sign on the bodies. Lieutenant Elbert Wainwright leads the investigation. A Vietnam War veteran named Steven Lambright, with severe memory loss, becomes a suspect. His mother, an Amish woman, begs Lieutenant Wainwright to look deeper into the case. Known as "the Amish Miss Marple," Jenny Hershberger and the retired sheriff, Bobby Halverson, must help the police stop the serial killer and shed light on the sinister events that took place in the Amish community decades ago.
In 3 X 3, Patrick E. Craig offers a horrifying yet captivating study of a serial killer's mind and motives. The author confidently combines a psychological thriller with a cozy mystery and adds a good dose of suspense to this exciting mix. Jenny Hershberger is the most unusual amateur sleuth, winning hearts with her courage, compassion, and ability to think outside the box. Bobby Halverson has a razor-sharp mind and an iron hand when catching criminals. Their team seems invincible, and their backstories reveal two incredibly complex characters worth exploring and admiring. The solid plotline has many staggering twists and turns, and the stirring outcome leaves readers open-mouthed. Craig writes about the Amish, their beliefs, and their way of life with tremendous respect. Readers who want to learn more about these hardworking people will appreciate this book.
Patrick E. Craig's 3 X 3, the third Porch Swing Mystery, is for fans of mystery, crime, intrigue, drama, and detective novels. Detective Gary Linden receives a strange letter declaring someone's horrible intention to murder three women. Soon, three women are found brutally killed in Wooster, Ohio. The murderer leaves a mysterious sign on the bodies. Lieutenant Elbert Wainwright leads the investigation. A Vietnam War veteran named Steven Lambright, with severe memory loss, becomes a suspect. His mother, an Amish woman, begs Lieutenant Wainwright to look deeper into the case. Known as "the Amish Miss Marple," Jenny Hershberger and the retired sheriff, Bobby Halverson, must help the police stop the serial killer and shed light on the sinister events that took place in the Amish community decades ago.
In 3 X 3, Patrick E. Craig offers a horrifying yet captivating study of a serial killer's mind and motives. The author confidently combines a psychological thriller with a cozy mystery and adds a good dose of suspense to this exciting mix. Jenny Hershberger is the most unusual amateur sleuth, winning hearts with her courage, compassion, and ability to think outside the box. Bobby Halverson has a razor-sharp mind and an iron hand when catching criminals. Their team seems invincible, and their backstories reveal two incredibly complex characters worth exploring and admiring. The solid plotline has many staggering twists and turns, and the stirring outcome leaves readers open-mouthed. Craig writes about the Amish, their beliefs, and their way of life with tremendous respect. Readers who want to learn more about these hardworking people will appreciate this book.
Recommend this book:
Hazardous Lies
Stephen Wallace
2025 Gold Medal
384 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
Jon Barret, a mechanical engineer, had finally landed a job with a federal agency in Washington DC to do investigations and audits at chemical plants, after spending quite some time jobless. Jon’s office was a new one but, unknown to him, his boss Craig Higgins was already being fought by other offices in the Department of Interior over funding. To secure his office, Craig is obliged to send Jon to Charleston, West Virginia, where an explosion at Chemtrifuge Chemicals had left a raging fire, a few people dead and several injured. However, Jon soon learns the company’s management is willing to do anything to stall and impede his investigations. What could they be covering up? In a bid to solve the mystery behind the explosion, Jon finds himself working with a journalist and an activist as he treads a path that pits him against powerful people, putting his career on the line. Find out more in Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies.
Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies will have lovers of mystery and crime novels hooked, turning page after page. Wallace weaves an intriguing plot featuring a fascinating cast. The subtle tone of the storyline kept me on edge, leaving me eager for more with the flip of every page. The evocative depictions and the great attention Wallace pays to details had me feeling like I was next to every character in every scene, watching things unfold. One moment I was in Charleston, watching Jon fight his way through a scheming and well-connected management all on his own. The next thing I was in Washington D.C., closely following Craig as he put up a fight he stood little chance of winning. Wallace showcases the cast’s traits and emotions, drawing me in with their compelling personal conflicts. Jon is a shrewd, daring, intuitive, calculating, and savvy investigator that you will quickly fall in love with.
Jon Barret, a mechanical engineer, had finally landed a job with a federal agency in Washington DC to do investigations and audits at chemical plants, after spending quite some time jobless. Jon’s office was a new one but, unknown to him, his boss Craig Higgins was already being fought by other offices in the Department of Interior over funding. To secure his office, Craig is obliged to send Jon to Charleston, West Virginia, where an explosion at Chemtrifuge Chemicals had left a raging fire, a few people dead and several injured. However, Jon soon learns the company’s management is willing to do anything to stall and impede his investigations. What could they be covering up? In a bid to solve the mystery behind the explosion, Jon finds himself working with a journalist and an activist as he treads a path that pits him against powerful people, putting his career on the line. Find out more in Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies.
Stephen J. Wallace’s Hazardous Lies will have lovers of mystery and crime novels hooked, turning page after page. Wallace weaves an intriguing plot featuring a fascinating cast. The subtle tone of the storyline kept me on edge, leaving me eager for more with the flip of every page. The evocative depictions and the great attention Wallace pays to details had me feeling like I was next to every character in every scene, watching things unfold. One moment I was in Charleston, watching Jon fight his way through a scheming and well-connected management all on his own. The next thing I was in Washington D.C., closely following Craig as he put up a fight he stood little chance of winning. Wallace showcases the cast’s traits and emotions, drawing me in with their compelling personal conflicts. Jon is a shrewd, daring, intuitive, calculating, and savvy investigator that you will quickly fall in love with.
Recommend this book:
A Deadly Combo
Karen A Phillips
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
A Deadly Combo by Karen A. Phillips is a Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery. Raquel, aka Rocky, has trained in boxing for years with the help of family friend Cutter and is confident that she can face anything thrown her way, except perhaps her own demons. When her sister Bridget returns with her new husband, Rocky pays her a visit to check out her new trailer and quickly learns that her sister hired a professional restorer to fix up the place. When the restorer is found dead soon after Rocky meets him, she worries that this could come back on her family and soon learns that Bridget has caught the attention of the local police. Determined to prove her sister’s innocence, Rocky begins her own investigation with the help of her father, though she quickly butts heads with Detective Thompson.
Rocky is a great character. She’s well-rounded with multiple layers to her that include sleuthing, boxing, familial relationships, and inner demons. These qualities make her instantly likable and relatable in how she closes herself off and handles the issues in her life. Each character that surrounds her helps to draw out one of these aspects of her personality. Her dynamic with Detective Thompson has a hint of rivalry as she goes against him, which gives humor to the story. Her familial relationships are the most important ones in her life with her father and her trainer being two influences that guide her. Scenes with each of them are so rich and rewarding, each time revealing something about Rocky as a character.
Karen A. Phillips specifically focuses on the relationship between the two sisters which is at the heart of the mystery and what drives Rocky forward. Their dynamic is realistically portrayed as they’re total opposites and each faces family demons that still have a presence in their lives. Phillips explores a variety of emotions with Rocky as she’s struggling to deal with past pain and hurt feelings that still impact how she reacts to situations and deals with her sister. The mystery takes them into trailerfest which is a fun backdrop to the story and helps to give the cozy aspect to it. A Deadly Combo is a delightful read with incredible characters that feel fully formed from their personalities to their dynamics and effectively draw you into this world.
A Deadly Combo by Karen A. Phillips is a Rocky Nelson Boxing Mystery. Raquel, aka Rocky, has trained in boxing for years with the help of family friend Cutter and is confident that she can face anything thrown her way, except perhaps her own demons. When her sister Bridget returns with her new husband, Rocky pays her a visit to check out her new trailer and quickly learns that her sister hired a professional restorer to fix up the place. When the restorer is found dead soon after Rocky meets him, she worries that this could come back on her family and soon learns that Bridget has caught the attention of the local police. Determined to prove her sister’s innocence, Rocky begins her own investigation with the help of her father, though she quickly butts heads with Detective Thompson.
Rocky is a great character. She’s well-rounded with multiple layers to her that include sleuthing, boxing, familial relationships, and inner demons. These qualities make her instantly likable and relatable in how she closes herself off and handles the issues in her life. Each character that surrounds her helps to draw out one of these aspects of her personality. Her dynamic with Detective Thompson has a hint of rivalry as she goes against him, which gives humor to the story. Her familial relationships are the most important ones in her life with her father and her trainer being two influences that guide her. Scenes with each of them are so rich and rewarding, each time revealing something about Rocky as a character.
Karen A. Phillips specifically focuses on the relationship between the two sisters which is at the heart of the mystery and what drives Rocky forward. Their dynamic is realistically portrayed as they’re total opposites and each faces family demons that still have a presence in their lives. Phillips explores a variety of emotions with Rocky as she’s struggling to deal with past pain and hurt feelings that still impact how she reacts to situations and deals with her sister. The mystery takes them into trailerfest which is a fun backdrop to the story and helps to give the cozy aspect to it. A Deadly Combo is a delightful read with incredible characters that feel fully formed from their personalities to their dynamics and effectively draw you into this world.
Recommend this book:
Naked Came the Detective
Glendall C. Jackson III
2024 Honorable Mention
100 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Treat yourself to a steamy sleuth mystery with Glendall C. Jackson III's Naked Came the Detective. After receiving news of the brutal stabbing of one of her clients, a high-end escort plying her trade in Washington, D.C. takes it upon herself to solve the mystery behind the killing of Ben, an influential businessman who has links to some of the most powerful men in the city. The unnamed narrator insidiously retrieves information about the infamous murder from her clients, who come from varied backgrounds and aren't hesitant to share their thoughts about the murder. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that Ben was involved in a financial Ponzi scheme, which may have put him on the wrong side of many people. However, she must be careful lest she put herself in grave danger.
Glendall C. Jackson III offers a healthy dose of erotic thrills with this racy murder mystery. As a reader, you're drawn into the story from the very first page, and the author keeps feeding information in little bits and pieces to keep you engaged through to the end. The well-placed twists and turns of the plot keep things fresh, and you find yourself looking forward to what's going to happen next. I already am a big fan of sleuth murder mystery stories, and Naked Came the Detective is such a fresh take on the genre that I loved the book. The author's unique approach to the narrative adds to the intrigue and makes the tale all the more captivating. Murder mystery readers shouldn't miss out on this one.
Treat yourself to a steamy sleuth mystery with Glendall C. Jackson III's Naked Came the Detective. After receiving news of the brutal stabbing of one of her clients, a high-end escort plying her trade in Washington, D.C. takes it upon herself to solve the mystery behind the killing of Ben, an influential businessman who has links to some of the most powerful men in the city. The unnamed narrator insidiously retrieves information about the infamous murder from her clients, who come from varied backgrounds and aren't hesitant to share their thoughts about the murder. As she delves deeper into the case, she realizes that Ben was involved in a financial Ponzi scheme, which may have put him on the wrong side of many people. However, she must be careful lest she put herself in grave danger.
Glendall C. Jackson III offers a healthy dose of erotic thrills with this racy murder mystery. As a reader, you're drawn into the story from the very first page, and the author keeps feeding information in little bits and pieces to keep you engaged through to the end. The well-placed twists and turns of the plot keep things fresh, and you find yourself looking forward to what's going to happen next. I already am a big fan of sleuth murder mystery stories, and Naked Came the Detective is such a fresh take on the genre that I loved the book. The author's unique approach to the narrative adds to the intrigue and makes the tale all the more captivating. Murder mystery readers shouldn't miss out on this one.
Recommend this book:
Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded
Heather Haven
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded is the tenth installment of The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries by Heather Haven. The story starts at a police station where PI Lee Alvarez has been detained on murder charges. Readers are thrown into the deep end along with Lee and learn that she is there because a magic act involving a guillotine went wrong and magician Marvin the Magnificent's head was severed. When the Alvarez family gets behind the investigation to clear Lee’s name, things become more interesting. They learn about the considerable fortune Marvin amassed and the details of his will, which sheds light on the dynamics of inheritance. The provision mentioned in the will creates a potential motive for murder, as each heir stands to inherit a larger share of the estate if others die. In between misdirection and wrong twists and turns in the story, the Alvarez family races against time to find clues on who the real culprit could be.
As a huge fan of cozy mysteries, Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded hit all the right notes for me. The victim is portrayed as someone who wasn’t well-liked, and many characters had valid reasons to off the victim, other than just for the inheritance. The whacky mannerisms of the Alvarez family, the blend of humor and sarcasm in the dialogues, and the eccentric traits of their pets added to the comedic element of the story. I could imagine being part of the audience watching this narrative being played out as an interested bystander, all while cheering for the Alvarez family and especially Lee to get to the bottom of the mystery. Heather Haven has developed each of the characters well with their unique speech patterns and mannerisms, and although previous cases were mentioned in the narrative, I could easily follow along as a first-time reader of the series. This author has successfully added me to her fanbase.
Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded is the tenth installment of The Alvarez Family Murder Mysteries by Heather Haven. The story starts at a police station where PI Lee Alvarez has been detained on murder charges. Readers are thrown into the deep end along with Lee and learn that she is there because a magic act involving a guillotine went wrong and magician Marvin the Magnificent's head was severed. When the Alvarez family gets behind the investigation to clear Lee’s name, things become more interesting. They learn about the considerable fortune Marvin amassed and the details of his will, which sheds light on the dynamics of inheritance. The provision mentioned in the will creates a potential motive for murder, as each heir stands to inherit a larger share of the estate if others die. In between misdirection and wrong twists and turns in the story, the Alvarez family races against time to find clues on who the real culprit could be.
As a huge fan of cozy mysteries, Bewitched, Bothered, and Beheaded hit all the right notes for me. The victim is portrayed as someone who wasn’t well-liked, and many characters had valid reasons to off the victim, other than just for the inheritance. The whacky mannerisms of the Alvarez family, the blend of humor and sarcasm in the dialogues, and the eccentric traits of their pets added to the comedic element of the story. I could imagine being part of the audience watching this narrative being played out as an interested bystander, all while cheering for the Alvarez family and especially Lee to get to the bottom of the mystery. Heather Haven has developed each of the characters well with their unique speech patterns and mannerisms, and although previous cases were mentioned in the narrative, I could easily follow along as a first-time reader of the series. This author has successfully added me to her fanbase.
Recommend this book:
Demons Live Here
Karen Ann Hopkins
2024 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite
Karen Ann Hopkins’ Demons Live Here is an engaging sleuth mystery that blends the charm of small-town life with the haunting legacy of the past. In the picturesque hills of southern Kentucky, Sheriff Sadie Mills finds herself drawn back to a derelict plantation house that she and her best friend, Tanya Beaumont, once frequented in their youth. When their old haunt comes up for sale, the two friends team up with the town’s coroner, forming a trio determined to restore the Helena House. However, their plan is disrupted when a series of murders and unsettling revelations about the plantation’s dark history begin to unravel. Sadie, now caught between a complex investigation and her personal ambitions, is forced to uncover long-buried secrets of betrayal, loss, and redemption, all while navigating the dangers that surround her.
Demons Live Here is an ideal read for fans of sleuth mysteries, particularly those who appreciate a strong female lead. Sheriff Sadie Mills is an intricately developed character, bringing together the traits of a resilient investigator and a woman seeking solace in her personal life. The narrative's blend of small-town gossip, historical intrigue, and compelling suspense will appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy books with a rich, atmospheric setting. Karen Ann Hopkins expertly weaves the plantation’s history into the present-day murder mystery, offering readers a layered narrative that slowly reveals its twists. The interactions between Sadie, Tanya, and the coroner also provide moments of humor and camaraderie, balancing the darker elements of the plot. Demons Live Here captivates with its steady pacing, rich dialogue, and memorable characters, making it a must-read for fans of mysteries with emotional depth.
Karen Ann Hopkins’ Demons Live Here is an engaging sleuth mystery that blends the charm of small-town life with the haunting legacy of the past. In the picturesque hills of southern Kentucky, Sheriff Sadie Mills finds herself drawn back to a derelict plantation house that she and her best friend, Tanya Beaumont, once frequented in their youth. When their old haunt comes up for sale, the two friends team up with the town’s coroner, forming a trio determined to restore the Helena House. However, their plan is disrupted when a series of murders and unsettling revelations about the plantation’s dark history begin to unravel. Sadie, now caught between a complex investigation and her personal ambitions, is forced to uncover long-buried secrets of betrayal, loss, and redemption, all while navigating the dangers that surround her.
Demons Live Here is an ideal read for fans of sleuth mysteries, particularly those who appreciate a strong female lead. Sheriff Sadie Mills is an intricately developed character, bringing together the traits of a resilient investigator and a woman seeking solace in her personal life. The narrative's blend of small-town gossip, historical intrigue, and compelling suspense will appeal to mystery lovers who enjoy books with a rich, atmospheric setting. Karen Ann Hopkins expertly weaves the plantation’s history into the present-day murder mystery, offering readers a layered narrative that slowly reveals its twists. The interactions between Sadie, Tanya, and the coroner also provide moments of humor and camaraderie, balancing the darker elements of the plot. Demons Live Here captivates with its steady pacing, rich dialogue, and memorable characters, making it a must-read for fans of mysteries with emotional depth.
Recommend this book:
The Itch of Murder
An Izzie Di Sante Mystery
Christa Nardi
2023 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite
The Itch of Murder by Christa Nardi is a fast-moving murder mystery that is solved by ordinary everyday people. It captures the reader's attention from the opening chapter right to the last one, which leaves the reader wanting more stories about the Di Sante family. It is written in such a way that will make the reader look forward to the next book as the twist in the tale at the end is very interesting and unusual. The characters lead the reader through the story with the ease of people very familiar with the world of solving murders. The main characters are Chloe and Izzie Di Sante and they are surrounded by friends and family, and victims – Chance Corcoran, Henry Jacobs, Kathleen Lucci, Evan Wheeling, Heather, Patrick Channin, Ryan, and many more. They are all part of this fast-moving story.
The author, Christa Nardi, makes good use of her characters and sets the pace of the story, allowing them to guide the reader through the many twists and turns and unexpected happenings in the most normal manner as if it is part of everyday life. Each character has their place in the story and is used to their fullest extent which makes the reader wonder about their lives as well. I found The Itch of Murder: An Izzie Di Sante Mystery to be a very light but delightful read and really enjoyed it. It is a book well worth reading. Thank you for an interesting and unexpected story, Christa; a very good read.
The Itch of Murder by Christa Nardi is a fast-moving murder mystery that is solved by ordinary everyday people. It captures the reader's attention from the opening chapter right to the last one, which leaves the reader wanting more stories about the Di Sante family. It is written in such a way that will make the reader look forward to the next book as the twist in the tale at the end is very interesting and unusual. The characters lead the reader through the story with the ease of people very familiar with the world of solving murders. The main characters are Chloe and Izzie Di Sante and they are surrounded by friends and family, and victims – Chance Corcoran, Henry Jacobs, Kathleen Lucci, Evan Wheeling, Heather, Patrick Channin, Ryan, and many more. They are all part of this fast-moving story.
The author, Christa Nardi, makes good use of her characters and sets the pace of the story, allowing them to guide the reader through the many twists and turns and unexpected happenings in the most normal manner as if it is part of everyday life. Each character has their place in the story and is used to their fullest extent which makes the reader wonder about their lives as well. I found The Itch of Murder: An Izzie Di Sante Mystery to be a very light but delightful read and really enjoyed it. It is a book well worth reading. Thank you for an interesting and unexpected story, Christa; a very good read.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/vessels-of-wrath&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41wl1nphBnL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Vessels of Wrath is a gripping sleuth mystery set in the fictional town of Split Tree, Arkansas. It's the early 1960s. Police Chief Raymond "Big Ray" Elmore has enough doubts to convince himself that Ring Johnson committed suicide by blowing off his head with a gun. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Ray, alongside his deputy Ricky For...){kind=link}
Vessels of Wrath
A Big Ray Elmore Novel
Thomas Holland
2023 Honorable Mention
414 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Vessels of Wrath is a gripping sleuth mystery set in the fictional town of Split Tree, Arkansas. It's the early 1960s. Police Chief Raymond "Big Ray" Elmore has enough doubts to convince himself that Ring Johnson committed suicide by blowing off his head with a gun. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Ray, alongside his deputy Ricky Forrest, follows the clues that point to something deeper beneath the surface. Meanwhile, a dangerous man named Gilbert Gervais has recently broken out of Tucker Prison and is suspected to be coming after the head of the town council, Carl Trimble. Carl is an abrasive man who maneuvers a DOJ investigation against Ray, leading to his temporary suspension. Carrying the sins of his past himself, will Ray be able to catch the killer before more people get hurt?
With a character-driven narrative and a plot as unpredictable as it is absorbing, Thomas Holland delivers a timeless sleuth mystery yarn for the ages. Holland maintains an even pace with the narrative, keeping your eyes glued to the pages with a plot full of well-placed curveballs to keep you guessing. But it is the characters who steal the show. Holland's characters are grounded, and when placed in a realistic setting like the town of Split Tree, the stakes feel real, and you will find it hard to put the book down even for a moment. Ray is someone with gravitas, and his relationships with the inhabitants of Split Tree create conflict and drama that is delicious to consume. Overall, Vessels of Wrath is a stellar installment from the Big Ray Elmore series.
Vessels of Wrath is a gripping sleuth mystery set in the fictional town of Split Tree, Arkansas. It's the early 1960s. Police Chief Raymond "Big Ray" Elmore has enough doubts to convince himself that Ring Johnson committed suicide by blowing off his head with a gun. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Ray, alongside his deputy Ricky Forrest, follows the clues that point to something deeper beneath the surface. Meanwhile, a dangerous man named Gilbert Gervais has recently broken out of Tucker Prison and is suspected to be coming after the head of the town council, Carl Trimble. Carl is an abrasive man who maneuvers a DOJ investigation against Ray, leading to his temporary suspension. Carrying the sins of his past himself, will Ray be able to catch the killer before more people get hurt?
With a character-driven narrative and a plot as unpredictable as it is absorbing, Thomas Holland delivers a timeless sleuth mystery yarn for the ages. Holland maintains an even pace with the narrative, keeping your eyes glued to the pages with a plot full of well-placed curveballs to keep you guessing. But it is the characters who steal the show. Holland's characters are grounded, and when placed in a realistic setting like the town of Split Tree, the stakes feel real, and you will find it hard to put the book down even for a moment. Ray is someone with gravitas, and his relationships with the inhabitants of Split Tree create conflict and drama that is delicious to consume. Overall, Vessels of Wrath is a stellar installment from the Big Ray Elmore series.
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