Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Ransom: A Nicole Graves Mystery by Nancy Boyarsky takes us inside the world of a private detective, Nicole Graves. Nicole’s boss gives her the task of researching the past of a kidnap victim for one of the Agency’s more wealthy and important clients; the father-in-law of the victim, whose son was accidentally killed during the botched snatch. This is not the sort of work Nicole prefers; she would rather leave this sort of thing up to the police but the reality is when a major client asks for your help, the Agency needs to give it. Nicole, the surprised recipient of an unexpected inheritance, doesn’t realize that she is now in the direct cross-hairs of the kidnappers. It all becomes very personal for Nicole when her beloved younger sister Stephanie is kidnapped and her sister’s fiancé David is badly injured, in order to seek a ransom payout from Nicole. She is torn between allowing the police to do their job, in the form of the rather dishy detective Arnault, or trying to negotiate the ransom payment and her sister’s safe release directly with the kidnappers, especially when she realizes all the kidnappings may be linked and she may have a handle on the perpetrators.

Author Nancy Boyarsky has given us the fourth in the series. It is not important to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this story (I haven’t). It stands alone as a case on its own. The author has given us a straightforward crime mystery story but it is definitely one of the better offerings that I have read. I always love a strong female lead, especially one who is performing in an area usually reserved for the macho male character. Nicole is a strong, independent woman who has carved out a successful career for herself in the rough and tumble world of the private dick. What I love, though, is that despite the pain and ugliness she must encounter regularly, she maintains her empathy, her humanity, and her ability to emote. She’s not afraid to allow her emotions to show and that gives her, as a character, a real balance. As a single woman, there is always the opportunity for romance and I was pleased the author left that opportunity open for Nicole in the future.

The plot and development were clearly well thought out and took the reader on a number of twists and turns that placed various main characters in serious danger at times, which allowed the reader to root for the characters. I also liked the unusual background for Detective Arnault, for a police officer, which gave him much more color, interest, and potential for future adventures. I can see a really close working (and personal) relationship developing between these two in the future. If crime mystery is your thing, this is one series you want to get your hands on and if it’s not your thing, well, you’ll love the story anyway. It’s well written and edited and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Tea, Anyone? by S. R. Mallery is Book One in the Brooke & Abby Cozy Mystery Series. Brooke is a non-sworn police officer, helping with research in crimes and other areas. Abby is her next-door neighbor, claiming to be a psychic. Brooke doesn’t believe her but, agreeing to give her a chance at the request of her roomie, Henry, lets her get involved in the research on the latest murder. And Junie, Brooke's cat, seems to like her anyway. It soon becomes clear that Abby really does have a talent and she’s about to prove that her help can solve the spate of murders in the town. How? With a little time travel back to 1773, the time of the Boston Tea Party. Between that and Brooke trying hard not to fall for Tony, her best friend’s new police partner, she’s got her hands full. But how can time travel possibly help solve a current-time murder case? Only one way to find out!

Tea, Anyone? by S. R. Mallery is one of those books that you just fall into and stay there until it's finished. Brooke is the kind of woman you can easily bond with, a get-go person who’s like a dog with a bone – she’s not backing down, no matter what. This is action all the way; a story that will draw you in from page one and will hold you there until you have finished. The plot is clever, unique, and is told in a believable way. All the characters are wonderful, well-developed, and a really eclectic mix too. At first, you will wonder how going back in time can help solve a murder mystery but it all comes together very neatly. This story moves at a fast pace and is full of wit and humor. Each character has their own story to tell, even Junebug, the beloved housecat. An intriguing story, this is guaranteed to hold your attention late into the night.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Bells, Tails, and Murder by Kathy Manos Penn is a Dickens and Christie Mystery. Leta and her lovable pets are taking on a new mystery as they settle into her retirement in England. Little does she know that her retirement won’t be as quiet and peaceful as she dreamed it’d be. When she finds a body, she’s determined to find the killer even if it means putting herself in danger. She turns to her close friends for help in her investigation as her duo of lively pets helps her uncover clues. Together, they’re whisked into an exciting murder mystery that blends some of Leta’s favorite things: sleuthing clues and delightful connections to some of her favorite works of fiction.

The world is stunningly brought to life by Kathy Manos Penn who gives lovely details that make the Cotswolds setting vibrant and alive. The humor is quirky and keeps the story light with a heartwarming tone that is inviting and welcoming. Leta is a delightful sleuth with a personality that is perfect for the British sleuthing environment and is reminiscent of Jessica Fletcher. The mystery delivers fun from beginning to end and weaves several surprises throughout while introducing the variety of characters that populate Leta’s world. The story is a book lover’s dream with several literary references woven throughout, which includes the subtle use of names like Wendy and Peter, Belle, Alice, and the names of the pets with Dickens, Christie, Tigger, and Paddington.

The talking animals are a natural part of the world and are as important as the human characters with their own role in solving the mystery. Dickens and Christie are Leta’s little duo with personalities that balance each other out as they each provide Leta with a companion and friend as well as being trusty sleuthing sidekicks. Cozy mystery lovers won’t be able to get enough of Leta and her world as Penn makes you feel right at home with them and wishing to dive into this wonderful world to meet the characters. Bells, Tails, and Murder has everything you’d want in a cozy mystery: heart, talking animals, literary references, and sleuthing delights.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Carlswick Mythology: The Carlswick Mysteries, Book 5 is a sleuth mystery novel written by S.L. Beaumont. While they had had their share of adventures together, Stephanie Cooper and her rock-star boyfriend of eighteen months, James Knox, were finally going away together on vacation. She had just finished her second year at Oxford and had returned to her grandmother’s home in Sussex when James sprung the news of their surprise vacation on her. When they finally arrived at Heathrow, Stephanie was thrilled to discover that James had booked them for four days on the island of Santorini where her friend, Kerry, just happened to be working on an archaeological dig. She and James would be touring the Minoan ruins with Kerry the very next day. As the unexpected usually did happen when Stephanie was involved, their visit to Santorini was no exception. Armed intruders stole irreplaceable objects that were not Minoan in origin, and Kerry’s colleague and romantic interest seemed to be the most likely suspect. But how did they get there?

The Carlswick Mythology is a fast-paced and exciting novel of suspense set in the Greek islands. I loved exploring the island of Santorini with Stephanie and James and touring the Minoan ruins with them was a marvelous bonus. Beaumont’s characters are authentic and credible, and Stephanie’s musings over her future will resonate with many new adults. The underlying mystery will keep armchair sleuths mulling over the red herrings strewn in their path, and the tension between the police procedural and private sleuth aspects of the series continues to enthrall and delight. The author’s story is well-written and fun to read. The Carlswick Mythology: The Carlswick Mysteries, Book 5 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

In Death in Disguise: A Beth Getty Mystery, Volume 1 by Karen Neary Smithson, Beth Getty is an amateur sleuth, married to a police detective, who manages to get herself into some scary situations while trying to solve the case of who murdered the nanny of one of her best friends. Beth’s husband repeatedly asks her not to become involved, but Beth finds it impossible as she discovers a clue that always seems to lead to another clue to which she must find the answer. Beth uses her fey instincts to guide her and gets much help along the way from various friends, both new and old. The story has so many twists, turns and surprises that I just don’t want to spoil it for readers by revealing any more.

Death in Disguise is everything I could ever want in a mind boggling mystery. I was pulled in from the beginning and amazed by the ending, which I never saw coming. There are several plots going on at the same time and each one kept me glued to my Kindle. Murder, romance, deception, infidelity and everyday and celebrity characters fill the pages in a very well written, exciting book. I really loved Death in Disguise. I am anxiously awaiting a follow-up and so look forward to Beth’s next adventure. Karen Neary Smithson has everything it takes to be an award-writing author with many more volumes of Beth Getty books in her future. I also can clearly see Death in Disguise being the next favorite sleuth TV show. Please, do not pass this one up, but put it at the top of your summer reading list.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Sean Hightower didn’t have the best of musical careers, but he just kept going. After earning his one-hit wonder title, the rock musician tried his luck again and again. After one particularly gruesome stage performance, Sean thinks it is best to go to his girlfriend and seek comfort from her. However, when he enters her condo, he finds her naked and dead on her bed. She was shot in the head, leaving two notes taped to the wall that said “hello” and “goodbye” on them. They make absolutely no sense to Sean but the police detective connects them to the return of the “Beatles Song Murderer.” What really baffles the detective the most is the fact that Sean possibly knows the killer, only he has no idea who it is. The detective needs his help, but how can Sean help him when he doesn’t even know who that person is?

You Say Goodbye by Keith Steinbaum is a murder mystery that uses Beatles' song titles in the best way possible. The title of the novel is perfect for the story and I gave the author brownie points just for this! Apart from that, the novel is actually pretty great. From the moment the story begins, the author gives readers a bomb to start their journey with. After that, the author kept the momentum and ensured that the reader was interested and invested while at the same time making sure that they stayed fully immersed in this adventurous ride. Sean is not a character that you will instantly like, but you will be cheering him on, wanting him to survive because you will not be able to live without finding out who is the killer. The narrative is so powerful that you cannot help but feel as if you are transported right there beside Sean and living his life with him. This is the best kind of experience that an author can give to a reader and I love the author for giving me this. I can see this story becoming a movie or a TV series and being an instant hit.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Emma Cyrus’ Life Without Shoes: The First Father Ambrose Mystery is a contemporary mystery novel set in Green Butte, Northern California. Father Ambrose is the abbot at the New Life Ecumenical Retreat, a spiritual community which practices meditation to guide its members in all aspects of life. The community sustains itself through farming, selling its products and processed foods locally, and throughout the US via online orders. In late August as the busy harvest begins, the peace and calm of the retreat are shattered when a young woman’s dismembered corpse is found in an orchard. Father Ambrose finds himself helping Sheriff Charlie Cormley in the murder investigation. The unforeseen and bewildering intrusion of the outside world tests Father Ambrose’s inner strength to guide New Life through an extremely harrowing time and to learn and grow from the experience.

I enjoyed reading Life Without Shoes: The First Father Ambrose Mystery because of the way Cyrus brings together Father Ambrose's experiences at the New Life Retreat, his insight into human nature, and his inner spiritual strength to help solve a murder. I also liked the way Cyrus weaves into her story how Ambrose guides the New Life community to work towards calmness, think meditatively, and focus on the harvest. As the investigation proceeds, Ambrose finds himself learning to think and see the outside world in different ways: at times like a cop; at times like a reporter; and at times like a chaplain and counselor. No matter whom Ambrose deals with, he keeps compassion as his guide.

Reviewed by Justine Reyes for Readers' Favorite

Death said the Gypsy Queen by Susan Boles is the fourth book in Boles' Lily Gayle Lambert Mystery series. The story begins with Lily Gayle retrieving her late husband's red 1965 Mustang from storage. The Mustang had been sitting in storage for eight years. With the help of her friend Dixie, Lily Gayle decides it's high time she conquers her fear of driving. Pulling over at a rest stop, Lily Gayle and Dixie meet an old gypsy woman who warns Lily Gayle to "beware the vampire blood." As fate would have it, Lily Gayle later finds the corpse of an old man. His cause of death? A stake through the chest.

If you are a fan of books like Agatha Raisin, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, or Sarah Graves' Home Repair is Homicide, then you will undoubtedly love Susan Boles' Death said the Gypsy Queen. This was my first Lily Gayle Lambert book, but it likely won't be my last. Death said the Gypsy Queen is the sort of novel you would want to unwind with after a long day of work. The cast of characters felt familiar to me, despite my never having read any other novel in the series before now. I guess that's due to Boles' tremendous writing talents. I felt like a welcome reader, free to come and go as I pleased. It isn't a mystery-thriller, but it is a cozy mystery at its finest. The sort of book that readers will pick up, knowing the author will deliver what is promised.

Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

Beth Haldane is a single mother living in prestigious Dulwich with her young son, trying to make ends meet. She is thrilled when she gets a job as the assistant archivist at the very popular Wyatt's School. Beth has great hopes for her first day on the job. Dr. Alan Jenkins is her boss. Beth is taken by surprise when, on the first morning, Dr. Jenkins shows her to the office and promptly leaves her alone. As lunch time approaches, Beth decides to return to the main building and get something to eat. As she tries to find her way among the buildings, she finds Alan Jenkins lying behind some bins and obviously very dead. As the investigation begins and all of the school facility comes together to be questioned, Beth believes she might be considered the prime suspect since she is the 'new girl on the block.' She then decides to take matters into her own hands to try to help the police find the person responsible.

Death In Dulwich (The London Murder Mysteries Book 1) is a leisurely paced story with a decent plot and likable characters. There are all the makings for an old fashioned mystery story contained within these pages. I found Death In Dulwich to be a true crime mystery with a plot and characters that had me involved from beginning to end. Beth Haldane is the star of the story. There are many scary and dangerous situations that Beth finds herself in and so many twists and turns that she cannot be sure in which direction to turn and who to blame ... and nor can the reader. Author Alice Castle used words from her native England which, while I was unfamiliar with them, made for interesting reading and did not make the story any less exciting. If you are a fan of the crime, mystery, and suspense genres, you will definitely enjoy reading Death In Dulwich.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

Fatal Fortune is the first book in the Dr Pippa Durrant Mystery Series by Miranda Rijks, a compelling opening for a series that features sleuth and mystery. Pippa’s photo is found on the body of Leanne Smith, a lottery winner, and now it seems like someone intentionally did that to frame the psychologist. As a human polygraph, she believes she can weave through the lies and the media hype and find the killer. Both her career and her life are in jeopardy. It is not long before another body turns up. The tension mounts as Pippa races to identify the killer. Time is running out but she doesn’t just know when the next murder might happen and she could be next on the killer’s list. Can she solve the riddle before it is too late?

There are two things I look for in books like this — the complexity of the characters and the intricacy in plot development. Miranda Rijks does both perfectly. The author creates a female protagonist that is rich and vulnerable at the same time, qualities that win the sympathy of readers for her. I was hooked from the beginning of the narrative as the author puts readers into the twisted mind of the killer, using a stream of consciousness that establishes a direct link between this character and the reader. I wanted to know more about who this character is and what they will turn out to be. The cast list is wonderful: Pippa, who is losing clients because of her photo being released to the public as a suspect in the murder; the family of the victim that is devastated; and the shadowy killer who intrigues readers while eluding the authorities. Fatal Fortune is gripping crime fiction with powerful hints of mystery, and a real delight for fans of crime and sleuth novels.