Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Faceless by Dawn Kopman Whidden is a riveting mystery/thriller. Pretty teenage girls are murdered and found mutilated. The case is being handled by Detective Jean Whitley and her new partner Marty Keal. Jean discovers that most of the targets for the next attacks are her fourteen-year-old daughter Bethany's classmates. Bethany's behavior change intrigues Jean.

The story is a gory mystery with a lot of murder and scenes of mutilated bodies. The book is fast paced and it fills the reader with curiosity as to who the murderer could be. The development of the characters, and the plot twists and the turns add to the book's suspense. The reader keeps wondering who the murderer is. Could it be Bethany because of her suspicious behavior or is it her boyfriend? So many questions crowd in your mind while reading.

Faceless totally captures your attention. There is not a moment of boredom. You are so engrossed in the plot, the characters, and the intrigue that you will find it gripping. There is a lot of suspense and subplots that keep you engaged and make you think a little bit more than usual.

This is a must-read for all mystery/thriller lovers. The book will not disappoint you. Instead you might even prefer to give it a second reading. Will Jean and Marty crack the case? Will they face threats to their own lives and the lives of their family members?

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Sir Laurence Dies is a detective mystery, written by Christopher D. Abbott, featuring Dutch psychologist, Dr. Pieter Straay, who has a keen interest in crime. He's on his way to England from Amsterdam when he's approached by Sir Laurence Gregson, a retired Lieutenant Colonel. Sir Laurence is a severely disfigured survivor of World War I. He invites Straay to come stay at his estate after confiding that he fears someone is trying to kill him. Sir Laurence recounts a near hunting accident and a later boating accident that, combined with some ominous whispering he overheard, have made him feel sure that his life is in danger. Straay accepts his offer and arranges to come for dinner at the estate. The trains are late, however, and Straay misses the dinner, but is able to observe the inhabitants of the house that evening.

Christopher D. Abbott's detective story is a first-rate murder mystery with an engaging Dutch psychologist-sleuth. The reader gets to follow as Dr. Straay and his friend Chief Inspector Drake interview Sir Laurence's family, friends, and staff after his apparent suicide on the night of Straay's arrival. This is a stylish and enjoyable mystery that keeps the reader guessing as Straay and Drake consider clues, motives, and inconsistencies. Fans of Christie and Holmes alike should enjoy Sir Laurence Dies as well as anyone who likes police procedurals. I was caught up in the plot from the very first pages and found it to be quite entertaining and not at all predictable.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

Dying for Dinner Rolls by Lois Lavrisa is a fast paced, fun filled cozy mystery that provides plenty of laughs as the reader tries to figure out who actually committed murder. Catherine Thomson is a 40-year-old mother of two sets of twins, one set is five and the other is eighteen. She meets a couple of times a month with a group of her friends that call themselves the Chubby Chicks club. When one of their members, Lucy, winds up dead, the police want to label it a suicide but Cat can't help but be reminded of her father's death a few months ago. His murder happened late one night in a robbery gone bad at his organic health food store located in Savannah, Georgia. It's been more than two months and there are still no suspects, so Cat decides it's up to her and the members of the Chubby Chicks to solve the murders. Only one member, Annie Mae Marple, is willing to help. Can these two wanna-be private eyes figure out whether their friend was murdered or not, and if so, who actually committed the crime, or will they become the next victims? Will Cat find the answers to her father's death, and is it related to the murder of their friend Lucy?

Dying for Dinner Rolls takes readers on a romp through Savannah as Cat and Annie Mae try to figure out both deaths and any connections. The author is a true wordsmith who paints an amazing picture with the words she selects. The antics of Cat and Annie Mae were totally funny and had me hooked. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what these two might get up to next. The mystery was very well done. Ms Lavrisa provides more than a few suspects and doesn't make it easy to figure out who actually might have killed Lucy. A fast paced plot that never lagged; unique, interesting characters; a splash of southern charm, along with a well written mystery made for a page turning read. I think Lois Lavrisa has certainly got a winning series with the Chubby Chicks Club Mysteries and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

Reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite

Samantha Church had every aspect of her life going wrong; she had lost a good job, lost her daughter to her ex-husband, and was drinking more and more every day. She thought she had hit rock bottom and things could not get any worse until her ex-husband Jonathan banged on her door on Christmas morning with the worst news of her life - her sister Robin was dead. The death was ruled a drunken suicide but Samantha knew that her sister could not have committed suicide, especially not on Christmas morning as that brought back so many dreadful childhood memories. Samantha swore to get to the bottom of her sister's death, but she cannot do it alone and yet does not know whom to trust. She is up against enemies so powerful and devious, and they will stop at nothing to cover their evil deeds.

The Friday Edition: A Samantha Church Mystery by Betta Ferrendelli is a detective thriller about the corruption, deceit, and ultimate betrayal that surrounded Samantha Church's life. Betta Ferrendelli created a unique main character in the form of a brave woman who has to fight her personal demons and stay strong enough to fight the ultimate fight. She has you holding your breath, hoping that Samantha can hang in there long enough to get through the ordeal. The Friday Edition is a definite page-turner that had me reading nonstop from start to end, with fingers crossed. The story has unbelievable twists and turns and just the right dose of crime and mystery to give any fan of the detective fiction genre a thrilling reading experience.

Reviewed by Shweta Shankar for Readers' Favorite

"Red Tape" is a tale of love, loss, human tragedy and above all, the human spirit enduring in the face of catastrophe! Chelsey Alton is a single mom who has to balance a baby girl, family and work as a municipal clerk in the cozy, relaxed town of Sunshine. Soon Chelsey finds herself broiled in one controversy after another. Maybe Sunshine is not that cozy after all! Chelsey and her assistant Bonnie are soon caught between an irate, unbalanced resident and a sinister, deadly mayor! Everything turns upside down when Sunshine is hit by a powerful cyclone that leaves massive destruction in its wake! Is there anyone Chelsey Alton can still turn to for help anymore?

Michele Lynn Seigfried has woven a tale that evokes a range of emotions in the reader: admiration for protagonist Chelsey Alton's personality, fear for her life, suspense about the evil Mayor's scheming and sadness at the ravaged town of Sunshine in the aftermath of a killer cyclone. The author's style is fast and riveting and holds the reader's interest throughout the book. The plot develops well, building up the suspense until the reader is hooked! It is a gripping, gritty novel that leads the reader through a maze of events and emotions, electrifying drama in one page to love and compassion in the next! This book is a compelling page turner that revolves around a single mom's difficult journey through a natural calamity and, worse still, an unreasonable, insane resident with murder on his mind - Chelsey's murder!

Reviewed by Alice DiNizo for Readers' Favorite

The body of a young man is found in rural DeKalb County, Georgia, at Bethel Primitive Baptist Church. His body is painted, a gold crown is on his head, and the victim's sliced innards spill out while pigs feet are attached where his arms should be. His arms are attached like wings to his back with "Sieg" written on one hand, and "Lieh" on the other. Then another body is found at nearby First Iconium Baptist Church with symbolic, religious graffiti scrawled on the church's walls and floor. Hard drinking DeKalb County Police Detective Marmaduke and his partner Chennault are called in to investigate but the coroner warns them that the bodies are a man's head on a woman's body. The old pastor at First Iconium Baptist Church calls these killings evil and then two more dismembered bodies are found! African-American consultant Theolonious Zones is called in to help investigate these bizarre killings but Maramduke and his Captain are certain that they want Zones' help. He has been turned down for work with the FBI. However, Zones is determined and goes about asking questions in Atlanta's red light zone and even flies out to Salt Lake City, Utah, as he suspects the Gadiantons, affiliated with the Mormon Church of long ago. But can Zones find out who is behind these dreadful killings?

"Sheaves of Zion" by E.W. Sullivan is a delight of a murder mystery/thriller for it will keep readers engrossed in its every word until the end. Theolonios Zones is an investigator whose presence is welcome on the literary scene. He goes about questioning people and even enduring several days in jail to find out who is really responsible for these horrific, disgusting murders. Marmaduke and his worn-out police car with its empty liquor bottles rattling around and all the other characters in "Sheaves of Zion" plus an incredible plot-line make it a book that belongs on reading lists everywhere.

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

The residents of the island could set their watch by Wayne’s evening walk on the beach He was searching for pieces of driftwood to create his art when he saw the large beautiful black orchid lay in the sand. He put on his gloves so that he would not damage the delicate petals, picked it up and took it home with him. After putting the flower in water he called Miss Kitty, the local authority on orchids. She was amazed at the rare orchid and gently touched the goo in the throat. It would be the last orchid she would touch. More orchids appeared and more residents died.

A lone man was observed sitting in a boat each evening before an orchid appeared. Who was he and why was he on the water when it was the dead of winter too cold to fish? What did he have to do with the black orchids? How were the orchids connected to the deaths? Who was the first intended victim and why?

“Black Orchid” was written by author Laura Burke. The tale begins in a low keyed suspenseful manner and continues thus until about midway when suddenly the action explodes in a multitude of ways: murders, kidnapping, poison, vandalism, a mysterious stranger, romance, and betrayal all wrapped up into one plot. The genre of this book is somewhere between thriller, suspense and mystery. Author Laura Burke managed to hit on my one phobia causing me to shiver in fear. Take notice of the name Laura Burke; you will be hearing it again.

Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

This was a different kind of book, now when I say different I mean it in a very good way! There were so many things that made the story a standout read. I don't think I have ever read a story where a man and a dog had such an interesting relationship. The author also shares tidbits of information about Houston that flowed easily within the story, which allowed me to learn a bit about the city. As an animal lover I fell in love with Dudley, and loved that he was an adopted shelter dog. His funny antics, such as driving a truck, shredding a sofa, or the way he acted around the neighbor E.D. were just hilarious!

Cary Robinson also known as Careless lives alone in the Big Rock Lofts in Houston, Texas. An unusual character to say the least, he enjoys iced coffee, with a shot of Jack. He has a way with women--not--but that doesn't stop him from trying. He thinks he is happy living alone, but his friend Birk decides that Careless needs to adopt a dog, and that's when the fun begins. Careless adopts a big hound dog named Dudley from the SPCA and the two become inseparable. The antics of Careless and Dudley are often funny, that is until they are asked to help solve a mystery involving a country western singer. It will take Dudley's nose to figure out the mystery!

The author weaves a tale wagging read, full of interesting characters that literally jump off the page. Careless was such a funny character, but he also had a few serious moments. I loved the relationship that sorta developed with the new neighbor E.D. The names that she called Careless was priceless. Birk was a larger than life "redneck" who loved zooming around in his Cowboy Cadillac, and I have to mention Sarge, such an oddball character that fit into the story perfectly.

I thought the mystery, which actually only encompassed the last third of the book, was very well done, and the ending left me hoping that this might be the first in a long line of books featuring Dudley, Careless and the gang. Anyone who enjoys a very well written story, where one of the primary characters is a dog will fall in love with this book, but if you enjoy a fast paced plot, wacky, but lovable characters, along with interesting glimpses of Houston then you're going to want to read this one as well!

Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

When I pick up a novel by Stefan Vucak, I know I am in for a thrilling ride. His books seem to have a life of their own. They take readers by the hand and lead them through a landscape of political upheaval, intrigue and scandal. I have enjoyed his previous book, Cry of Eagles. Strike For Honor certainly did not disappoint me. The tale begins with a meeting between Sung Kang-dae, the dictator of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Larry Tanner, US Secretary of State. On the table were several important issues, including North Korea actively selling weapons to Iran. Once the dictator left the room, Tanner discovered the plot to depose the Supreme Leader. Could the CIA be behind the plot? Was the President keeping secrets from Tanner? What were the long-term repercussions? These questions and more were plaguing Tanner as he headed back home.

Vucak takes readers inside cabinet meetings, almost convincing me he has firsthand knowledge of what goes on in one. Strike For Honor has several plot threads which Stefan successfully weaves together. He has created realistic situations, lifelike characters and convincing dialogue that place readers in the midst of what could be a disastrous political situation. Lives are at stake and political alliances are in jeopardy. If Stefan Vucak’s previous books set a high bar of excellence, Strike For Honor has surpassed that bar.

Reviewed by Marta Tandori for Readers' Favorite

Endangered Eagle: A Karl von Ernst Mystery is a compelling work of historical fiction by writer Richard Carl Roth, set during a well-documented period in history. Berlin, 1936. Hitler and the Nazis have already instituted a reign of terror throughout Germany, but with Berlin about to host the Olympics, the Nazis are anxious to show the world a “New Germany.” Adding to the heightened excitement of the impending Olympics, it has been arranged that Charles Lindbergh – the first man to fly from New York to Paris – will visit Berlin during the Olympics as a special guest. Weeks prior to his visit, General Hermann Goering, Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe, is advised of an assassination plot against the American hero. He gives Karl von Ernst, a former Chief Inspector in the Berlin police, the formidable task of identifying the mastermind behind the assassination plot and preventing at all costs what might otherwise be a public relations disaster for Hitler’s Germany.

Many books, both fiction and non-fiction, have been written dealing with, or set in, Nazi Germany and much of it has focused on the Holocaust – those who perished in it or managed to survive it. What is refreshing to see in Endangered Eagle is that although the setting for the book is during a time when the Nazis were already in power, the story focuses on the Berlin Olympics and the assassination plot of Charles Lindbergh. Both are story-worthy in their own right, but combining the two and setting them against a backdrop of Nazi Germany in 1936 and you’ve got the makings of one great story. Roth’s work is meticulously researched and lovingly scribed. The author does a bang-up job conveying time and place and his prose, although somewhat stilted, works perfectly in conveying German decorum and heightened paranoia throughout Berlin, thanks to the fear the Nazis have evoked in everyone. In this respect, Endangered Eagle sets the stage beautifully. The events as they unfold are compelling, heightening the intrigue before Roth throws his readers an unexpected curve ball near the end – making for a bang-up finish. For lovers of historical fiction dealing with the Nazi era or simply those who love intrigue, Endangered Eagle delivers on all fronts and is worth the read.