Reviewed by Benjamin Ookami for Readers' Favorite

Some crimes cannot be solved by the police alone. Don Daglow's mystery novel, The Fog Seller: A San Francisco Mystery, takes the police, for the most part, out of the equation. The murder of an actress and a man who sought to save the homes of many seniors and people with low-income jobs is quite the puzzler. The number of suspects is in high contrast with the number of answers. Captain Kreitzer aims to solve this murder in quite an unusual way: by letting the suspects do all the work for him. One of his suspects is a man named Steve Ondelle, a man who only talks in the present tense and who is "not good with questions." Only time will tell if Captain Kreitzer's plan will work.

Steve has five journals that he allows a woman (as well as the reader) to read. Steve is a shy human being who gets freaked out when people ask him certain questions. The author's portrayal of him was very believable. I liked the fact that Steve had a roommate named Liam who was his direct opposite. What makes Liam even cooler is that he can make a vial of San Francisco fog look like a delicious ice cream cone. The characters in this novel are absolutely amazing. Steve's reasons for solving the double murder are to get his friend Luis's job back and prove his innocence. The real identity of the killer isn't too obvious, so it's quite interesting to find out what the end result will be.

Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite

Stella Riley skillfully blends history with romance in her novel, The Marigold Chain. She begins with Chloe meeting Alex Deveril and his friends by chance when her young ward was almost trampled by a horse. Chloe questioned within herself the fact that she loved him at first sight, but later confirmed what her heart already knew when he kissed her by chance. As luck would have it, Chloe’s step-brother offered her hand in marriage as a debt in a game of dice. She was given an out, but still chose to marry Alex, knowing her step-brother would stoop to this level again with a more unsavory man. Their agreed annulment is continually stalled because of the war in 1666 and the Great Fire of London. Lack of communicating their true feelings for each other may be their undoing.

Stella Riley and Alex Wyndham complement each other, making this a delightful book to listen to while traveling, exercising, or doing house work. I enjoyed listening to the awkwardness between Chloe and Alex as Riley presents misgivings and trials in their mock marriage. I found the well-researched historical accounts entertained and added a degree of substance to this novel. In my personal opinion, I find the characters within The Marigold Chain well developed and personable. I truly enjoy listening to Alex Wyndham narrate. Like a master, Wyndham gives each person in The Marigold Chain a unique voice and beautifully brings them all to life. As I listened to this audio book, I honestly cannot think of a single part in the plot that could be changed to make it more enjoyable.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Upon the death of George Briggs, Meghan’s plans to attend Grady College of Journalism and fulfill her dream of becoming a writer are hastily set aside so she can take over her father’s business of running the Snip 'N' Save Magazine. Just one year. Meghan decides to postpone her college plans in order to keep her father’s magazine up and running. But, when push comes to shove, she cannot leave the magazine unattended. Especially with the drama of younger sister Tracy’s renegade romance with the dark and irresponsible Dominic. Tracy’s devotion to her lover puts Meghan in the precarious position of playing buffer between mother and daughter. As her plight serves to intensify the loss of her father, Meghan realizes that she is where she needs to be: daughter, big sister, and strong role model in the lives of all she loves.

The Summer of New Beginnings: The Magnolia Grove Series, Book One by Bette Lee Crosby contains a realistic amount of family conflict with just the right amount of drama to place this novel in the genre of clean romance and wholesome family plot format. Bette Lee Crosby, USA Today bestselling author of eighteen novels, enchants the reader with her latest installment of a story of hope. The tasteful dialogue and moral lessons presented in The Summer of New Beginnings leave the reader wanting more. I particularly liked the addition of first person character insights in the insertion of character thoughts and reactions to the story plot line. I really enjoyed this novel.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

A fun frolic down Fantasy Lane is the best way I think I could possibly describe The Royal Treatment by Melanie Summers. This is an out and out funny, chick-lit read with no pretensions of being anything else. Tessa Sharpe, a twenty-eight-year-old former journalist, has adopted the role of Royal Watchdog for the Kingdom of Avonia. Her blogs on the Royal Family and their excesses are grist to the mill of the group of Avonian citizens who consider the royals to be an outdated and unnecessary institution in the twenty-first century. Facing a potential referendum to strip the royals of their powers, Crown Prince Arthur invites Tessa to spend two months at the palace, to live with the royals and to see what it is they really do to help the people of Avonia. What follows is a hilarious romp filled with palace intrigue and, of course, the never-ending question (will they do it?).

I have read so many books over the years that focus on the very worst of the human condition, so it is wonderful, from time to time, to come across a story so frivolous and so much fun as The Royal Treatment. There are few books that can make me chuckle, let alone belly laugh, and yet Summers managed to draw that out of me in this fun tale. It is genuinely funny and yet still has something important to say, on a higher level. Obviously Avonia is a mythical kingdom, but the comparisons can well be made to other European countries still supporting a monarchy, even if that monarchy is merely ceremonial. Many of the issues faced by the Avonian monarchy, and indeed the perception of that monarchy to the citizens, can draw a direct parallel to other monarchies, such as the British. I really enjoyed this book and congratulate Summers on a fine effort. The Royal Treatment is a wonderful distraction from a world where there is much too much angst and seriousness.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Magic of Cape Disappointment is a contemporary fiction novel written by Julie Manthey. Kay Baker had escaped Cape Disappointment and the expectations that her family lineage had placed upon her. Yes, she was the great-great-great-granddaughter of Kehlok, the daughter of adventurer Meriwether Lewis and Tamahna, a local native medicine woman. Kay had gone to medical school as her mother had wished, even as she co-majored in art, her true love and passion, and she had finished med school before abandoning that professional goal and turning to art full-time. She loved living in Manhattan and was thrilled to have her own studio there. It was a far cry from the small town life of Ilwaco, Washington where she grew up. When she got a call informing her that her parents had both died in a car crash, however, she dropped everything and rushed home to be there. She would be the only support for her Gran, who was ninety-seven and apt to forget where she was in time, until her brother Lou came to help. Kay’s mom’s last request to her was that she would not put Gran in a nursing home, and Kay was determined to abide by that. Suddenly, New York and her life as she knew it was in the past, and she was back in Ilwaco.

Julie Manthey’s contemporary fiction novel, The Magic of Cape Disappointment, is an intriguing and powerful blend of modern-day life, history and mysticism. I loved learning more about the Cascadia range and Cape Disappointment, and found the author’s treatment of the Clatsup history and legends to be fascinating. Manthey also addresses an issue of concern about elderly care, especially for those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues, and the resulting stresses that fall upon the relative who somehow finds themselves in the role of caretaker. I could feel for Kay as she loses everything she had built up for her own life’s goals, even as I loved the synchronicity that had her literally visualizing her future path while still in Manhattan. Manthey’s characters are marvelous; her story rocks on so many levels, and her writing is fluid and a joy to read. The Magic of Cape Disappointment is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

It’s a real treat to find a legal mystery fiction that you can get into quickly and enjoy the unfolding plot without getting lost in a copious amount of lawyer jargon as happens to too many legal thrillers. Teresa Burrell, author of The Advocate’s Homicide, is a lawyer, but her focus isn’t on impressing readers with her knowledge: it’s on telling an absorbing story based on a too common and very sad social issue: paedophilia. Burrell wants her readers to understand the devastating long term effects of sexual abuse, in this case on young boys. Can it lead them to abuse others? Can it even make them murder their abusers? And how does working with abused adolescents like those in The Advocate’s Homicides affect the therapists and the children’s lawyers. And could an abused child be convicted of murder even when the evidence doesn’t really add up?

Readers will get thoroughly caught up in the plight of a drug addict’s son whom lawyer Sabre O. Brown refuses to believe has murdered and partially buried his abuser. Like Sabre, we don’t believe he’s guilty. Then, when more bodies show up and their murders are similar to this one, Sabre and her associates decide there’s a lot more to these homicides than abused children taking revenge. Readers will be kept guessing who the real perp is almost to the end as the team exhausts itself investigating every possible suspect and scenario. The strength of Teresa Burrell’s writing lies in her marvellous use of dialogue to keep the story moving. When it comes to descriptions and facts, she keeps it short and on a need to know basis only. This makes reading The Advocate’s Homicide so enjoyable and so quick, but never with a lack of believable characters who chatter amicably, tease each other and joke around, like real people do. The Advocate’s Homicide is a wonderful blend of good and bad and will most likely have readers unfamiliar with Teresa Burrell looking at the other books in this series. I certainly intend to check them out.

Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

Seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Gray was an enigma to everyone that knew her. When she was found dead, hanging from a tree, it shocked everyone. The case becomes more mysterious when the police find out that she had no birth records. Mack Mackenzie, Lillian Harris, and Vanessa Davis are Elizabeth’s childhood playmates, who didn’t keep in touch with each other as they have their own circles of friends. Yet, they were the ones closest to Elizabeth before, and she is reaching out to them once more from beyond the grave, asking for help. United once again, the teens investigate and find The Brambles, a derelict mansion owned by the hermit Mitch Cooper. The place has the answer they’re looking for, but they are putting themselves at risk, especially when the place is run by a defrocked priest named John Leary.

The Brambles by Leah Erickson is a potent combination of mystery, crime, and the paranormal with a well thought out plot. As the story moves forward, Elizabeth’s past is revealed bit by bit, providing answers but also leading to different kinds of questions. It heightens one’s curiosity and the story is highly intriguing. The complex characters filled their roles perfectly with their facades, flaws, and secrets. I gravitated more towards the young protagonists. Mack, Lillian, and Vanessa－including the dead Elizabeth－have more maturity that they don’t show to other people. At the same time, they are still unsure about themselves, about life, and struggle with their own personal and family issues. Investigating Elizabeth’s death almost wrecks them but shapes them as individuals as well. Erickson’s writing style has a subtle mythical flair that makes the narrative extremely engaging. Fast-paced and deftly written, The Brambles is a riveting read.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Scene of the Crime: A Chip Palmer Forensic Mystery by Jennifer Chase is a tantalizing crime novel with sharp characters and a plot that will take readers on a dizzy ride. It’s a story of murder enmeshed in mystery, with a community rocked by two murders while memories still linger of a serial killer that was on the loose six months ago. What readers have here are complex crimes orchestrated by a psychopath acting like a puppet master — the Slayer — who enjoys working in his playground, The Dark Net. Now Dr. Chip Palmer, a forensic expert, and DA Inspector Kate Rawlins are brought in to handle the case. With little evidence to work on, the investigative team feels frustrated and stuck. But things change when the case gets handed over to the FBI. The problem is that members of the team are in danger and it won’t be long before the killer comes for them. Can they muster the necessary resources and solve the case before it becomes nastier than it already is?

This is a great story with a powerful plot. It isn’t easy to find a serial killer operating from behind the computer screen. Jennifer Chase makes the story even more complex by creating crime scenes that leave neither evidence nor motive. The narrative is enriched by the attraction between Chip and Kate, and Chip’s accident that has a surprising effect on his memory. The novel is well-researched and the author demonstrates a good understanding of forensics and working criminal cases. The writing is great and the character development is impeccable. I enjoyed the portrait of the Slayer, the monster in the story, and how the author explores his stream of idle thoughts as he contemplates his work from a safe distance. The author has the gift for suspense and she uses it brilliantly to keep the reader’s attention on the story. Scene of the Crime: A Chip Palmer Forensic Mystery is a well-written and enormously satisfying read.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Glorious Beyond is a psychological murder mystery written by Sandy Denise Adams. In just three more days, Kevin and Kim would have been celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. They were poised on the brink of a new adventure as well. They were moving to Boston and were in the process of selling their current home. Kim had gone for a girls’ weekend with Sharon; one last hurrah for the two best friends before the relocation. While she was returning home, her thoughts invariably went back to Kevin and the argument they had had before she left. Kim wanted flowers and candy and the romance associated with anniversaries, but she did remember what her pastor’s wife had said about how her husband’s behavior was his own way of expressing his love. Kim couldn’t wait to get into the house and apologize, but as she entered through the back way into the kitchen, she became alarmed by the foul odor emanating from within the house. Then, she saw him. His eyes were bulging out, and the bullet hole in his forehead had trails of dark blood leading from the wound down onto his cheeks. Kim’s soul, her love, her life was dead. Just like that. It shouldn’t happen to people who do the right things, she thought, but it had.

Sandy Denise Adams’ psychological murder mystery novel, The Glorious Beyond, is a taut and suspenseful tale about a young woman’s attempt to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and to gain some understanding as to why her husband had been murdered. Adams’ plot is original and compelling, and one can’t help but sympathize with Kim as she tries to cope with the fact that she, as the spouse, is automatically considered a person of interest in the case. The author gives the armchair sleuth plenty of clues and red herrings to consider as they mull over Kevin’s murder and the circumstances surrounding it. The reader is also privy to some arresting moments as Kim and Sharon attend a three-month group session for trauma survivors. I was especially interested in seeing how Myron, the trauma group counselor, works with the participants and helps them to relive, and begin healing from, those often buried traumatic memories. The Glorious Beyond is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Jalpa Williby exposes the horrific world of human trafficking in Girl Behind the Veil. Special Forces operative Kaden Reid goes undercover to rescue a young woman from a human trafficking ring in Pakistan. His mission objective - act as a client, buy her, get her out and return her safely to her father. The mission is a success, but the girl hidden behind the veil with the beautiful gray eyes pierces his soul. Salena Hamas is delivered safely to her father, but she is forever haunted by her kidnapping. Burying the tragic incident deep inside, Salena finishes college and becomes a successful journalist for the New York Times. But, Salena isolates herself behind an invisible veil. When she attends a charity event to raise awareness of human trafficking, her past collides with her present. Her hero, her savior, Kaden Reid, reappears. The opposite worlds of Kaden and Salena intersect once again. They spend a wonderful life-changing week together, but will their relationship survive another goodbye? Salena returns to work, Kaden goes on another covert mission. Their love is powerful, however, days apart turn into endless silent months; doubt, fear, and heartache overshadow Kaden’s parting words, "Wait for me.”

Girl Behind the Veil is the first book of Jalpa Williby’s The Invisible Veil series. Williby writes an unforgettable, gripping and passionate story of overcoming tragedy. Although suspenseful and romantic, the story focuses on the post-traumatic effect of sexual abuse on its victim. The heroine is beautiful and fragile, intelligent and defiant, desiring security and stability. She is paired up with a masculine, duty or die, honorable yet tender “restless soul.” The supporting cast consists of a doting traditional father, a vindictive woman from the past, new and forever friends. The plot turns predictable, then bam! Suddenly, it hits you with shocking surprises. It is an emotional landslide to the very end. Jalpa Williby writes to inspire. In Girl Behind the Veil, she raises awareness of human trafficking and cultural differences by creating dynamic characters and bringing their tragic story to life – from victim to victor.