Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago is the seventh book in the Jack Rogan Mysteries series. Jack Rogan is planning a holiday but it doesn’t take long before he is dragged right into another mystery. Maurice Landru is a convicted killer, currently serving time in Paris. He wants help proving he is innocent and Rogan jumps at the chance. Teaming up with criminal profiler Francesca Bartolli, socialite Mademoiselle Darrieux, and a retired French police officer called Claude Dupre, Rogan finds himself in the middle of a dangerous game of high-stakes cyber gambling. As the danger rises, he has to face an evil genius who kills without a second thought and wants victory, no matter what the cost. Rogan's journey to the truth is one of violence, death, and a cursed Incan burial mask that must be retrieved at all costs. Can he get to it in time or will everything he believes in be destroyed forever?

The Death Mask Murders by Gabriel Farago is part of a series - I haven’t read any of the others but I don't feel I missed out on anything in this book. However, like any series, the books are best read in order to get the full picture, especially where the main protagonist is concerned. This story is a real action-packed thriller with plenty of twists and turns to keep you reading. The past and the present collide in a gloriously written, entertaining mystery story, with well-researched historical content entwining seamlessly with the present-day. The characters are wonderfully developed, real people with their own stories to tell and incredibly likable. This is a fast-paced story that will grip you from the first to the last page, one of the best-written murder mystery thrillers I have ever read. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a great story to lose themselves in.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Murder at the Mansfield is a work of mystery fiction by CB Laurence. Enter the Mansfield Supper Club world of the 1940s and be serenaded by two stunning singers, Rose and Ruby. The mesmerizing glitz is all a facade behind which lurks greed, narcissism, and ultimately, murder… and a very bloody one at that. All the circumstantial evidence points to Rose. Beau and the team at Express Investigations have their work cut out for them in proving her innocence, a task increasingly compromised for Beau as a result of his blooming romance with Ruby and made even more difficult by a cocky D.A. When the team finally figures out the how, why and who actually killed Rose’s husband, Rico, everyone - especially readers - are in for a surprise. What a clever plot!

Where has CB Laurence been hiding all these years? If Murder at the Mansfield is any indication, she has penned a winning collection and her writing is a most welcome addition to the historical mystery fiction genre. Reading this novel is like watching one of those old movies where your absorption with the whodunnit details is only enhanced by the magic of music and romance. And then there’s the super colorful collection of characters, for example, Trix, who steals the show with her attitude and humor. Murder at the Mansfield is an easy, very quick read that keeps you enthralled and guessing throughout. If the subsequent four novels in this series are anything like this one, CB Laurence is going to garner a whole lot of fans, and deservedly so!

Reviewed by Ray Hosler for Readers' Favorite

The Center of Gravity by Patricia Brandon has an intriguing title, one that makes you think. After reading this historical novel you’ll find yourself dissecting aspects of the book’s storyline and “what ifs.” This is a sweeping novel that takes the reader from the days leading up to World War 2 to post-war South Carolina, where the children of the main characters grow up and find their own adventures. To avoid spoilers, I’ll leave it at that. The first half of the book had me from the get-go as I learned about the lives of two families swept up in the events leading to the Second World War. One family was French, but with a German name as they lived in a region known as Alsace-Lorraine on the border with France and Germany. A Jewish family is befriended by the von Bauchelle family in 1933 just as Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party come to power. Josef and Rainer become close friends as they struggle to maintain their “center of gravity” or normalcy in these tumultuous years. These two characters, and Sonne Becker, are well developed by the author. I became invested in their situation and found myself hoping for the best, even though I knew that the odds of a happy ending were slim.

I appreciated the level of historical accuracy in The Center of Gravity. The author devoted considerable time and attention to getting her facts right. It makes the novel all the more engaging as her characters play their roles during historical events. The scenes involving Adolf Hitler and Wolf’s Lair (located in Poland), where the dictator conducted military operations surrounded by his generals, offered compelling reading. The relationship between Sonne and Conrad, an SS officer who gives her aid and comfort, is heartbreaking. Their chemistry in a difficult situation creates an interesting dynamic between a man and a woman and what is expected when one helps another. Their relationship alone makes The Center of Gravity a must-read for anyone interested in the subject or the savoir-faire of human relationships. Additionally, the writing is pleasing to read. Here’s an example: “Sonne saw the pools of sorrow that crested in her mother’s eyes, bittersweet reflections of the timeless passage of the matriarch role from one to another.”

This is a novel that bends the rules of novel writing but maintains its center of gravity despite an unconventional approach. Typically we expect to have the main character be with us throughout the novel. She or he deals with challenging situations. Patricia Brandon’s main characters come and go. However, the author does a good job of tying up loose ends and creating a cohesive story despite the dramatic transition in time and space halfway through the novel. While that thread keeps the novel whole, you might find yourself wishing that some characters didn’t exit the stage. Enjoy them while you can!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

You Have The Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello is the eighth book in the Zachary Blake legal thriller series. Mia Folger, a popular talk show host, doesn’t get on with her husband anymore, Congressman Bradley Crawford, and is in therapy. When Crawford's dismembered body is found, Mia comes under the spotlight as the primary suspect. Her therapist believes she is innocent and recommends Zachary Blake, a top defense attorney to defend her against the charge of murder. However, Mia went into catatonic shock when she found Crawford's body and cannot help Zack prepare her defense. It’s up to Zack and investigator Micah Love to crack the case and that's where Shari Belitz, a top jury consultant comes in. It's their job to disprove the evidence but Zack doesn’t think he needs Shari's help. Shadows in the background, evil figures, are looking to ensure that Mia goes down for the crime and it's up to the team to find the evidence to clear Mia and discover the real killer in the process.

I have not read any of the others in this series but You Have the Right to Remain Silent by Mark M. Bello has made me want to read them all. This is more than just your standard legal thriller. With twists and turns all the way, and some tough, cocky characters, nothing is as you expect. The characters are wonderfully developed; unique, real people that we can all relate to on some level. The plot is ingenious, very cleverly written, with each twist leading you closer to an explosive ending. Throw in some psychotic, evil characters to bounce off the rest, and you have the perfect legal thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading, you won't put this book down until you're done. A gripping story, ideal for all fans of the legal world and social justice.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Rich with detail and captivating characters, The Curse of Matilija (Zack Tolliver, FBI Book 9) by R Lawson Gamble is a murder mystery based on an intriguing ancient legend. To FBI agent Zack Tolliver, the accidental death of a man in the Matilija Wilderness seems like a straightforward case of archaeological looting. But things take a turn when Zack comes into contact with a deadly bacteria and the pot containing the infectious disease mysteriously disappears. Worse still, a ruthless assassin is on Zack’s trail, determined to tie loose ends from the past. Together with his Native American friend, Eagle Feather, Zack goes after the pot to stop a catastrophic pandemic while looking for the assassin. At every turn in their investigation, more dead bodies show up leading back to the ancient curse of Chief Matilija.

The Curse of Matilija is a consistently fascinating novel packed with gripping discoveries at every stage of the plot. I liked the book’s fast tempo and how the tension in the plot was maintained until its riveting final scene. I also liked the friendship between Zack and Eagle Feather and how the Chumash culture and other Native American cultures are explored in the book. R Lawson Gamble’s The Curse of Matilija is a page-turner that any fan of murder mysteries will not want to miss. It extends ancient events and current incidents and blends reality with mysticism. It is appealing for its depth, unique characters, and plot which is continuously enthralling.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

Has the urge ever struck you to Google yourself because your family hasn’t reached out to you over the last 35 years? Has that result shown your death 35 years ago at your older brother’s hand? After leaving town with her aunt and uncle at the age of 8, Rachel continued to move on from the life she knew and into a brighter world. Her return to town has stirred up trouble with the local sheriff, newspaper, and even the mayor. Join Rachel in Deanna Lynn Sletten’s The Truth About Rachel as she investigates the case of her supposed death that shook the little town of Casita, California.

The Truth About Rachel is the first book in Deanna Lynn Sletten’s Rachel Emery Series, and while it primarily focuses on murder-mystery and sleuth themes, there is some romance thrown in. This story is a beautiful blend of fiction and reality. Sletten explains police jargon and procedures throughout the book so that readers unfamiliar with the terminology aren’t lost. As a lover of cold cases and injustice, I enjoyed this book and the unexpected plot twist! Sletten’s writing immerses the reader in the story and events flow naturally into one other. She bypassed the dramatics that most writers adopt and instead focused on clear and concise storytelling. I was eager for any new information that was forthcoming about Rachel’s case. I even raced against the fictional investigators to solve it. Rachel’s development throughout the book is amazing, and I am excited to read the next installment.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Touch the Dead is a sleuth murder mystery novel by E.S. Thornton. Nineteen-year-old Eden Sinclair returns to her Aunt Billie's Fox Dunes Lodge in Florida, determined to solve the mystery of the disappearance of her beloved cousin, Jess. But things don't go according to plan as her childhood crush, Jess's ex-boyfriend Johnny, still evokes conflicting feelings inside of her. Additionally, on top of being physically assaulted by Aunt Billie's boyfriend, Cap, Eden also receives multiple creepy messages from an unknown stalker. Thrown into the mix is Jess's twin brother's veteran friend, McCabe Jones, who is hell-bent on helping Eden solve the mystery. However, bodies keep piling up, and Eden finds herself unable to trust anyone. As past secrets are revealed, Eden finds herself more lost than ever.

A swirling mix of suspense, mystery, and romance makes Touch the Dead a captivating sleuth story you're hooked on from start to finish. The plotting is intricate and completely unpredictable. Author E.S. Thornton keeps his cards close to the chest as you find yourself wondering what's going to happen next till the climax. The twists and turns are immensely satisfying after being revealed, as you never see them coming. Eden is a compelling protagonist who is easy to sympathize with. Her resolve to discover what happened with Jess, even facing overwhelming odds, makes you root for her until the very end. The narrative flows past without a single hitch. I thoroughly enjoyed Touch the Dead and highly recommend it to anyone itching for an intriguing sleuth murder mystery.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Guest is a Goner: A Humorous Paranormal Cozy Mystery by Carly Winter is the first book in the Sedona Spirit Cozy Mystery series. Bernadette is the proud owner of a bed and breakfast that has become a hot spot for ghostly activity. At least that's what she lets her guests believe. She soon becomes a believer herself when she comes face-to-face with Ruby, her grandmother who has been dead for the past three years. Could her newfound ghost sighting be related to her recent incident when she was struck by lightning? Whatever the cause, Ruby is delighted to spend time with her granddaughter who can actually see her. When her grandmother delivers the news that one of her guests is a goner, Bernadette thought her day couldn't get any worse until she learns that the man was murdered and the cops think she's a suspect. The good news is that Ruby is there to help prove her innocence.

Bernadette is a delightful character who's been thrown into this unusual reality where she can see ghosts. Ruby is one of the best characters from her scent of marijuana and lavender soap to her larger-than-life personality. Carly Winter hits all the right notes with this character, which sets the tone for the entire mystery. Ruby is described as a loose cannon who played by her own rules and was the grandma who would let Bernadette eat ice cream for breakfast and go to R-rated movies. Her adventurous spirit was so large in her life that it carried on into her afterlife. She represents the carefree, wild, and outgoing personality that Bernadette envies as she's a personality that's more serene and calm. The contrast between their personalities creates the perfect sleuthing duo with Ruby being the spark of life that Bernadette needs while Bernadette is the calm that her grandmother needs. Together, they're the ideal duo that's funny, charming, and clever.

The mystery hits close to home as the body is discovered at her bed and breakfast, which drags her in the middle of the investigation as a suspect and throws her into the crosshairs of a killer. Even with a busy schedule of solving a murder and spending time with her ghost grandmother, Bernadette also has two romance options with her handsome friend Jack and detective Adam Gallagher. Carly Winter delivers a fun and fresh cozy mystery in The Guest is a Goner, which creates a wild ride of hijinks, trouble, ghosts, and hilarity with the perfect dynamic duo.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Curse of Beauty is a work of historical fiction and interpersonal drama which is part of the Ancient Legends novel series. It is intended for the general adult reading audience owing to non-graphic reference to abuse, violence, and assault, and was penned by author Lauren Lee Merewether. In this thrilling standalone novel that explores the story which inspired the myth of the infamous figure Medusa, we find ourselves in Greece circa 1650 BC. Our central protagonist, Thais, is the daughter of a chieftain who wants to settle with oncoming invaders without the need for bloodshed. Although she believes in his peaceful vision, the personal cost Thais will suffer sees her undergo a trial of legendary proportions.

I always enjoy diving into historical works by Lauren Lee Merewether, particularly because this is an author who knows how to balance all the most interesting and well-researched elements of ancient history with emotional parallels to modern life and drama so that every character resonates with contemporary readers. Thais is no exception to this, and when Merewether’s up-close and empathetic narrative style is combined with the many sensations, family conflicts, and political struggles of this exciting plotline, it makes for an unstoppable read that I couldn’t put down without wondering what was yet to happen and aching to pick it back up again. From its slow-burning politically charged aggression to its poignant observations about the role of women and attitudes toward them during ancient times, The Curse of Beauty delivers everything you could possibly hope for in a historical drama. Unmissable.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

The Jarl of Oakharrow, Bor Kjellson, was of feeble mind, and his heir, Annar, ruled instead. Annar had two other brothers and one sister named Aelthena. She wanted to be more, but their culture forbade it. Aelthena lived with people who believed the woman’s place was by the hearth, to be seen and not heard. She was stubborn, challenged the status quo, and dreamed of leading Oakharrow one day. When an enemy razed her home, taking everything but her brother Bjorn the coward, the mantle rested on him. But does Bjorn have the strength to take charge of his Jarlheim? With no one to trust, brother and sister will show their mettle as politics and webs of deceit spin in The Throne of Ice and Ash by J. D. L. Rosell.

The Throne of Ice and Ash by J. D. L. Rosell was an enthralling novel that would appeal to lovers of epic fantasy tales with a realistic touch. This saga took root in the fabled nation of Baegard, governed by betrayal, agendas, hypocrisy, manipulation, politics, evil schemes, and more. The author fleshed out this realistic story around a brilliant plot and excellent character development. Rosell captured all the relevant emotions, and I connected with the characters. This story made me reason with the protagonists, even though they annoyed me to no end, especially Bjorn. However, Frey and Bastor grew on me as the novel progressed, and I can’t wait to read about their exploits in subsequent installments. I must commend the flawless editing and writing style as these made the book enjoyable. Keep writing, J. D. L. Rosell!